Many people have used the pandemic as an excuse to try something new. Some have learned to bake bread or paint, while others regularly go for long walks. Well, Stéphane Deschênes has a suggestion for something else you can try if you work from home.
Today is International Working Naked Day and Deschênes, owner of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park in East Gwillimbury and the first Canadian president of the International Naturist Federation, is encouraging everyone to try working with no clothes on.
If you work outside typically, why not do paperwork indoors today, he suggests.
There are adjustments you can make if you want to give it a try since "it's pretty darn cold out," said Deschênes.
For newcomers to the practice, it can be a safe way to get the feel of naturism, said Deschênes, but if it's just for one day, that's OK, too.
"We're all a little tired, aren't we? Let's do something a little silly and that's OK."
There is a phobia about being nude, said Deschênes, even when there's no one around to see it.
People sleep in the nude, walk to the shower in the nude, but rarely go about their day-to-day activities in the nude. Even making a phone call might feel a little awkward even if no one can tell you aren't covered up, he said.
"Ask yourself the question: 'Why are you uncomfortable with this when there's nobody around?' Why is it weird to make a phone call when no one will even know that you're not wearing anything?"
These are the types of questions naturism tries to raise and get others to discover about themselves, he said.
READ MORE: Taking it all off promotes body acceptance, naturist resort owner says
Do you feel more professional when you wear a suit to work? For those who have worked from home during the pandemic, do you get dressed even though no one can see you or do you work in your pyjamas?
According to Deschênes, clothing is part of our identity and some people feel they are not professional enough if they're not dressed in ways they consider appropriate.
"You feel more confident if you're dressed in certain ways than when you're not — even if people can't see you."
Sometimes we just need an excuse to do something, said Deschênes, and today's the day we try to work naked, so there's the excuse to do it.
So today, why not try something new or scary and work in the nude. No one will know. If you're not working today, try it while baking bread (but don't stand too close to the oven!)
Deschênes will be watching social media today until 5 p.m., so if you decide to try it post your photos or comments with the hashtag #WorkNakedDay or #WorkNakedDay2022.
Deschênes' podcast www.
