As we step into the new year, resolutions and fresh starts are always front of mind. Last year, we asked our community what they wanted to achieve coming into the new year, and the answer for the majority of them, it was to feel confident in the skin they’re in!

So, we asked ourselves “what makes me feel confident”? One thing that pops up time and time again is exercise.

We all know that exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, but the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond a fit physique and cardiovascular health. It can significantly benefit your well-being and confidence AND literally enhance your radiance from the inside-out!

In this blog post, we share 6 ways that exercise can improve your confidence, and as a bonus, how it will improve your skin!

1. A great accomplishment

Beyond the physical benefits, regular exercise can significantly impact your mental well-being and confidence. Achieving fitness goals, whether big or small, can boost self-esteem and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin. This newfound confidence will undoubtedly radiate through your appearance, giving you that sought-after glow from within.

2. Turn that frown upside down

Numerous studies have highlighted the role of exercise in triggering the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body's natural mood enhancers. A meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013) involving over 100 trials, found that exercise is associated with moderate improvements in depressive symptoms.

3. Social butterfly

Group exercise classes and team sports are a great way to foster a sense of belonging and connection. We love participating in dance classes and Zumba, especially with a loved one for a fun, laughter-inducing workout! After all, your smile is your best beauty asset.

4. Stress less

High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can negatively impact mental health and can manifest in the skin as pronounced lines and wrinkles, increased sebum production, breakouts and inflammation.

Regular exercise has been shown to mitigate the effects of stress by reducing cortisol levels. Our favourite method of stress-relieving exercise? Yoga!

5. Pump it up

One of the key advantages of exercise is its ability to enhance blood circulation throughout the body, in particular to the brain. This stimulates certain areas of the brain that produce feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and simultaneously supresses the production of chemicals linked to stress and anxiety!

This increased circulation also helps in the detoxification process, flushing out toxins and promoting a healthy complexion. The result? A natural, radiant glow that no skincare product can fully replicate.

6. Catch those (better quality) Z's

When you’re not sleeping well, it’s hard to feel your absolute best self. We know that quality sleep is crucial for your mental health and overall well-being and when it comes to your skin, lack of sleep can show in dark circles, puffy eyes, pronounced fine lines, pigmentation, moisture loss and redness!

A meta-analysis published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews (2015) revealed that regular physical activity is associated with improvements in both sleep duration and sleep quality.

Promoting a better sleep will not only contribute to a more refreshed and resilient mental state but will also have your skin glowing and radiant in no time.

If you’re really struggling to get a good night’s beauty sleep, try our naturopathic Botanical Sleep Support supplement, containing herbs proven to help you get a good quality, deep sleep, naturally.