Have you ever felt a sense of renewed energy and elatedness after a long run or bike ride? This is because physical activity releases endorphins, endocannabinoids, dopamine and other feel-good chemicals in our bodies. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, physical exercise has many well-established mental health benefits, including a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, enhanced brain health and cognitive function, providing a better night’s sleep, and overall improved quality of life. Increased physical activity also promotes higher self-esteem and self-confidence and can distract from negative, intrusive thoughts and boost moods.

The way we view and think about ourselves can be defined as self-esteem. Our self-esteem can be high, low or in the middle. It can ebb and flow depending on the context of one’s life. Having low self-esteem can resonate as a lack of self-confidence or seeing yourself as unlovable, unworthy, unacceptable, and a plethora of other lowly traits.