In the United States, around 30 million people are struggling with an eating disorder. This is a massive number that includes people of any age, ethnicity, socioeconomic level and gender. When it comes to eating disorders, there are many misconceptions and assumptions that have harmful impacts on the way we see ourselves in society.

My favorite definition of mindfulness is "mindfulness is paying attention to your life, here and now, with kindness and curiosity." (Amy Saltzman) Mindfulness can be accessed through journaling that is non-judgmental. A journal is a safe space to practice paying attention to your life and emotions, here and now. Journaling can be a mindfulness experience that people find more comfortable than meditation. It is an active form of mindfulness which for some is more accessible. Journaling and mindfulness both reduce stress and anxiety as well as help a person gain a sense of self reliance and confidence. Being able to support yourself through challenging emotions or issues in your journaling is really helpful in building a strong relationship with yourself and adding to your feelings or positive self esteem.

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.

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.

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.

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.