This is a huge issue for me, but it always merges with self respect as well...or rather self hatred.
I can also relate to the benefit you gain from stretching. For me, at about the 10-15 mark on the elliptical (along with carefully chosen work out music, I lean towards the darker hard stuff RATM, jane's addiction, NIN, etc) I begin to feel the endorphin/runner's high. As those two coalesce, I begin to feel good, powerful even (slivers, lol). I push the effort to failure levels and finish in the 40-50 minute mark. It's very positive in my recovery.
So best to you, for real. Great topic