Why is self-care important?
Most people are aware of the mind/body connection, and the impact on emotional well-being. For example, stress can negatively impact many diseases, illnesses, and conditions, including asthma, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, etc. Stress can also impact the immune system, making young people more susceptible to illness, and similarly a lack of sleep can increase stress. When a child or teen is confident in their ability to take care of themselves, they may feel empowered and capable of preventing and/or managing a chronic medical and/or mental health problem. Taking good care of ones self leads to higher personal satisfaction and the ability to deal with the emotional ups and downs that go with daily life.
