Self-care: Why is it so important for your health?
Self-care: What is it? Why is it so important for your health? Introduction Mental health encompasses one’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It is essential to overall health and quality of life and affects how one thinks, feels, acts and responds. When it comes to mental health, self-care can help people manage stress, lower their risk of illness and increase energy levels. But what exactly is self-care? Why is it important? And how can people incorporate self-care into their daily lives? Experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine answer common questions about self-care and the role it plays in maintaining positive physical and mental health. “Caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health,” said Sumayah Abed, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and family medicine physician at UAB Medicine Hoover Primary and Specialty Care. “Self-care p...