my mental day time-off
For my mental day time-off, I chose to take a nature walk in the nearby forest trail and end with a massage. Alexandratos, Barnett & Thomas (2012) note that walking is useful not only for physical well-being but also for improving one’s mental status. A report by Williams et al. (2016) further supports this view by noting that walking, just like every other physical exercise, boosts one’s mental health through biological processes. The nervous system releases the endorphin chemicals, which are essential in helping the individual to cope with pain or any other psychological distress. The chemicals, which are also known as the “feel-good” hormones, are also useful in releasing feelings of happiness into the brain. This, in turn, changes how one feels and thinks, thus enhancing better mental well-being.
On the same matter, I was able to sleep better that night. According to Alexandratos, Barnett & Thomas (2012), walking enhances mental health by stimulating hormones that encourage relaxation and sound sleep. Walking improves the effects of natural sleep and thus ensures that the individual does not stay up all night long. Such individuals also feel refreshed the following morning, thus enhancing their mental well-being.
It is also essential to point out that taking a nature walk enabled me to develop a sense of purpose and attainment. I took time away from my workplace, and walking gave me an avenue to reflect about my work-life balance. As Williams et al. (2016) note, achieving a sense of purpose boosts one’s confidence levels and improves self-esteem. The study found out that walking produced more of these benefits in people that had various mental illnesses as well as young people. Walking boosts the energy levels in the body, and this leads to better circulation and oxygen utilization, thus promoting positive moods and feelings.
After my nature walk and taking a short rest, I went for a chair massage. According to Zadkhosh et al. (2015), a massage calms the body and releases beneficial hormones that help in creating feelings of happiness and a sense of belongingness. The activity triggers calmness, which is essential in alleviating feelings of distress, anxiety, and disorientation. The nervous system also releases some chemicals into the brain, which help in improving one’s moods and mental well-being. The head massage aided in relieving my headache, which was a clear indication of my mental well-being. As a result, I felt more relaxed, and this was not just a matter of feeling good for a few minutes. According to Zadkhosh et al. (2015), massage helps people with mental distress or anxiety to become more aware of their bodies and how they function. At the end of my mental health day, I felt more relaxed and confident in life.