🥊 Resilience is also about knowing how to disconnect: Mental Health Lessons from the Rocky Steps 🏛️

Just a few hours after my arrival in Philadelphia , following a journey on the Amtrak train from Baltimore, I found myself in front of one of the most powerful symbols of popular culture: the statue of Rocky Balboa and the imposing steps of the Art Museum of this beautiful city.

As I prepared to participate in the 54th Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society (INS) , I kept thinking about the challenges we face when leaving our comfort zone—whether traveling to a new country for work, studies, or tourism—and how our minds manage the pressure to "keep going" in unfamiliar environments.

🛡️ Resilience: Beyond "withstanding the blows"

At the base of the Rocky statue, a phrase resonates powerfully and defines a philosophy of life:

"It's not how hard you hit, it's how hard you can get hit and moving forward - That's how winning is done." - Sylvester Stallone

From the perspectives of mental health and neuropsychology , this phrase is a masterclass on resilience . However, we often misunderstand this concept. Being resilient doesn't mean being a block that absorbs blows without flinching. True victory, the kind that allows us to "keep moving forward," stems from cognitive flexibility , acceptance of our vulnerability, and, above all, self-compassion .

Accepting that the path is difficult and validating our tiredness does not make us weak; it makes us human and strategic in facing adversity.

🧠 The Brain Needs the "Champion's Break"

We often confuse resilience with chronic exhaustion. In my practice as a neuropsychologist, I observe how the brain depletes its resources if my clients don't have periods of recovery.

The book "Leaving Work in the Consulting Room: A Self-Care Guide for Psychotherapists" reminds us of a fundamental truth: self-care is an ethical responsibility. Although this text focuses on healthcare professionals, its message is applicable to any profession: disconnecting to connect with ourselves.

If the brain doesn't rest, attention, memory, and emotional regulation processes are compromised. True resilience lies in knowing when to let your guard down to recharge and avoid burnout.

🏛️ Climb the stairs or enjoy the view?

Climbing the famous Philadelphia Steps is a physical challenge, but also a powerful symbol of achievement. Many reach the top breathless, looking only at the ground, focused solely on completing the task.

However, the mental health lesson is this: True victory isn't reaching the top of the ladder exhausted, but having the mental clarity to turn around and enjoy the view when you arrive. 🏙️🔋

📹 Therapist Self-Care - Lessons from the Rocky Steps 🏛️

In this video, I use the symbolic climb to the Art Museum to illustrate why learning to disconnect without guilt is vital for maintaining our energy:

Watch Shorts: Therapist Self-Care - Lessons from the Rocky Steps

💡 Conclusion for your daily life

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or a leader in your field, self-care is for everyone. Remember these three key points:

  1. Validation and Acceptance: It's okay to feel exhausted. Acknowledging it is the first step to recovery.

  2. Flexible Coping: Life's challenges (such as traveling to a new place or facing a crisis) require us to adapt, not to break down due to rigidity.

  3. Strategic Disconnection: Rest is not a luxury; it is the necessary fuel to continue helping others and performing in our goals.

To continue moving forward effectively, you must first learn to pause, observe the landscape, and adjust your strategy with self-compassion.

Do you feel you need tools to manage your emotional resistance? At Neuropsyedu, we support you on your journey to holistic well-being. You can write to us or call us at +507 6535 6362, and we'll be happy to assist you.