Have you ever sat on a tire swing? It's a tire that has been cut in 1/2 and is usually attached with a rope to a large tree big enough to allow for many years of enjoyment. It is one of the most relaxing things one can do. The gentle motion of swinging back and forth surrounded by nature brings peaceful content that is simply restful.
Self-Care is necessary. Without taking moments in the day for the care of oneself, we can feel exhausted by the daily struggles, overwhelmed by the non-stop challenges, and anxious because of our limitations to control our surroundings. Taking a moment away from the chaos allows the mind to rest. It gives our muscles time to relax as well. The stress of daily living can tie us up in knots, literally, and taking a moment to unwind those tight muscles, calm our thinking, and step away from our responsibilities gives us clarity we can't find when we're stressed-out.
I tell my clients that their experiences are challenging because they don't know how to step away. I show them that they are standing with their heads pressed against a wall of difficulty and they can't figure out how to get around, over, under, or go through the wall. So they keep pressing harder into the wall hoping somehow it will give way and they will have a "break-through." But life doesn't work like that. All you get is a headache, frustrated with yourself, and angry at the wall.
“Life's hard. It’s even harder if you’re stupid."
John Wayne
I explain that therapy is like me grabbing them by the scruff of the neck and pulling them back away from the wall. I show them that the thing they are trying to break through is not going to change. It's not going to give way simply because they want it to. They also are not going to get to the destination they want without taking a different approach. Doing the same thing over and over again hoping for a different outcome is defined as "Insanity." So, take a break, swing for a bit, and step away from the wall of adversity. You just might find the answers you are looking for.