Olympian Aly Raisman Says Limiting Phone Use Has Improved Her Mental Health

Aly Raisman is taking the initiative to protect her peace.
On Tuesday, the six-time Olympic medalist said that limiting her phone usage has improved her mental health, allowing her to be more present with others.
Raisman, 30, expressed the “very difficult balance” between responding to texts from friends and family and being present. For the former Olympian, a mound of unread texts increases her anxiousness, taking away from the current moment.
Instead, the “Fierce Five” captain appreciates the ability to “unplug” from her screen, as it gives her “permission to just relax” and “disconnect from everything.” Raisman also spends some of that digitally disengaged time with her dog, Mylo, who, to her, is “the best part of my everyday wellness.”
“Every single day I have been either listening to a podcast that’s sort of about mental health, I’ve been reading a book that’s sort of about mental health or healing or learning about it,” she said.
That year, Raisman won gold medals in the women’s team all-around and women’s floor competitions and a bronze medal in the balance beam competition, making her the most decorated U.S. gymnast at the London Olympic Games.
At the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016, Raisman won gold in the women’s team all-around and silver medals in the women’s individual all-around and floor competitions, earning her the third rank for the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history behind Shannon Miller and Simone Biles.