BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Simone Biles, one of the best and most beloved gymnasts of all time, once again demonstrated her unrivaled abilities by departing the 2024 Paris Olympics with three gold medals and one silver. However, her achievement extends beyond the medals. Biles’ path has become as much about mental health as it is about gymnastics, demonstrating to the world that caring for one’s mental state is as important as honing physical skills.
Biles, 27, is not only dominating on the mat but also winning in life by putting her mental health first. After dealing with the “twisties” at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Biles made her well-being a priority—a decision that has clearly paid dividends. “More than my wildest dreams,” she remarked on Instagram following her most recent Olympic victory, showcasing her ability to strike a balance between mental and physical greatness.
Her recovery is a source of hope and inspiration for everyone dealing with mental health issues. Here are five effective behaviors from Biles’ mental health playbook that we can all apply to our lives.
Embrace mindfulness to calm a busy mind
In an age of endless distractions, mindfulness is a lifesaver. Biles has embraced this practice wholeheartedly. After winning gold in the individual all-around event, she posted a peaceful photo of herself, eyes closed, sitting quietly on the sidelines. The caption was simple yet profound: “Mental health matters.”
The response was amazing, with both fans and mental health specialists applauding her for emphasizing the value of mindfulness. Dr. Joshua Norman, a sports psychiatrist at Ohio State University, says, “Mindfulness practices are a great way to ground yourself and reduce anxiety.” This is a technique that can benefit everyone, not just Olympians. Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, a clinical psychologist, stresses the importance of this habit: “It helps you to get out of your head and stay within your body,” she says, implying that even a quick meditation moment prior to a stressful event can have a significant influence.
Therapy can happen anywhere
In an era when mental health resources are becoming more accessible, Biles demonstrates how therapy may be easily integrated into a hectic existence. Before the individual all-around final in Paris, she casually stated in a TikTok video, “I did have therapy this morning, so I feel a little bit better.”
This candid admission resonated with many, including Hillary Ammon, a clinical psychologist, who expressed her joy at Biles’ openness: “This incredible athlete, who so many admire, is comfortable sharing that even she needs therapy before a competition.” Therapy, whether virtual or in-person, offers invaluable support, and Biles’ example normalizes seeking treatment, regardless of location.
Dr. Lily Brown of the University of Pennsylvania emphasizes the accessibility of virtual therapy, writing, “The added benefit is [that virtual therapy is] accessible to more people.” This versatility enables anyone—from busy professionals to parents—to get the mental health care they require.
Set boundaries and stick to them
In today’s hyper-connected society, setting boundaries is more important than ever. Biles, who has frequently been in the spotlight, has realized the value of safeguarding her personal life. She recently responded to internet detractors of her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, with a strong message: “Leave us alone.”
Hillary Ammon describes Biles’ attitude as “a refreshing reminder that you can set your own boundaries.” Dr. Brown concurs, emphasizing that boundaries are crucial for everyone: “We’ve become a society where our boundaries have been lowered… But it’s OK to give yourself permission to just focus on the relationships that matter.” Biles’ experience serves as a compelling reminder of the need to set good limits for our mental and emotional well-being.
It’s okay to put yourself first
In a culture that frequently demands constant people-pleasing, Biles has demonstrated the fortitude to prioritize her own needs. When she arrived in Paris, she was overwhelmed by the attention at the Olympic Village café, where admirers kept asking for selfies. Rather than deal with the anxiousness, she stocked up on food and ate in her room.
“It takes courage to put yourself first,” says Dr. Norman. He goes on to say that making these decisions “helps encourage a healthy environment” around you. Dr. Zuckerman agreed, highlighting the importance of avoiding the trap of being a people-pleaser: “If you say yes to everything, you end up with a watered-down version of yourself.” Biles’ actions demonstrate the importance of self-care and the bravery to prioritize one’s own mental health, even if it means making unpopular decisions.
Use social media with care
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse, but Biles has learned to navigate it on her own terms. Before leaving for Paris, she told Today that “Limiting social media and stuff like that is going to be [important].” While she chose to abandon X (previously Twitter), she maintained contact with her followers on Instagram and TikTok.
Dr. Brown points out the importance of being mindful of social media use, noting that it can have a significant impact on mental health: “The research on social media is only in its early days… Ask yourself how much time you want to spend on it and what is healthy for [you].” Biles’ judicious usage of social media serves as a model for others to achieve a balance that benefits rather than harms their mental health.
Biles’ path is about more than simply recovering her position as the world’s best gymnast; it’s also about regaining her peace of mind. Her candor regarding her mental health issues and successes serves as a model for others going through similar experiences. “Simone highlights that mental health is health,” Dr. Brown stresses. “To be in your best physical condition, you also need to be on top of your mental health—and she’s thriving because of it.”
