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Aly Raismancalls me from her hometown of Boston.
If you’re struggling, you won’t feel like this forever and there’s hope.
In early 2020, Raisman announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics in amoving open letter.
Since then, Raisman has been catching up on restand learning how to do so for the first time.
Now I’m kinder to myself.
But I just find not having a superbright room just helps me feel more relaxed.
I normally like to shower at night.
Showering, for me, is very relaxing.
I think it’s great to just have that moment for yourself.
For skin care, I keep it pretty simple.
I’ve actually found that less is more for me for applying skin care.
Did I take my supplements?
Did I do this?"
I enjoy reflecting on how my body responds to things, how my energy level feels.
I’m just trying to be very present and more aware of how I’m feeling.
Other than that, I have a diffuser next to my bed.
Maybe a glass of water or some tea.
I also love using essential oils before I go to bed.
I love having time with him and just hanging out with him.
I feel like he’s a great reminder to be present.
He’s very sweet, and he’s sleeping next to me right now.
I’m still trying to figure out the physical recovery stuff.
I don’t even care.
I just have learned the importance of taking some time to rest.
It really helps me sleep better.
I try not to go to sleep stressed out, which is easier said than done.
My bedtime routine isn’t something I just do at night.
It’s a whole lifestyle that I’ve tried to be more aware of.
I’m definitely still struggling with recovering and feeling completely like my normal self.
Going to therapy, doing meditation, andwriting in a journalis also really helpful.
I do that before bed because I really don’t like going to sleep feeling anxious.
I’ve just learned the value of that for me.
Now I’m kinder to myself.
I’ve been working on a lot of really exciting projects that are very important and meaningful to me.
I feel very grateful for that.
Really focusing on that.
It’s something that I’ve been pretty much trying to work on every single day.
And I’m grateful to be able to have the time to do that.
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to rest.
I would tell myself to listen to my body more and give myself what I needed.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
