It would be easy to believe that gold medalist Aly Raisman, who has 2.1 million Instagram followers, is immune to the anxiety social media can create. (Studies have shown that apps like Instagram can create unrealistic expectations about body image and exacerbate mental health issues such as body dysmorphia and low self-esteem.) However, the 27-year-old athlete claims she is not immune to these challenges.

In a new twist on her longstanding partnership with clothing brand Aerie, Raisman will be helping people overcome these obstacles, which she knows all too well: starting March 15, Aerie's Instagram and her own Instagram Through a series of PSAs shared on

, Raisman will offer candid advice on staying positive despite the powerful influence of social media and "paying attention to what we are consuming on a daily basis."

This focus on the importance of compassion and positive self-talk as a method of self-care has long been championed by Raisman, who has advocated for people to focus on their mental health throughout the pandemic. She also expressed support for Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from the 2021 Summer Olympics due to mental health-related challenges.

Marie Claire caught up with Raisman to talk about the impact of social media and how she finds peace amidst so much digital noise.

Marie Claire: How have you learned to balance social media and self-care?

Aly Raisman: I try to limit the amount of time I spend scrolling through social media. I don't feel like I'm just scrolling through my discovery page or Instagram feed. I try to follow mostly accounts that bring me joy, such as beautiful photos of nature, cute pictures, and funny memes. Of course, I have friends that I follow and I love seeing pictures of them with their friends and family, but I try to be conscious of the time I spend on social media. Sometimes I open apps without realizing it. This is a terrible habit, so I try to be as conscious as possible and unplug. For example, I spend more time reading books and going outside when it's not too cold outside.

MC: What do you think we can do as consumers and creators to make social media a better place?

AR: In any industry, there are people who are great and there are people who are not good for your mental health. So I think it's about recognizing that there is a lot of good in the world and finding it. There are a lot of people out there who are spreading messages of hope and inspiration so that people don't feel so alone.

I think it's about balancing what we consume on a daily basis. Of course, it's really important to be aware of the news, and a lot of it is not positive, but the amount that can be taken in is different for everyone. The amount and frequency with which we can take it in is different for everyone. Many people in this generation are really passionate about different things, whether it's sustainability, mental health, abuse prevention, etc. It's all about finding the right balance. We all have the power to change what we consume on a daily basis.

MC: Consuming more content has been a hot topic lately, especially since information has come out about meth and its effects on young women. You have always been a great role model of body positivity for young women, what are your thoughts on what we still need to do to make social media a safe space for those struggling with self-image?

AR: There is so much pressure in our world to look a certain way or have a certain body type. We see it not only on social media, but also in stores, advertisements, and commercials. I am glad that many brands like Aerie are changing that narrative and telling people that who they are and what they are is perfect. That doesn't mean it isn't still a huge problem in our society, but the more we can continue the dialogue and allow everyone to share what they feel, the better. If not, then they should share their secrets with us.

MC: One of the things that many women find empowering when you talk about fitness is that there is more emphasis on feeling strong and capable than on looking thin or being "fit-spirited." Can you talk a little more about how your athleticism has affected your relationship with body positivity?

AR: When I was training I was very focused on my weight and how I looked. Now that I am no longer competing, I try to focus on working out to feel good and for my mental health. Instead of working out for a certain look, I try to focus on working out in a way that makes me feel relaxed, happy, and confident. How I feel mentally is the most important thing to me personally right now, and it's really nice to work on that shift in focus. Especially for me, coming from a gymnastics background, I compete in a leotard and am evaluated not only on how well I perform, but also on how I look. It's not always easy, but you have to be honest with yourself about your current situation and say, 'I'm not perfect, I'm not perfect. I have learned to take it one day at a time and do my best.

MC: Do you have any advice on how to change your mindset to work out in a way that makes you feel good, not look good?

AR: The way you talk to yourself is very important. And it's also important to recognize the days when you feel self-conscious. For example, I find myself wanting to work out for my body instead of focusing on how I feel. There's so much pressure from society that we're trained to be self-conscious and to blame ourselves. Being hard on ourselves doesn't help, because it doesn't help. Think about what you would say to a younger girl if she told you she was self-conscious. And ask yourself if the kindness you are giving yourself is the same kindness you would give a younger girl.

Part of being human is experiencing ups and downs and learning about yourself. We can't always have positive thoughts, but it is a journey. We are all just trying to learn more about ourselves and what makes us happy. Personally, I have found that when I am present and doing what I love, like gardening or laughing with friends, I am not self-conscious about my body. So I try to do things that make me feel present. Because when I am anxious, it is difficult to be in the moment. So if anyone is struggling, I encourage them to talk to someone and know that they are not alone.

This interview has been edited and abridged for clarity.