Riley McCusker, celebrated gymnast and advocate, balances her health and wellness with a focus on both physical and mental well-being. Recently, she shared a serene beach photo captioned with “🎶🌊🐚,” showcasing her commitment to finding peace in nature. “Staring at the ocean changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state,” explains Clinical Psychologist Richard Shuster. Riley exemplifies the benefits of this calm approach as she continues to thrive in gymnastics and beyond. From supporting women to promoting mental health awareness, Riley inspires her followers with her thoughtful practices and dedication.
1. She goes to the beach
She spends time outdoors at the beach, soaking in the sunshine. “Studying a different type of wave this weekend #physics,” she said on photos on Instagram. According to the SACAP, “Clinical Psychologist, Richard Shuster, reports that staring at the ocean changes our brain waves’ frequency. And puts us into a mild meditative state. Ergo, the relaxing effect on the senses when we watch the swell’s ebb and flow.”
2. She does gymnastics
She takes a moment to be proud of the moves she’s completed. “Happy National Gymnastics Day to the sport I love with all my heart. Officially retiring on floor and vault so thought I would share some of my favorite moments on those events today,” she said on Instagram on a video of her performing.
3. She eats dairy
She incorporates plenty of dairy into her diet. “My trip to the grocery store isn’t complete unless I stock up on dairy! Milk, yogurt and cheese are staples in my nutrition plan that keep me fueled up and ready to go, on and off the mat @floridamilk @lechedeflorida #floridamilk #undeniablydairy #floridadairyfarmers,” she said on Instagram.
4. She supports women
She supports other women’s accomplishments. “Tonight was one of the most special nights of my life. It was so inspiring to be in a room where women were uplifting women. Thank you @glamourmag for celebrating all of these incredible women #glamourwomenoftheyear ‘Supporting another [woman’s] success will never dampen your own,’” she said on Instagram.
5. She’s focused on mental health
She cares about mental health and aims to spread awareness. On @glamourmag, reposted to her Instagram, the post is captioned “the world of gymnastics can be demanding, often placing immense pressure on young women to attain perfection, but Riley McCusker, a member of the University of Florida’s elite gymnastics team and a pre-med student, is determined to challenge these expectations. She’s passionate about promoting the awareness of mental health in sports and breaking its stigma.”
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