Trick Used by Olympic Athletes to Improve Focus & Mental Health

“When did I lose my ability to read a book?!!”

Is that a question you’ve asked yourself? When was the last time you read an actual paper book rather than using a device? 

Nearly 51% of poll respondents said they find it more difficult to do focused activities (such as reading a book or watching a movie all the way through without feeling antsy) than in the past?

Smartphones have rewired our brains. As a result, many people have lost the ability to focus on activities that were once second nature, such as reading a book. 

In our recent poll, more than 30% of respondents said they have difficulty concentrating on tasks that require focus and do not involve digital devices. Some people can’t even listen to an audiobook or podcast without also doing something to feed their need for stimulation—like playing a game on their phone.

There’s a reason for this. Devices are designed to provide constant stimulation and dopamine hits to keep our attention. As a side effect, our fingers have become accustomed to the continuous motion of scrolling, tapping, commenting, and liking. 

The re-engineering of the brain by addictive technology has caused a rise in cases of ADHD, ADD, Digital Addiction, and other attention disorders. Because of this, we find it difficult to pay attention in meetings, classes, and other learning environments without reaching for our phones. Some people can’t even make it through a TV show without looking at their phone.

A December 2025 survey found that 45% of people plan to reduce their screen time as part of their intentions for 2026.

Although we may like the idea of doing a digital detox, it’s not easy to swap out the phone in our hands for a book. Instead, a hobby that is social, creative, and easy-ish to pick up might be a better option, especially if it will keep your hands busy. 

Popular Gen Z Trend Might Hold the Key

A new trend that’s become all the rage with Gen Zs might be the answer. The activity itself is not something new. In fact, it’s a hobby that’s been around for ages. 

Knitting, no longer seen as just a “grandma hobby,” has become a beloved pastime for Gen Zs because of its community aspects, slow fashion ethos, and inclusivity. Want to see it for yourself? Just check out #knittok on social media, which has over 332k posts from knitters showing off their creations or posting videos of themselves knitting. It’s actually soothing to watch, thanks to the repetitive motions and clicking needles.

Several Olympic athletes turn to the “fiber arts,” such as knitting and crocheting, to improve their focus and mental health. One example is Speedskater Greta Myers, who shared on TikTok an American flag bag she crocheted for her mom to carry in Milan.

Not only is knitting a practical skill, but it’s a pretty inclusive craft, since all you need to get started is some yarn and needles. There is a ton of knitting content available for free online, whether you're looking for specific patterns or How-To videos. And it could be the perfect bridge between the start of a digital detox and a return to hobbies that require more focus, such as reading a book. 

In addition to providing mindful social connection without relying on phones, TVs, or other screens, kitting is also good for you. Many knitters report feeling calmer, happier, and more relaxed after knitting. It’s been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance mental health.

Looking for more screen-free activities that can improve your mental health? Checkout these “Screen-Free Dopamine Hits.”

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What Are the Benefits of Reducing Screen Time? Wisephone Customer Testimonials.

Whether you decide to pick up some knitting needles or not, finding a way to break unhealthy smartphone habits will vastly improve your well-being and quality of life. Here are just a few of the things we’ve heard from our customers about how their lives have improved.

“Because of my smartphone addiction, I wasn’t able to read an actual book for years. Now I have the focus to enjoy reading again.”

“I used to reach for my phone to stay focused in meetings. After breaking my smartphone addiction, I’ve found new ways to keep my hands busy so my mind stays present, such as taking notes with pen and paper.”

“I found myself reaching for my smartphone in the middle of conversations with friends to look up what they were talking about. By the time I tuned back in to share what I’d found, the conversation had moved on without me. As part of breaking my smartphone addiction, I now carry a small notebook and pen with me everywhere I go. Now I can stay fully present with the people in my life while writing down things I want to look up later.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why do so many people find it difficult to do things, such as reading, that require focus?

Answer: Smartphones and other digital devices  have rewired and re-engineered our brains. Many people have lost the ability to focus on activities that don’t include a digital device, such as reading a book. 

Question: What former grandma hobby are Gen Zers doing?

Answer: Many Gen Zers have started knitting because of its community aspects, slow fashion ethos, and inclusivity. The hashtag #knittok has over 332k posts from knitters showing off their creations or posting videos of themselves knitting.

Question: How can knitting help with a digital detox?

Answer: It’s a practical skill that is social, calming, and busies our hands. It’s easy to get started with few necessary materials and a lot of content online. And it requires less focus than reading a book.

Question: What are some techniques Olympic athletes use to improve their focus and mental health?

Answer: Several Olympic athletes, such as Speedskater Greta Myers,  turn to fiber arts, including knitting and crocheting, to improve their focus and mental health.