Finding Freedom: Alex Leigh on Self-Acceptance, Sober living and Sleep.

I couldn’t be happier to introduce my first guest on the new series. Join me as I have an honest and thought-provoking conversation with former international model turned sleep and wellness coach, Alexandra Leigh . The conversation dives deep into Alex's journey from the glamorous yet challenging world of modelling to her current role as a wellness mentor. Alex shares her experiences of struggling with self-image and the pressures of the modelling industry, revealing how these challenges led her toa transformative lifestyle change. In the 1990’s Alex became one of the highest paid lingerie and swimwear models in the world, voted no.46 in the FHM worlds sexiest women list. From the outside you would look and think she had it all, but the impact on her body confidence and mental wellbeing tells a different story. The discussion emphasises the importance of self-acceptance, mental health, and the journey towards finding one's true self. Alex also offers practical sleep tips and insights into howto cultivate a healthier relationship with oneself and others, particularly in the context of alcohol consumption and societal expectations.Chapters03:12 Life in Greece: A New Perspective05:51 The Early Modelling Career: A Double-Edged Sword08:59 The Dark Side of the Modelling Industry12:08 Psychological Impact of Modelling14:59 The Journey to Self-Acceptance17:56 Finding Authenticity and Healing20:50 Overcoming Alcohol and Mental Health Challenges23:57 The Silent Struggle: Alcoholism and Identity Loss27:40 Rediscovering Life: Embracing Change and NewBeginnings31:31 Breaking the Stigma: Alcohol and Mental Health Conversations39:25 The Journey to Mental Wellness: Sleep and Self-Care44:23 Practical Tips for Better Sleep and WellbeingTakeaways'We are all so hard on ourselves and we need to start being kinder.''You never, ever, ever know what anybody is truly thinking.''I feel as though I've got a second chance at life.''It's a constant work in progress.''Free to be means just having the courage to let go of all expectations.'Thank you for listening to the Liberté – Free to Be podcast. I hope this episode has left you feeling informed, reassured and inspired.If it has, I’d love you to join the ⁠⁠free Liberté Lifestyle Hub on Facebook⁠⁠, a growing community of over 300 women making new connections and supporting one another.Come and say hello on Instagram: ⁠⁠@libertefreetobe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@rachelperu1⁠⁠If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, review and share — your support truly means the world to me. Keep being fabulous Rachel x