Working with the Mind, Not Against it: Yoga, Nervous System Regulation & Alcohol-Free Living with Annie Knowles

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast, Alexandra is joined by Annie Knowles - newly qualified yoga teacher, NLP-qualified life and alcohol-free coach, and former NHS healthcare professional with over 33 years of experience working in high-pressure clinical environments.Annie shares her journey of choosing an alcohol-free life during the pandemic - not from crisis or “rock bottom,” but from a deep desire for calm, clarity, and authenticity. That decision sparked a profound personal and professional transformation, leading her to support high-functioning women - particularly those in healthcare and caring roles - who feel outwardly fine but inwardly exhausted, disconnected, or stuck.Together, Alexandra and Annie explore why change feels so hard, why willpower isn’t the answer, and how real transformation happens through awareness, nervous system regulation, and identity shift. They weave together modern neuroscience, NLP, lived experience, and ancient yoga philosophy - including insights from the Yoga Sutras - to show how we can learn to work with the mind rather than against it.This conversation is grounded, compassionate, and practical, offering listeners a refreshing perspective on alcohol-free living, recovery pathways, and sustainable change - without shame, labels, or pressure to be “fixed.”In This Episode, We DiscussAnnie’s transition from NHS healthcare to coaching and yoga teachingChoosing alcohol-free living without hitting “rock bottom”Why willpower fails, and what actually supports lasting changeNervous system regulation vs self-improvement cultureIdentity shift and self-study through the lens of yoga philosophyHow the Yoga Sutras offer practical guidance for modern lifeThe power of immersive environments like yoga teacher training and retreat spacesWhy community and shared study matter in recovery and wellbeingLearn more about Annie’s work and the 100-Day Reset Programme hereStudy Yoga Philosophy & Train in Bali If you’re feeling called to deepen your understanding of yoga beyond the mat — through philosophy, meditation, and self-study — Alexandra offers Yoga Sutra Study programmes online and immersive Yoga Teacher Trainings in Bali rooted in inquiry, nervous system awareness, and lived practice.You can learn more about upcoming trainings, retreats, and study opportunities at: www.mindfulbali.com Listen & SubscribeIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Sober Yoga Girl Podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who might need to hear this conversation.Thank you for being here, and for walking this path with us.Support the showJoin the free 60 Day Sober Girls Yoga Challenge here!