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

About this episode

In 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 Discuss

• Annie’s transition from NHS healthcare to coaching and yoga teaching
• Choosing alcohol-free living without hitting “rock bottom”
• Why willpower fails, and what actually supports lasting change
• Nervous system regulation vs self-improvement culture
• Identity shift and self-study through the lens of yoga philosophy
• How the Yoga Sutras offer practical guidance for modern life
• The power of immersive environments like yoga teacher training and retreat spaces
• Why community and shared study matter in recovery and wellbeing
• Learn more about Annie’s work and the 100-Day Reset Programme here

Study 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 & Subscribe

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Thank you for being here, and for walking this path with us.

Support the show

Sign up for the FREE Sober Girls Yoga 60 Day Challenge here:

https://alexandramcrobert.thrivecart.com/sober-girls-yoga-60-day-challenge/

Check out Alexandra's upcoming programs here:

https://www.soberyogagirl.com/p/upcoming-retreats-and-trainings-47b