On this week’s episode of Sober Life Rocks, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Alex McRobert, better known as The Sober Yoga Girl as we discuss how you can find sobriety through yoga.
Alex’s journey to sobriety is both inspiring and deeply relatable. What started as an exciting adventure abroad quickly spiraled into a lifestyle of heavy drinking and partying—one that she eventually realized was no longer serving her. Now, she’s a successful yoga teacher, running her own studio in Bali, and helping others find peace, balance, and sobriety through the practice of yoga.
In this conversation, Alex opened up about her past struggles, her turning point, and how yoga became her anchor in recovery. She also shared valuable mindfulness exercises and techniques that can help anyone—not just those in recovery—find grounding, clarity, and strength in their daily lives.
From Kuwait to Bali: The Journey to Sobriety
Alex’s story begins in Kuwait, where she moved as a young adult to work as a teacher. Like many people in their twenties, she was excited about the opportunity to live abroad, explore new places, and make new friends. However, the social scene she became part of revolved heavily around alcohol. She found herself drinking frequently, partying in places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and making alcohol a central part of her life.
At first, it seemed normal—just the way things were. Drinking was a way to have fun, fit in, and escape from the stresses of life. But over time, Alex began to realize that alcohol wasn’t making her happy. It was doing the opposite. She felt drained, disconnected, and increasingly out of control.
That realization didn’t come all at once. Like many people who struggle with alcohol, Alex had moments where she questioned her drinking but brushed those thoughts aside. It wasn’t until she started diving deeper into yoga—beyond just the physical postures—that she began to see things differently.
Yoga as a Path to Healing
Many people in the Western world see yoga as just a physical practice—a way to stretch, move, and improve flexibility. But as Alex explains, yoga is actually a philosophy—a way of living that goes far beyond the mat.
Yoga encourages mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner peace, all of which can be powerful tools in the journey to sobriety. It teaches people to be present, to observe their thoughts without judgment, and to develop healthier ways of coping with stress and emotions.
Through yoga, Alex learned to reconnect with herself. She became more aware of her patterns, her triggers, and the underlying emotions that drove her to drink. Most importantly, she discovered that she didn’t need alcohol to have fun, to relax, or to be social. She could find joy, peace, and fulfillment in other ways.
Now, Alex shares this wisdom with others through her online and in-person yoga classes at her studio in Bali. She helps people—whether they are in recovery or simply seeking a more mindful way of living—develop a deeper connection with themselves and their well-being.
Mindfulness Exercises for Grounding and Overcoming Cravings
During the episode, Alex shared some powerful mindfulness techniques that can help people stay grounded, manage negative thoughts, and navigate cravings or difficult emotions. These exercises are simple yet incredibly effective, making them accessible to anyone—whether you practice yoga or not.
1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise
One of the most common challenges people face in recovery is feeling overwhelmed by their emotions or urges to drink. Alex introduced a grounding technique that helps bring you back to the present moment and calm your nervous system.
The exercise works like this:
- Identify 5 things you can see – Look around and notice colors, objects, or shapes in your environment.
- Identify 4 things you can hear – Focus on external sounds, such as birds chirping, traffic, or even the sound of your own breath.
- Identify 3 things you can touch – Feel the texture of your clothes, the ground beneath you, or an object in your hand.
- Identify 2 things you can taste – This could be a sip of water, a piece of gum, or just noticing the taste in your mouth.
- Identify 1 thing you can smell – Take a deep breath and focus on a scent around you, whether it’s fresh air, coffee, or a candle.
This exercise is especially helpful during moments of anxiety or when the urge to drink arises. It shifts your focus away from intrusive thoughts and grounds you in the here and now.
2. RAIN: A Mindfulness Tool for Negative Thoughts
Another technique Alex discussed is RAIN, which is a mindfulness practice designed to help people navigate difficult emotions and negative thoughts—especially those that can trigger the desire to drink.
RAIN stands for:
- Recognize – Acknowledge the emotion or thought that is arising. Instead of pushing it away, simply notice it.
- Allow – Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling. Don’t try to suppress or judge it.
- Investigate – Ask yourself: Why am I feeling this way? What triggered this thought? What does my body feel like right now?
- Nurture – Offer yourself kindness and compassion. Remind yourself that it’s okay to struggle and that you are strong enough to move through it.
By practicing RAIN, you can develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions. Instead of reacting impulsively—such as reaching for a drink—you can pause, reflect, and respond in a way that aligns with your goals and values.
Living a Sober, Mindful Life
Alex’s journey from heavy drinking in Kuwait to running a thriving yoga business in Bali is proof that change is possible. Sobriety doesn’t have to be about deprivation—it can be about rediscovery, growth, and transformation.
Through yoga, mindfulness, and self-reflection, Alex found a new way of living—one that is more aligned with her true self. Now, she’s using her platform to help others do the same. Whether it’s through her online courses, in-person retreats, or podcast appearances like this one, she is spreading a message of hope and empowerment.
If there’s one takeaway from this week’s episode of Sober Life Rocks, it’s that sobriety isn’t just about quitting alcohol—it’s about creating a life that feels so fulfilling, you no longer need to escape from it.
For those struggling with alcohol or simply looking for a more mindful, intentional way of living, Alex’s story is a powerful reminder that there is a path forward. And sometimes, that path begins with something as simple as a deep breath, a moment of self-awareness, or a yoga mat.
Final Thoughts
If you were inspired by Alex McRobert’s story, you can connect with her through her website, online yoga programs, or follow her on social media at The Sober Yoga Girl. She offers both virtual and in-person classes, making her teachings accessible no matter where you are in the world.
To hear the full episode of Sober Life Rocks, check out our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
And remember: you are stronger than you think, and your journey to a more mindful, sober life starts with one small step.
How to Connect with Alex:
https://www.themindfullifepractice.com
https://thedailydharma.substack.com
The post Episode 41: Finding Sobriety Through Yoga: A Conversation with Alex McRobert on Sober Life Rocks first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.
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