We were lucky to catch up with Alyx Braunius recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alyx, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Sharing a glimpse into my personal journey; the path to my current lifestyle was far from innate:

As a teenager, I coped with anger and self-doubt, which often strained relationships. I had a mindset of victimhood and self-pity, which was bound by fear and insecurity. I didn’t have hobbies, I neglected my physical well-being, and battling health problems that were often dismissed by medical doctors.

In 2016, John, my husband, and I finished building our home. It was during this time that John was ready to reclaim his health having battled Ulcerative Colitis since childhood. Together, we began our journey towards Healthy Livin, navigating the maze of wellness practices.

It was not easy, specifically for me, who didn’t like change. We explored various dietary approaches, which made our food expenses increase, reading every food label, making grocery shopping stressful, and discovering the realities of the American food industry. Now, I realize eating REAL nourishing food is so incredibly simple!

My introduction to yoga was in 2017, due to an injury, which marked the beginning of a deep personal evolution. I found my way into the world of hot yoga in 2018 (26&2, Bikram Yoga). I began this transformative journey of self-discovery, practicing twice weekly at 6 AM, the first time I’ve ever dedicated myself to something, which then led me to my YTT in Thailand.

Nutrition was the catalyst that propelled me into this holistic lifestyle; yoga, weight lifting, spiritual practices, deep friendships, non-toxic living, growth, and compassion.

Fear only has the power we give it. Overcoming my fears became my inspiration of growth and empowerment, driving me forward with courage and resilience. From hesitation to embracing a lifestyle I create, each step paved the way for immense shifts, opening the power of gradual change.

This transformative journey has not only reshaped my existence but ignited a passionate commitment to empowering others on their wellness journey. Through shared experiences and insights, I aspire to lighten the path toward holistic well-being, guiding others away from common pitfalls toward a life of vitality and fulfillment.

Alyx, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Healthy Livin Wellness is dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness through personalized integrative health coaching and yoga. We specialize in virtual health coaching tailored to those with gut imbalances and autoimmune conditions, and yoga services tailored to individuals, groups, and corporate clients, providing comprehensive support to help clients achieve their wellness goals.

Our inclusive space fosters individual growth, providing a non-judgmental environment where everyone is welcome. We work together with YOU to empower you to make positive lifestyle changes, improve your overall health, and achieve a state of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health.

Virtual Health Coaching:

Personalized one-on-one coaching sessions: where we work closely with clients to create sustainable lifestyle changes, focusing on nutrition, movement, stress management, and overall lifestyle improvements.

Group health coaching sessions: We offer virtual group coaching sessions where participants can support each other, share experiences, and work towards common wellness goals.

Corporate wellness programs: We collaborate with organizations to develop tailored wellness initiatives aimed to enhance employee well-being and productivity. We help organizations create a healthier and happier workforce, ultimately leading to improved employee engagement and retention.

Yoga Classes: *** We offer both virtual and in-person yoga classes in Oneonta, NY, and surrounding areas, and travel for events.

One-on-one yoga sessions: We provide personalized yoga classes tailored to individual needs and skill levels, focusing on meditation, pranayama, and asana.

Group or event yoga classes: We offer in-person group and event yoga classes (party, bachelorette, hiking, wedding day, etc.)
Corporate yoga programs: We help corporations integrate yoga into their employee wellness programs, offering both virtual and in-person classes to support physical and mental well-being in the workplace.

Our virtual program allows clients to access our services from the comfort of their own homes or offices, making it convenient and flexible for busy lifestyles. Whether someone is looking to improve their fitness, manage stress, or enhance overall well-being, we provide the guidance, support, and resources needed to facilitate positive lifestyle changes.

Healthy Livin Wellness is dedicated to empowering individuals and corporations to prioritize health and wellness, fostering a culture of self-care, balance, and vitality.

I, the Founder & Wellness Visionary, have healed and now live a lifestyle that I’ve intentionally created for myself. My goal is to inspire others to design and live a lifestyle that they truly love.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn about health and wellness is that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Initially, I believed that doctors and experts always knew what was best for me. I realized that individual differences mean that some general recommendations might not fit my unique needs.

The backstory to this lesson is my journey through various health challenges. In my case, doctors always told me it was normal to feel this way at my age, and that was the only answer I ever received. My husband on the other hand, who struggled with ulcerative colitis since the age of 13, was told diet and lifestyle had nothing to do with his condition…

The turning point came when I decided to listen to my own body and trust my gut instincts. I started experimenting with different approaches, even if they went against conventional advice or lacked external support. This included diet changes, exercise routines, and incorporating alternative wellness practices. By tuning into what felt right for me, I began to see significant improvements in my health and overall well-being, as did my husband!

Unlearning the idea that there’s a one-size-fits-all solution and embracing a personalized approach was transformative. It taught me that it’s crucial to do what feels best for you, even if it means going against the grain. Trusting yourself and being willing to explore different paths can lead to a more fulfilling and healthier life.

This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of individualized health practices and the need to prioritize one’s own needs and instincts above all else.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Immersing oneself in the field is most helpful for succeeding. By becoming one’s own client, undergoing personal transformation, and learning from trial and error, one gains invaluable firsthand experience to guide others on their journeys toward success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://healthylivintravelers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthylivinwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyLivinCoaching/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyx-b-a10928ab/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthylivinyou
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/healthy-livin-wellness-health-coaching-yoga-mount-vision
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HealthyLivinTravelers/

Image Credits

Mikala Gallo for the professional photos of me in sunflowers and near the building. Maranda Minutulo for group shot and hands-on adjustments.