We recently had the chance to connect with Alysia Gruenstern and have shared our conversation below.
Alysia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think so many people are quietly wrestling with the idea that happiness is something they’ll find outside themselves—through achievements, external validation, or the next big milestone. We rarely admit it out loud, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “Once I get there, then I’ll feel enough.” The hard truth—and also the hopeful truth—is that those things can never fully deliver what we’re really searching for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Alysia, a health psychologist and yoga teacher. My background is in behavior psychology, stress science, and trauma-informed care, but I balance that with a deep love of yoga, mindfulness, and wellness practices. My brand, YogAlysia, grew out of that blend—I create classes, workshops, and trainings that combine evidence-based psychology with accessible mind-body tools.
I don’t see wellness as one-size-fits-all. I’m just as passionate about teaching a corporate team how to manage stress as I am about guiding someone through a chakra-inspired yoga flow. My mission is to make these practices feel approachable, practical, and maybe even a little fun, whether you’re brand new to yoga or you’re curious about the science of stress and resilience.
Right now, I’m especially focused on creating resources—like workshops, digital tools, and community events—that help people not only reduce stress in the moment, but also build long-term resilience. My story is really about weaving together modern psychology and timeless practices so people can feel more grounded, balanced, and empowered in their everyday lives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that thought worth was measured by productivity. For a long time, I carried the belief that if I wasn’t constantly achieving, hustling, or proving myself, then I wasn’t enough. That mindset pushed me forward in many ways, but it also drained me. Now it’s time to release it and make space for a version of me that values rest, presence, and joy just as much as hard work.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her not to take life so seriously. Yes, there will be hard times, but don’t get so weighed down by them that you forget to enjoy the good ones. Every moment—good or bad—carries a lesson, so don’t take any of it for granted.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
This isn’t necessarily a lie the psychology industry tells itself, but a misconception about mental heath in general- the belief that everything is fixable. The truth is, some things are simply part of who we are or what we’ve lived through. Healing doesn’t always mean “changing” or “curing”—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is practice acceptance. Learning to live with, rather than fight against, certain realities can be just as transformative as any breakthrough in therapy.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was fun—that I brought laughter, lightness, and adventure into their lives. But I also want them to remember how strong I was, how much I overcame, and how hard I worked. My legacy, I hope, is equal parts joy and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Yogalysia.com
- Instagram: Yogalysia_
Image Credits
N/a
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
