Ep. 180: From Chaos to Calm - Rediscovering Yourself After Alcohol

Sara sits down with her friend Chelsea Bohnstedt, a yoga instructor and certified sound healer, to talk about her powerful alcohol-free journey. At the time of recording, Chelsea is 562 days sober, but her path to get here was far from linear.

Chelsea opens up about:

• Hitting rock bottom after repeated starts and stops, and how a medical crisis finally became her turning point.
• The kindling effect. A dangerous neurological response that makes withdrawal symptoms worse each time you quit and start drinking again.
• Finding recovery through SMART Recovery and Y12SR (Yoga for 12-Step Recovery) after struggling to connect with traditional AA.
• Healing anxiety, rediscovering peace, and embracing the beauty of a “boring life.”
• How yoga, meditation, and sound baths helped her reconnect with her body and spirit, and why spirituality doesn’t have to look “religious.”

Sara and Chelsea also share stories from their time together at the Sober Tahoe Adventure Retreat and reflect on how sound healing and self-care practices can unlock powerful emotional healing.

🧘‍♀️ Key Takeaways

• Kindling is real. If you've started and stopped many times, it can make withdrawals more severe and even life-threatening. Always consult a doctor for support when quitting.
• Peace is the new thrill. Sobriety gives you back your time, energy, and clarity.
• Spirituality can be simple. Connection, mindfulness, and presence count just as much as prayer or religion.
• Self-care is rebellion. Taking care of yourself and living with intention isn’t boring, it’s revolutionary.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• SMART Recovery Meetings
• Y12SR – Yoga for 12-Step Recovery
• Follow Chelsea on Instagram @yogini.chels
• CLICK HERE to Join Chelsea’s hybrid yoga classes online through her studio (link in show notes).

💖 Favorite Quote

“Taking care of yourself is the most rebellious thing you can do. Especially as a woman.” – Chelsea Bohnstedt

If you loved this episode, please rate and review the show! Your support helps the No More Wasted Days Podcast reach more people who are ready to live free, present, and fully alive.

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🌟 Want deeper support on your alcohol-free journey? Come join us inside the Day Makers Community — my private coaching space where you’ll find weekly group calls, book clubs, reflection prompts, and real connection with people who get it. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your sobriety, this is where you’ll find the tools, strategies, and support to keep moving forward.

👉 Learn more and join us here: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community/

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