Shreya Iyer, the primary wellness expert and habit coach at Alyve Health’s holistic approach to health and wellness, is incredibly motivating and empowers people to realise their best potential! She has a strong background in psychology and has developed a deep comprehension of the complex relationships that exist between the human mind and body. Her specialty in sport and exercise science has further enhanced her knowledge and allowed her to create creative approaches that mix mental health and physical activity in a balanced manner.
In addition, her yoga and personal training certifications highlight her dedication to a holistic approach to health that skillfully combines the spiritual, emotional and physiological facets of the human experience. She has established a transforming environment where people may find their inner strength, develop resilience and flourish in all facets of life thanks to her special fusion of scientific knowledge, compassionate understanding and mindful practice. Her work has been crucial in encouraging others to prioritise self-care and holistic living and her work with a variety of populations—from elite athletes to those seeking holistic wellness—has influenced her expertise.
She has become a brilliant example of the power of holistic wellness by exemplifying the ideal fusion of art and science. She has illuminated a path that inspires us to cultivate our whole selves—body, mind and spirit—and realise our greatest potential. Take a look at our most recent interview with her!
How do women’s physical and mental health interact?
For all people, regardless of gender, mental and physical health are inextricably linked. But for women, more layers are created by things like hormonal changes, cultural expectations and particular physiological experiences. Interactions between stress, sleep, diet and emotional health affect the body and the mind. Hormonal imbalances, for instance, can impact mood and cognition and long-term stress can impact menstrual cycles. Women can prioritise holistic well-being over treating mental and physical health as distinct things by being aware of this junction, which enables them to make well-informed decisions about their health.
What are the primary obstacles to women’s wellbeing maintenance?
Misinformation is a major problem; while there is a wealth of health advice, not all of it is reliable or relevant. In addition, many women find it difficult to put their health first, frequently putting the needs of others—particularly mothers and caregivers—first. Stress and a lack of time for self-care result from the combined weight of household and work obligations. Furthermore, women find it more difficult to concentrate on what actually improves their health rather than pursuing unachievable aspirations because the media promotes unrealistic body and wellness standards.
What particular obstacles do women athletes have to overcome?
What women “can” or “should” do has long been determined by societal prejudices, but our physical potential is limitless! Consider Tia-Clair Toomey, who is among the world’s most fit women, even after giving birth. However, obstacles still exist for female athletes, such as unequal compensation, lesser viewership, sponsorship discrepancies and lack of representation in policymaking. Despite biological distinctions, sports science has historically been male-centric as well, applying findings on men to women. The good news? Women athletes are tearing down boundaries on a daily basis and the landscape is changing!
In what ways may psychology improve women’s athletic performance?
Performance can be made or broken by mental toughness. Being an athlete myself, I have direct experience with how decision-making, discipline, motivation and emotional control affect performance. Psychology, however, assists athletes in navigating self-worth beyond performance—your accomplishments do not determine your worth. Training in mental skills promotes self-assurance, fortitude, and concentration, enabling women to overcome both personal and societal constraints and realise their full potential.
What are some ways to motivate more women to participate in competitive sports?
Normalising women in sports at all levels is crucial. Participation can be encouraged by equitable media coverage and compensation, long-term career paths and positive role models from early life. The way we raise our kids matters. Let girls select between cars, dolls, and footballs. It’s also critical to change how female athletes are portrayed in the media. Young girls think they can succeed in athletics when they witness women doing so, and representation is important.
How can women develop habits that boost their self-esteem?
We frequently assume that confidence and action follow motivation, yet the opposite is true! Momentum generated by action subsequently feeds confidence and motivation. Automating activities to function even when willpower is weak is the goal of habit formation. Women can increase their self-efficacy by employing techniques including implementation intentions (deciding when and where to act), environmental design (making habits easier) and habit stacking (combining a new habit with an old one). Over time, little, regular acts add up to give one a sense of mastery and self-assurance.
How can workplaces help women develop strong leadership habits?
Culture, culture, culture. Workplaces need to create spaces where women feel empowered, heard, and appreciated. Leadership is about having a say in decisions, not simply about titles. Leadership development initiatives, equitable promotions and equal participation. Is there an implicit culture that encourages women to assume leadership positions that go beyond a title? Are their opinions actually taken into account? Organisations that ensure women’s viewpoints are incorporated into decision-making processes, in addition to providing them with a place at the table, foster true leadership.
