By Amanda Basher
Kirsten Taylor is NZ’s only Naturopathic Sleep Specialist, Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist. She is also Managing Director and formulator for SleepDrops International. A company dedicated to improving our sleep, Kirsten says, “I am fascinated about sleep, getting people to sleep, improving sleep and making super cool sleep formulations that make people’s lives better”.
As a part of our wellness series to celebrate the launch of the NEW Care Edition of The Beauty Book, we chatted to Kirsten about her own wellness routine.
How do you unwind after a busy day?Â
If I am working in the office then I have a cup of chamomile tea when I walk in the door at home, cook dinner whilst watching one of my favourite shows on the laptop with my headphones on then eat dinner with the family members still turning up for dinners. When I start my sleep wind down routine, I take 2 or 3 of my SleepDrops products perfect for my particular sleep challenges, jump into bed, begin reading a book, take more SleepDrops then drift off listening to active mediations on my phone which I switch off as I fall asleep.
What are some of your key self-care practices that ensure you keep your cup full?Â
Walking our dog to the cafe or walking along the beach either with my husband while we chat, talking to my girlfriends or with my headphones on listening to one of my guru’s that uplift me and keep my mind-set positive.
How has the unforeseen circumstances of the last 18 months impacted how you view self-care?
Prior to Covid I was working too much and not taking care of myself. When Covid arrived and we were suddenly working from home, it gave me the flexibility to manage my time better. If I need to go for a walk or to do online yoga at 5pm then I can and this flexibility has been great for self-care. In addition, keeping my mind-set positive has become incredibly important. This means not watching the news or listening to constant updates and instead focusing on more positive things.
What advice would you like to have given to your younger self when it comes to health & wellness?
Don’t do night shifts, drink less alcohol, do more yoga.
What is your favourite affirmation?Â
I have many depending on which situation best applies. A few of my key affirmations however are;
I am blessed guided and protected at all times
It’s in the pipelineÂ
Life is happening for me, not to me
IÂ am OKAY