A day in the life: Wellness executive Taffryn Kinsey Ellis

I usually wake naturally with the dawn chorus, rather than an alarm. I find it creates a calmer and more intentional start to the day and I’ll then spend a few moments reflecting on my dreams before I properly get going. Next up it is hydration and coffee, usually alongside a quiet moment for prayer. I try not to immediately flood my nervous system with notifications or stimulation first thing.“There is real wisdom in understanding how modern wellness science and ancient practices intersect”Movement is a big part of my morning routine. I usually dedicate an hour to exercise, whether that is running, Pilates or strength training. Afterwards, I keep things simple with a protein shake before heading into my day.My approach to food and nutrition is intuitive rather than restrictive. I focus on protein, fresh fruit and vegetables, hydration and eating in a way that supports energy and balance. I also drink around 2.5 litres of water a day and keep my coffee intake to the mornings. Wellness shouldn’t feel joyless or overly rigid. Listening to the body has always been more valuable to me than following strict systems.In terms of recovery, sauna, red light therapy and lymphatic support are tools that I use regularly, because they are all effective without feeling overly intrusive. I also especially love contrast therapy because you can feel the nervous system shift almost immediately.Taffryn Kinsey Ellis.Over the years I have experimented with a lot of wearables, but these days I am guided far more by intuition than constant tracking. The most valuable thing that I learned from them was related to sleep and recovery. It helped me to create a routine that was far more disciplined and consistent. But honestly, putting your phone away is probably the most underrated tool of all.AI is brilliant when it creates more space for creativity, presence and human connection, rather than replacing it, so I use it mostly as a tool for research, structure and efficiency.In my work set-up, I try not to remain static for too long so alternate between standing and more dynamic seating. I also try not to over-systemise life. Hyper-productivity culture can leave people feeling permanently overwhelmed.Breathing, nature, movement and prayer are my tools for managing stress and mental fatigue throughout the day. And I try to reset before stress builds too much rather than waiting until the moment of complete burnout.I don’t meditate in any formal way. My approach is much more intuitive through stillness, reflection, breathwork and creating moments of calm throughout my waking hours. Read MoreI am very conscious of my relationship with screen time and digital boundaries. During the week I stay connected between roughly 8am and 8pm, but at weekends I step away completely and often do a full 24-hour digital detox. When it comes to work and staying ahead in my field I read very broadly rather than relying on a single source. I am interested in both modern wellness science and ancient practices because I think there is real wisdom in understanding how they intersect. Nature itself is also one of my biggest teachers.I begin winding down properly for sleep as soon as I get home. The phone goes away and the focus shifts to spending quality time with my family. In the evenings I love creating a calm atmosphere with candlelight, soft music, aromatherapy and a warm bath.I have tracked sleep quite heavily in the past, but now my focus is on consistency. I take magnesium, drink rooibos tea before bed, and try to give myself enough time to calm my nervous system and slow down.My philosophy? To keep things simple, stay connected to nature and listen to your body. Wellness is not about perfection. It is about feeling grounded, present and aligned physically, mentally and spiritually.Taffryn Kinsey Ellis is Director of Wellness at Six Senses London; sixsenses.com