We have a bunch of amazing experts giving advice about the topics we talk about on our Wellness app.
Let’s meet Nicole Topp, who has has a bachelor of science in Naturopathy.
“I always wanted to help people and felt that there had to be a better way to health than relying on a one size fits all approach,” she says.
“I fully immersed myself in all things mental health and brain function when I realised that I had suffered from highly functional anxiety my whole life. I dived in deeper again when my kids showed signs of anxiety too and I have pretty much been learning ever since.”
Nicole specialises in brain function
In fact, Nicole specialises in brain function.
“I love to work with the anxiety and depressive swing. Teaching those to discover more about themselves and how they can break free of the pattern,” she says.
“Of course biochemical balance is important, but discovering the main driver is imperative. Commonly I see women pushing their needs to the side, creating distraction by becoming super busy and then quitting on themselves when they really need support.
“We are not meant to do all of this alone and mental health is something that everyone has and needs support with from time to time.”
Nicole’s top tips to look after their body and overall wellbeing
Listen to your body, it is always talking to you. If this idea is completely new to you, practise some stillness so that you can hear her. Does your chest feel constricted? Is it hard to take a full breath and your mind is racing?
You are in a stress response. Your body needs acknowledgement for the incredible work that she does, nourish her, nurture her. No one is coming in on a white horse to do it for you, the person you have been waiting for is YOU!
What are the most common problems you face in your line of work?
Mental health stigma, it still seems to exist! I am wildly passionate about my own journey as it has given me the ability to see it in other people.
Any movement is a step in the right direction!
If you don’t think you can swim or do anything too much, tackle a walk, stretch, then take a gentle stroll through a bush track. Unplug so that you can reconnect to yourself.
The less human interference in your food, the better. Whole food that has vitality, fresh fruit and veg, nuts and seeds and lean meats and fish- eat this by the bucketful. Highly refined foods that have many ingredients or most of the nutrition milled out of it…. not so much!
What’s your favourite quote?
“Trauma is not what happened to you; trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”
Gabor Mate
What are the most common mistakes or misconceptions people have about your area of expertise?
That we live perfectly planned, nutritious and holier than thou lives. I eat cake, drink gin and stay up too late like the rest of humanity, I just don’t do it all the time.
We are all doing the best we can with what we have got, you have to have a little fun along the way though, right?!
We agree!