Well-being month and hobbies – what do our experience creators do in their free time? Sports and health
2024-10-22T10:42:04
October and November mark the wellness months at Tallink, a time when we place a special focus on promoting the balance between work and leisure among our cherished colleagues. Maintaining this equilibrium is vital for both mental and physical health. Engaging in positive activities during free time helps alleviate stress, boosts work motivation, and keeps the mind sharp. To highlight this, we have created an eight-part news series showcasing how our employees relax and sustain this balance through various hobbies, enabling them to remain energetic at work and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.
As part of our well-being month, we continue to introduce the hobbies of our employees that help them stay sharp and uplifted, creating the most enjoyable experiences for our guests in a pleasant atmosphere.
At Tallink Hotels, we believe that a healthy body and mind are the foundation of a happy life. Exercise provides us with physical exertion, helps to clear the mind, and allows us to stay present:
- Exercise wears us out and leads to better sleep.
- Sports can be thrilling and challenging, but physical activity produces endorphins that keep us happy.
- Sports and physical activities help foster team spirit.
- Less intense activities like yoga and massage also have a strong supportive impact on health and the body.
Employees from our hotels share their hobbies and stories related to exercise: Sofia Safranova and Ruslan Viherpuu from the NOK NOK restaurant, Riho Uibo rom the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, and Agnes Veski, Kadi Ait and Grete Sutrop from the Tallink Hotels office.
Sofia Safranova, Host at NOK NOK Restaurant
What is your hobby?
Thai boxing
How did you find your way to Thai boxing?
I wanted to do some training to stay in shape and thought I could learn self-defense. Thai boxing was the first martial art that came to my mind. At that time, I had no idea what it involved. I took a basic course and realised it was exactly what I wanted.
What makes Thai boxing enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
The group I train with is very dear to me. I’ve made many new lifelong friends and acquaintances. Training is fun and gives me a mental break from daily life. I can release all my energy on the punching bag, and after training, my mind is clear of all worries. I also feel safer walking on the street at night because I know how to defend myself.
What is your most memorable experience related to Thai boxing?
My most memorable achievement was my first competition. I was so nervous, but everything went smoothly, and I won. I was amazed at how many of my friends and acquaintances came to watch and cheer me on. I had trained hard for that moment and was on a high for a long time after it ended. I felt that all my effort had paid off.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start Thai boxing but is hesitant to take the first step?
I would recommend going to a base course with a friend. I went with a friend, but only I continued training. Having a partner from the start makes it less intimidating. There’s no need to worry even if you go alone. Everyone at the beginner’s course is at the same level, and physical condition doesn’t matter. It’s also easy to make friends, as most of the time you have a partner in group training. The coaches are all great – without exception. And there is no need to think, “I’m too old to start,” because people of all ages practice Thai boxing, and it’s never too late to start!
Ruslan Viherpuu, Manager at NOK NOK Restaurant
What is your hobby?
Providing massage services. I use techniques from various types of massage, based on the client’s needs. I have been doing this since 2019.
How did you find your way to therapeutic massage?
At some point in life, you feel the urge to learn something new, besides your primary profession. That led me to a weekend massage course at Kullo, and later to the Estonian Massage and Therapy School, where I obtained a Level 5 massage therapist certification. I have also taken additional courses in different types of massage to gain a broader understanding of pathologies and how massage can help prevent or relieve ailments.
What makes providing therapeutic massage enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
Having worked in customer service for over 30 years, offering massage services is quite similar. However, there is more direct interaction with the client, and their feedback is immediate. This is what makes it so enjoyable.
Massage sessions are like a workout for me – they provide enough physical exertion. The quiet music and pleasantly scented room create a relaxing atmosphere. I’ve also learned proper breathing techniques, which help me stay calm and balanced even in the most challenging situations. At least, my friends all say in unison that I am more balanced and in better shape than ever before.
What is your most memorable experience related to therapeutic massage?
I haven’t had influencers or pop stars on my massage table. Simple people come to me, needing relief from muscle tension or just a moment of rest. It makes me especially happy when we achieve the desired result together – reducing muscle tension or eliminating a painful spot. The client’s improved well-being and mobility are my ultimate goals. It’s a wonderful feeling!
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start offering therapeutic massage but is hesitant to take the first step?
Like with any hobby, you need to find that “spark” that ignites your passion. If you are not uncomfortable laying your hands on others, it is worth starting massage training. Massage courses welcome everyone, regardless of gender, age, or height. Start with small workshops (like one-day courses) to get a better feel and understanding of whether you want to continue.
It’s an amazing feeling to learn about human anatomy – how it works, its limits, and how a single touch can improve someone’s well-being. If you don’t believe me, start today by giving your coworker or boss a pat on the shoulder – you’ll see how it works. Simple, right?
Kadi Ait, Sales Specialist at Tallink Hotels in Tallinn
What is your hobby?
Practicing yoga.
How did you find your way to yoga?
It was actually my daughter who led me to yoga. She once invited me to an infra yoga class. At the time, I was struggling with back pain and hoped that yoga would help alleviate it. Although I initially thought I was too impatient for yoga, it turned out to be a real challenge that I grew to love. The inspiring guidance from the yoga instructor, Helina, was a great match for me. During the pandemic, in-person classes were no longer an option, so I found an online platform that suited me, and I’ve been practicing regularly ever since. Yoga has naturally become a part of my lifestyle.
What makes yoga enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
The most enjoyable thing about yoga is its ability to keep me balanced, both physically and mentally. I’ve realised that these two aspects are deeply connected – when I’m mentally drained or, on the contrary, too restless, yoga is exactly what helps me. The best part is that yoga doesn’t require anything special or going to a specific place; all you need is a quiet corner, a yoga mat, and even just 15 minutes.
What is your most memorable experience related to yoga?
I am especially grateful that yoga has helped me overcome my back pain and has taught me to maintain balance in my life.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start practicing yoga but is hesitant to take the first step?
Since there are many different styles of yoga, I am confident everyone can find one that suits them. For beginners, I’d recommend finding a good instructor to guide you initially. After that, everything falls into place naturally.
Agnes Veski, Sales Specialist at Tallink Hotels in Tallinn
What is your hobby?
Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
How did you find your way to skiing?
It was quite by accident, back in 2007 or 2008, when a classmate invited me to join a ski club. Before that, I had already been involved in athletics, handicrafts, and folk dances, so I thought, why not try it? The first training session was a challenge – I spent 99% of the time lying in the snow, trying to stay upright and find my balance. It felt like I wasn’t moving at all. Yet, there was something about the constant falling that captivated me – it required both physical and mental endurance. That’s when I realised this was something I wanted to master. By the next training session, I had a 0% fall rate, and my lifelong love for skiing began. I was the youngest and the only girl in the training group, as others didn’t find the sport as appealing.
What makes skiing enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
What I love most about skiing is that when I put on my skis, grab my poles, and glide along the trail, nothing else matters except me and my strength.
In addition to being a great physical workout, skiing also brings mental clarity and peace. Gliding along the ski trail in the fresh air and nature offers a break from daily life and allows me to be completely in the moment.
Downhill skiing, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience – it’s a combination of speed, adrenaline, and a bit of danger. When skiing down a slope, every move must be precise, and this creates a unique sense of freedom and power. The adrenaline rush comes from knowing that the slope can surprise you at any moment, and this excitement makes downhill skiing so engaging! It’s a wonderful way to test my limits while enjoying the majesty of nature.
What is your most memorable experience related to skiing?
The most memorable experience has been our annual ski trip from Sillamäe to Sinimäe with our ski club. Every year on Estonia’s Independence Day, February 24, we started from Sillamäe and skiid along the coastline towards Sinimäe. Warm tea, pastries, and great spirits always awaited us there. It was a day when we could enjoy the sunny yet crisp winter weather with fellow skiers and share our passion for skiing. These ski trips have left me with very warm memories.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start skiing but is hesitant to take the first step?
Don’t be afraid to take the first step – every beginning is difficult, but every fall is an opportunity to learn. Remember my first ski training, where I spent 99% of the time on the ground – yet that experience gave me the motivation to keep trying. If you fall, get up and try again – it gets better each time. Enjoy the process and don’t set high expectations immediately. Skiing teaches patience, balance, and self-improvement, and ultimately, it rewards you with so much positivity.
Grete Sutrop, Creative Writer and Marketing Project Manager at Tallink Hotels in Tallinn
What is your hobby?
One of my hobbies and passions is yoga – I practice Kundalini yoga and also teach yoga. I have trained as an instructor for adults, children, and expectant mothers.
How did you find your way to yoga?
I always knew that yoga might be something for me, but I only started experimenting with it while at home with my child. My sister went to a yoga class and praised it highly, so I decided to join her. From the first session, I had a “wow” experience, and these practices truly helped me find balance. Later, I discovered a children’s yoga instructor training, which seemed particularly fun since I love children as much as yoga. From there, I continued with Kundalini yoga teacher training, initially intending to do it just for myself. But I ended up substituting for my yoga teacher during a long trip, and that’s when I had a real revelation, and things took off. Now, I have been teaching yoga and running the Elujõusaal yoga studio in Viimsi for eight years, and yoga has become a natural part of my life.
What makes yoga enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
Yoga helps me disconnect from the daily hustle and reconnect with the peace and presence within me. This, in turn, reminds me of what truly matters to me and supports me through daily life and beyond. Together with my yoga students, we often undertake longer yoga or meditation challenges, which serve as a supportive discipline, especially during busy times. Otherwise, it is easy to be tempted to replace yoga with everyday tasks, but during a challenge, that is not an option!
What is your most memorable experience related to yoga?
Certainly, having the courage to create a yoga studio. I am still amazed that I had such a clear feeling and trust that this had to happen, and there was no other way. And it undoubtedly happened because I was practicing yoga, which helped me connect with that courage. These almost eight years of being both a teacher and a studio host have helped me grow enormously in every aspect, developing me as a person while also being constantly supported by the studio and everyone there.
Another notable and profound experience was the yoga festival in France, where I could completely disconnect from the outside world for eight days and immerse myself in yoga alongside others on the same wavelength. Some of my deepest meditation experiences come from there.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start practicing yoga but is hesitant to take the first step?
I believe that if you feel drawn to yoga, you just need to find a teacher who resonates with you and a place that feels right. Of course, you can practice at home with videos, but for beginners, it might be helpful to have a guide who can provide advice specific to your body and answer any questions. Plus, the best feeling in my opinion comes from practicing in a supportive environment with others, where the outside world and daily life cannot interfere.
Riho Uibo, Conference Center Technician at Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel
What is your hobby?
Marathon running.
How did you find your way to marathon running?
In 2010, when I decided to take sports more seriously, I joined the MyFitness sports club, where I met many dedicated athletes who were already participating in marathons. Their discipline, determination, and fearlessness in the face of challenges inspired me. At that time, running 42.2 kilometers seemed impossible, so in 2012, I decided to start with a 10 km run. Every year, my form and results improved, and soon I was running half-marathons. I completed my first full marathon in 2019, which brought me immense joy, as something that had seemed impossible seven years earlier had become achievable. Since then, I’ve run a couple of marathons every year, and my times have consistently improved. My first marathon took 04:23:47, while my best result this year was 03:45:38.
What makes marathon running enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
I enjoy the challenge of testing my limits and seeing what my body is capable of. It is also great to meet like-minded people who value sports and a healthy lifestyle. I appreciate the sporty atmosphere at marathons, where there’s friendly competition but also mutual support and encouragement.
Marathons have given me the opportunity to visit beautiful places in Estonia that I wouldn’t normally explore. I’ve run marathons in Tartu, Pärnu, Narva, Viljandi, and more. In the future, I definitely want to participate in international marathons, especially in Dublin, London, and Rome, which are among my favourite cities.
Marathon running has taught me that it’s always possible to get better, smarter, and stronger in any field if you work consistently towards it. I’ve had several marathons go awry, but I haven’t seen these as losses, but rather as learning experiences. I carefully analyse my mistakes and plan what to do differently next time.
I usually start my mornings with a 10 km run before work, which sets a positive tone for the entire day, energizing me, sharpening my focus, and leading to a restful sleep in the evening.
What is your most memorable experience related to marathons?
In the summer of 2019, I participated in the MyFitness Madness Race in Keila, which was an obstacle course run. In addition to running, there were obstacles like sack jumping, carrying a sandbag up a hill, crawling through a mud canal, and climbing over large hay bales. The temperature was 30 degrees Celsius, and my friends were amazed that I managed to complete everything with a broad smile. It was an extremely fun challenge that I definitely want to repeat.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start marathon running but does not know where to begin?
Start slow and steady because running excessively long distances right away can lead to injuries that drive people away from running. I recommend starting with regular, relaxed runs and carefully monitoring your progress and well-being. There are good warm-up and stretching routines available on YouTube to keep your muscles in good condition. Always bring a water bottle, as dehydration is one of the biggest enemies of running. In addition to running, I suggest strength training, as strong muscles improve speed and endurance. If you feel ready to challenge yourself in a race, start with 5, 10, or 21.1 km runs. Once those become too easy, it’s a sign that you’re ready to sign up for a marathon.
When preparing for a marathon, it’s worth investing in quality running shoes that keep your feet fresh and healthy throughout the challenge. I also recommend taking energy gels with you to help replenish nutrients and maintain a steady pace until the finish line.
Even though marathons have a large number of participants, your only competitor should be yourself. Everyone has different athletic backgrounds and running strategies. Don’t be discouraged if a huge crowd rushes past you at the beginning because if you spread your energy evenly across each kilometer, you’ll likely catch up to them before the finish line.
