Discover the six secrets to a life well led
July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024
With roots in a country celebrated for its ancient Zen philosophy, Ayuko Suzuki has devoted her career to uncovering the secrets to a fulfilling life. As the Director of Wellness at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, Ayuko is a great believer that “wellness is a tool, and wellbeing is a lifestyle.” She channels her passion and expertise into Talise Spa to curate the finest tools and rituals for living well. Ayuko emphasises the transformative power of education in cultivating healthy habits. She advocates for a sustainable approach to wellness, focusing on gradual changes to diet, lifestyle, and sleep patterns that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines.
Drawing from her experiences, Ayuko has identified six guiding principles: mental wellness, mindful movement, internal well-being, recovery and restoration, advanced therapy, and regenerative medicine. We had the privilege of speaking with Ayuko to delve into the essence of her strategies for enhanced well-being.
Ayuko emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy mind, stating its power over our actions and behaviours. While technology offers various advantages, like aiding in sleep tracking, it is important to avoid distractions, especially before sleep.
Ayuko suggests abstaining from stimulants, such as upbeat music and caffeine, in the early evening and powering down electronic devices at least thirty minutes prior to sleep. Establishing a tranquil, soothing sleep environment is key, as it sets a positive tone for the following day. “Temperature really affects your sleep quality. It is scientifically proven that setting the room to between 20 to 21 degrees will provide the best quality of sleep.”
Ayuko also stresses the importance of a good mattress. “Some mattresses can be linked to apps, to help you control airflow, temperature, and assess the quality of your sleep patterns. Beautiful linens also help to ensure heat and moisture are released from your body.”
Incorporating meditation into one’s bedtime routine is key, according to Ayuko. She recommends aligning the mind and body through deliberate movement to enhance overall health and wellness.
“Meditation sounds difficult if you don’t already practise it,” explains Ayuko, “but you don’t need to actually say I’m meditating.” Just take a quiet moment, close your eyes, and enjoy the peace of being by yourself. With time, you’ll learn to calm your busy mind and achieve a more serene, clear state.
Ayuko advises using 30 minutes of your lunch hour to enjoy a “micro-workout” or mini meditation. “You can do your exercise anywhere, anytime throughout the day by using certain apps in your wearable devices. It doesn’t have to be a hard workout. I often take 20 minutes to walk up and down the staircase. And then 10 minutes for a little meditation time to calm my mind.” This simple technique is often overlooked in the workplace, yet it is scientifically proven to have a significant impact on productivity in the afternoon.
Have you ever heard of the saying “you are what you eat?” The importance of practising healthy eating habits is significant to overall nutrition and internal health. At Jumeirah, Michelin-starred chef teams have meticulously crafted menus that strike a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.
Additionally, skilled teams at Talise Spa can arrange a comprehensive nutrition assessment to assist you with integrating healthy eating habits into your weekly routine, with tailored options available for families.
Amid the bustle of daily life, we often overlook the importance of adequate rest and recovery, to support physical health and improve overall well-being. This is especially true in the workplace.
“It’s crystal clear,” explains Ayuko. “If you don’t take good care of your employees, more people fall ill, productivity will decline, and your insurance expenses will increase. It’s encouraging to see many CEOs, CFOs, and HR Directors in major corporations increasingly prioritising the well-being of their employees. At Jumeirah, we are proud to offer support for that across our portfolio.”
This aspect involves integrating technology and advanced therapeutic methods to complement traditional wellness practices and enhance overall health outcomes. As a guest at Jumeirah, embrace soothing rituals such as our sunrise yoga on Dubai’s golden shoreline, or overlooking the elegant townhouses of London. Alternatively, opt for expertly researched programmes at our signature Leg School in the heart of Anacapri. There, under the expertise of the late Professor Francesco Canonaco, we have developed a unique method to treat vascular concerns of the legs using a gentle and effective application of medicated mud, medicated bandages and Kneipp hydro-therapy.
Ayuko stresses the importance of taking proactive steps to age gracefully, with a focus on regenerative medicine to support overall well-being and extend longevity. “For me, maintaining wellness and well-being is a collective effort,” she explains. “Interestingly, back in my home country, Japan, we all gather every morning at seven o’clock for group stretching. Whether it’s on the rooftop or individually, we spend 15 minutes stretching together. It’s about fostering awareness of how to stay healthy and reinforcing our sense of community. That’s what really makes a difference.”
Ayuko concludes that people everywhere, at any stage, seek a sense of belonging within their communities. We all aspire to lead fulfilling lifestyles with like-minded individuals. Each of our hotels and resorts across the globe are thoughtfully designed to facilitate a connection with yourself, your surroundings, and those around you. Every room is meticulously prepared to ensure optimal comfort and relaxation throughout your stay, with carefully regulated temperatures and premium bedding for a restful experience.
Let our team of experts at Talise Spa inspire you to curate your own bespoke journey to wellness, and embrace each moment with mindfulness and intention, ensuring a life well led.
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