Rakvere Elustiilipäev showed how to find balance and make recovery more effective

13. June 2025

At the end of May, the second Rakvere Elustiilipäev (Rakvere Lifestyle Day) took place at Von Krahli Teater (Von Krahl Theatre), this time focusing on the art of recovery. In today’s fast-paced world, recovery is more important than ever – it’s not just about taking time off, but about restoring energy, sharpening focus and strengthening your overall well-being. The goal of the day was to share practical tips on how to maintain balance amid everyday challenges and make recovery truly effective. Experts offered insights into how recovery supports both mental and physical health, and how small changes can improve sleep, well-being and overall quality of life. Elustiilipäev was filled with inspiring stories, hands-on advice and engaging discussions. The speakers included psychologist Rebecca Põldma, physician and head of Järveotsa Family Health Center Diana Ingerainen, recovery expert and trainer Maret Kesküla and sleep consultant Kene Vernik. The special guest of the event was decathlete Johannes Erm. The day concluded with an engaging panel discussion featuring Estoni Kohver, Anu Saagim, Urmas Vaino and Kristina Šmigun-Vähi. The event was hosted by well-known media figure Robert Rool.

According to Janne Laik-Lõhmus, Director of Product Development and Marketing at Maag Food, the Rakvere brand has been part of everyday life in Estonia for decades, offering high-quality and delicious food. But well-being isn’t just about what we eat – it’s a broader concept that includes movement, recovery and a balanced lifestyle. “Our goal is to support Estonians not only with valuable food products, but also by inspiring them to make more conscious and healthy choices,” she said. “The idea for Rakvere Elustiilipäev grew out of the understanding that people need more practical tools and inspiration to lead healthier lives,” Janne explains. “It’s aimed at everyone who is interested in making positive changes in their life and who values a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”

This year’s Elustiilipäev offered something for everyone – from science-based advice to honest, relatable humor. “The event, held on May 23, was intense but far from exhausting. The audience was highly engaged, and the atmosphere was full of positive energy. For me, the day formed a well-rounded experience: it provided concrete tools for improving everyday life while also staying grounded and delightfully humorous. What stayed with me the most was the idea that lifestyle is neither a sprint nor a marathon – it’s a journey where you also need to know when to slow down. We can’t eat or rest in advance, but we can shape a life where the load doesn’t build up and recovery isn’t left as the last priority.“ She highlighted how host Robert kept the mood upbeat throughout the entire day and helped unpack the topics with a touch of personal reflection. “Robert himself admitted that this year’s Elustiilipäev theme resonated with him on a deep level. Still, the most humorous moment of the day turned out to be the closing panel discussion, where the synergy between the panelists and their easygoing humor captivated the entire audience and sparked bursts of laughter throughout the room. There was also plenty of warm, intelligent humor in the candid interview with Johannes Erm.“

All participants completed a feedback survey and the organizing team was very pleased with the results. “On a five-point scale, Rakvere Elustiilipäev received an average rating of 4.93. 82% of respondents said they would be highly likely to recommend attending the next Rakvere Elustiilipäev to their friends. We received plenty of positive comments, as well as ideas for next year’s theme and suggestions for exciting potential panelists,” Janne notes.

Anu Redi, Marketing Manager at Maag Eesti, described Elustiilipäev as a meaningful event filled with great energy. “The entire day was both engaging and uplifting. For me, the most eye-opening presentations came from psychologist Rebecca Põldma and sleep expert Kene Vernik. Rebecca’s talk encouraged me to reflect on my values and priorities, while Kene offered practical tips for improving everyday life – both for myself and my loved ones. The panel discussion, too, was relaxed and full of lively humor, while host Robert brought his warm, down-to-earth Rakvere style and kept spirits high throughout the day.“ According to Anu, the biggest lesson she took from Elustiilipäev was the importance of structuring life in a way that allows for lighter periods to follow the intense ones – to avoid letting stress and pressure pile up. “I learned that being honest with yourself is incredibly important,” she adds.

In addition to the buzz on site, Elustiilipäev was also available via live stream. “The live stream gives access to the event’s content for those who are physically far away or unable to attend in person for other reasons. It also makes it easy to watch the full recording – or selected parts – later on,” Anu explains. “The entire panel discussion was dynamic and lively, and what stood out most were the personal reflections by Anu Saagim and Urmas Vaino on recovery and life,” she recalls. She adds that initial feedback has already been gathered from both guests and speakers and the results paint a very positive picture.

See you at Rakvere Elustiilipäev 2026!

Check out the photos from this year’s event here: RAKVERE ELUSTIILIPÄEV 2025 – Dropbox