Independence Restoration Day provides a moment to pause and reflect on what we have achieved as a nation and as a country. This is a day to reflect with great gratitude on our freedom and the time spent together with our loved ones. For Kelli Toss-Kaasik, head of Enefit and member of the supervisory board of the Estonian Health Trails Foundation, holidays are the best time to incorporate family, nature and exercise.
Kelli, how do you celebrate Estonian holidays?
Christmas, Easter, Victory Day and Midsummer Day have become traditions in our family, which we spend at our country home with our family and closest friends. Spring and summer holidays are a particularly good time for exploring new nature trails. We plan these trips for the holidays, as then the whole family has time off and we can be together.
What was the last trail you explored?
During this year’s Easter holidays, we explored RMK’s Teringi study trail near the southern border of Estonia – and the whole family loved it!
How important is exercise in your daily life?
I have always spent a lot of time outdoors since I was a child, and for me it is a natural part of life, a basic need. Being outdoors gives a lot of positive energy and is a great way to spend time with your family. I go walking or cycling for about an hour almost every evening. If I do happen to stay at home and lounge on the sofa, the children are quick to ask: ‘Aren’t you going outside to exercise today?’ Children always accompany me on bike rides.
What are your favourite health trails?
My undisputed favourite is the Holstre-Polli trail. It is in such a beautiful location and completely secluded, hidden away and authentic. You don’t have to ask me twice to go on the Kääriku trails either, including the Kekkose trail. These were our family’s favourites even before they gained such wide popularity. In Tallinn, I go walking on the Järve forest trail – it’s a place where I like to meet up with a friend to enjoy a walk together. The closest trail to my home is Nõmme-Harku, which I use daily.
It is very important to realise that health trails are accessible to everyone and no equipment is needed to exercise – just come as you are! We can exercise on the health trails at any time of the year, and there are 89 illuminated trails across Estonia.
Do you also use outdoor gyms or other facilities that the trails offer?
I have used the outdoor gym and really like it. The older we get, the more important it is to train the muscles that keep us strong. It is very welcome that outdoor gyms have already been set up in almost all city parks. Anyone can go and exercise there for 15 minutes or half an hour.
Are you going to explore a new hiking trail on Independence Restoration Day as well?
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to leave Tallinn this time, but I will definitely take a couple of hours to bike on the familiar trails near my home.
What does Independence Restoration Day mean to you?
Holidays associated with freedom are a time for me to take a deeper look at my life and journey. There are certainly many things in which we could be better, more successful and more efficient as a society, but there are even more achievements for which we can be grateful. During Christmas and Independence Day we gather with our older relatives, and their memories also lead us to talk about the past. These get-togethers are always very valuable and enriching.
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Independence Restoration Day is a reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted. This is a gift that must be cherished and valued – both as a nation and in our everyday lives, within our families and communities. May this day be filled with gratitude, joy of physical activity and moments to be remembered for a long time to come.
