The Well-Being Discipline

I CONSIDER myself the epitome of a modern woman; I studied Economics at university in Germany while holding down a modeling career, so I find it insightful that I live by a mantra coined by a man in the first century CE. The Roman poet Juvenal wrote in his Satire X that “mens sana in corpore sano.” These five Latin words, which mean a healthy mind in a healthy body, have shaped my life. And never have they been more relevant than today, as I prepare for a move back to Monaco, where looking good and thinking sharp are prerequisites in this glamorous, uber-achieving sovereign state. Growing up in a health-orientated family in Ravensburg, south Germany, the importance of a well-balanced lifestyle was instilled in me from a very young age. It is almost as if I was taught to read and understand my body, and what it needed to keep fit and healthy, at the same time as I learned the alphabet. This discipline was a constant through my childhood and school career. It stayed with me through my studies and helped me succeed in my modeling career, one of the highlights being when I was crowned Miss Earth Germany in 2018. But as Juvenal said, the mind and body work in tangent. I quickly realized that in order to maintain a good level of physical fitness and a healthy appearance that got me on the front of magazines, I had to look after my mental health and self-respect, and vice versa. Only then would happiness follow. Many studies have been carried out to prove that Juvenal was indeed right. For example, a recent Harvard study revealed that running 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour can reduce the risk of major depression. I can testify to this. Physical exercise and a balanced diet have a profound impact on mental health. However, I am constantly endeavoring to go that one step further in my commitment to health so that my life will be as long, happy and fulfilling as possible. And one of which I am proud. I advocate for daily exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sunlight exposure and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Prioritizing sleep is also crucial, as it’s as necessary as oxygen.

People often fail to realize how crucial this is until it’s too late. Your body is the only place you have to live in, so taking care of it should be a priority.

Central to my health philosophy over the years has been a focus on mitochondria, which are important parts of our cells that are responsible for energy production and cellular regeneration. Keeping these active is essential for overall well-being, and activities such as fasting, exercising, and following a healthy diet contribute to mitochondrial health.

My goal is now to inspire others with my approach to health. As I plan my return to the Principality for the next chapter of my career, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge—and that of an ancient Roman poet—in a very 21st century way with the women of Monaco. The Principality, with its stunning coastal views and beautiful sunshine, certainly lends itself to living healthily and happily.

I believe my story is a testament to the power of a health-centric lifestyle, in which I have managed to achieve not only physical fitness but also mental clarity, self-love, and contentment. And in a world increasingly fraught with challenges, my journey stands as a reminder of the timeless wisdom of five words.

By Maren Tschinkel

Senior Contributor

Maren Tschinkel is a German top model. She was crowned as Miss Germany Earth 2018 . She writes for The Monegasque™ about healthy living and well-being .