Maria Papavergos talks about her life in Scotland and why yoga and wild swimming are so important when it comes to unwinding.
Please introduce yourself
Based in south west Scotland, my interest lies in preventative education through diet and nutrition for oral health, as well as through promoting a healthy lifestyle. I am a practising yoga instructor and passionate advocate for holistic health and wellbeing.
What do you get up to in your spare time away from dentistry?
Aside from yoga, which I try to incorporate into my daily life, I am also a keen wild swimmer. There is nothing better than jumping into a Scottish loch at the end of the day. I love to combine yoga with paddle boarding too…often ending up with a wild swim to finish!
Are you a foodie?
Absolutely! Delicious and nutritious is my mantra… I try to teach my little ones about wholesome, healthy eating. But don’t get me wrong, we all indulge in plenty of treats too! As a family, we like to cook from scratch and experiment with different ideas and flavours. I love to show our children where food comes from. We have chickens for our eggs, a blooming vegetable garden and living on a working family estate, we eat what we shoot!
Are you into any sport?
Running and wild swimming, as well as yoga, are my main sports. They easily fit into my life from home and around the children. I love cycling too, but rarely manage to go far with three children in tow!
What type of television/movies do you like – any guilty pleasures?
I love a thriller. Anything to keep me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I don’t have the stamina to watch movies any more. I’m pretty exhausted at the end of the day and always end up falling asleep on the sofa!
Do you like to travel and do your hobbies take you anywhere in particular?
I do like to travel, although the pandemic has obviously put things on hold. I’m a big fan of Europe, especially Greece since that is where my family roots lie. I have been on yoga retreats abroad and within the UK. But since I’m planning to start my own, I am likely to be spending more time in our beautiful part of the world, in rural south west Scotland. Sometimes the best thing about travel is the feeling of coming home. I’m lucky enough to say home is my paradise.
Why is it important to have hobbies away from your profession?
For me, yoga is my headspace. It is an opportunity to find mental calm and clarity, to build physical strength and flexibility. It is a personal journey and a journey that I am passionate about inspiring others to embark on.
