Dmitry and Nadezhda Kokhno: The Power of a Woman’s Smile at Home
Dmitry and Nadezhda Kokhno: The Power of a Woman’s Smile at Home
Positivity, unconventional answers, and laughter—these two radiate energy that could light up an entire bar. We met over a cup of coffee, and their vibrancy was palpable. Some might say they never leave their work mode, but I’d argue they are harmoniously savoring every moment. Dmitry and Nadezhda Kokhno, a celebrated media couple, share their life philosophies in this insightful interview.
Time Management
Dmitry: I consciously avoid unnecessary tasks that drain my time. I dislike pretending to be busy just for the sake of it. Spending more than 45 minutes on a business meeting feels like a sacrilege to me. Work should be quick and efficient, while life should be slow and enjoyable. For me, a person’s success is measured by their freedom, not their busyness. This freedom should be filled with activities you love or find beneficial.
My current schedule resembles that of a sixth-grader signed up for every after-school activity imaginable! English lessons, music, choreography, vocal training, speech development courses—all alongside billiards, volleyball, and occasional gym sessions. Do I have enough hours in the day? Time is infinite, in my view. The more you plan, the more you accomplish. The key is to avoid unimportant tasks or to handle them swiftly and efficiently. Delegation is also crucial.
Morning Routine
Dmitry: I start my mornings on a rowing machine. I wake up earlier than Nadezhda and Platon. With nothing else to do, I row while the rest of the house sleeps. The rowing machine has a large water-filled cylinder. As you row, the propeller inside spins, creating a soothing sound of water under the blades of your morning. This routine is also my morning meditation.
Mornings don’t always have to be energetic. Sometimes, you can have breakfast and go back to bed. But if the day demands vigor, here’s my recipe: wake up, row at least a kilometer on the rowing machine, and take a contrast shower. Start with hot water, then switch to cold when it gets too hot. Instantly, you feel refreshed and light.
Beauty and Harmony
Nadezhda: The phrase ‘Beauty will save the world’ is more about harmony and the beauty of relationships with the world, oneself, and others. Beauty is incredibly powerful.
Do I have beauty secrets? When you feel good, you look good. So, my secrets are more about maintaining a good mood and well-being. Always smile at yourself in the mirror, no matter what. Drink plenty of water, up to two liters a day. Start your morning with two glasses of water.
Dmitry: And smile at your husband. When a woman smiles at home, the whole world seems beautiful. If it’s the opposite, expect trouble!
Nadezhda: It’s also challenging for women to maintain their beauty after childbirth. There are significant changes! Remember, it’s temporary, and it’s crucial to find time for yourself. Exercise is essential.
Dmitry: Interestingly, people who exercise are happier than those who earn a lot. According to a study published in The Lancet, active individuals experience fewer mood swings and depression compared to those who earn more but don’t exercise.
Stereotypes
Dmitry: It’s high time we eradicate stereotypes from our lives! Everyone is unique and bright. I love entering the metro and observing people. Each person has their own unique life, problems, successes, tragedies, loves, and losses. I often ride the metro and don’t understand the stereotype that if you own a car, you can’t use the metro. Some proudly say, ‘I haven’t been in the metro for five years!’ That’s a shame. The metro is convenient, clean, and spacious in Minsk. Plus, you meet diverse people there. Sitting in traffic is boring.
I used to surround myself only with outwardly attractive people. Now, I shudder at that thought. I abandoned that stereotype long ago. While first impressions matter, judging someone solely based on appearances is a mistake. There are countless people who are beautiful inside, and interacting with them is incredibly rewarding. You dive into their worlds and think, ‘Wow, what amazing people exist in this world!’
Forget stereotypes. Those who haven’t been in the metro this year, give it a try. You might enjoy it!
Healthy Eating
Dmitry: Dates were my first step towards healthy eating. They can replace dessert and leave me satisfied. I’ve started paying more attention to what I eat. Rational nutrition helps me feel better, and I like that.
Now, I try to consume less red meat, even though I’ve eaten a lot of it all my life and never accepted meatless dishes. Now, I clearly feel that if I don’t eat meat for lunch and dinner, I feel lighter and better: my skin is healthier, my figure is better, and my energy is stronger. Sometimes, at 9-10 PM, I feel as energetic as I used to at 3-4 PM: I have plenty of strength for new endeavors.
I believe that many people, especially those over 30, should think about what and how they eat. I’m sure they will see that 80% of a person’s life (health, appearance, physical and energy form) depends on food! For example, I just reduced my meat consumption, but in reality, I started paying more attention to what, when, and how much I eat.
Nadezhda: It’s become a bit challenging to feed my husband now! But our dinners are always interesting: lentils, bulgur, chickpeas… Of course, I support my husband, as it’s difficult to cook separately for each family member. And I see a certain lightness and energy in him.
Scars
Dmitry: Scars adorn a man. They are not just marks left on the body after certain injuries or victories; they are ‘notches’ on his personality, character, and strength. Each scar a man has is a reminder that he overcame something. Or that he made a mistake but managed to overcome it.
I have these ‘reminders’ on my body too. My longest scar is about 12 cm. Every time I see it, it reminds me that even if life gives you a serious kick, you can not only recover but also become better despite it. I had a serious arm fracture, underwent several surgeries, and was told I would never straighten my arm 100% again. I didn’t believe that. A year later, my right arm not only bent and straightened as before but also became stronger than my left. You must believe in yourself and your strength—you can achieve anything.
Generosity
Nadezhda: Generosity is very important for men, especially during the New Year and Christmas holidays! Generosity makes a man very attractive and plays a significant role in male energy and energy exchange. When a man understands that he needs to invest in his woman, he receives much more in return. But it’s worth noting that giving money and being generous towards a woman are different things. For a man, generosity is a gesture of trust, depth, and serious relationships.
Dmitry: I need emotional generosity from a woman. It’s enough to believe in me, encourage me, and be interested in my life—and I will be ready for anything.
