Nadya Hutagalung reveals her secret to happiness in life

You might remember her from her days as a MTV VJ, or from her gigs as host and then judge in the first two seasons of Asia's Next Top model.

Nadya Hutagalung was recently in town for the opening of The Yoga School, located on the 39th floor of the OCBC Centre. She is the new brand ambassador for the boutique yoga studio.

We caught up with the 42-year-old Indonesian-Australian beauty who looks like she hadn't aged a day. 

So how does she maintain her youthful appearance? 

While Nadya did not have a secret to staying young nor a remedy for aging, she revealed her secret in life to having happiness. 

She told us that it is important to take time to pay attention to our bodies and minds, and to "give back to ourselves".

Being a busy individual herself, Nadya understood how it is easy to neglect one's personal needs. 

"If you can learn to give back to yourself...you will find that you’re a better person for everybody around you. And that inner happiness will be what shows on the outside," she said. 

When asked how she does it, she suggests taking a little time out of one's busy day to slow down and to be "present in the moment", instead of worrying about tomorrow. It can be as simple as taking five minutes in the morning or 20 breaths in the middle of the day to pause and reflect. 

If you can learn to give back to yourself...you will find that you're a better person for everybody around you. And that inner happiness will be what shows on the outside.

Nadya Hutagalung

The yoga enthusiast told us that she also goes for weekly yoga sessions and makes an effort to meditate daily - both of which helps her to centre herself.

"Generally what I try to do is sit up first thing in the morning, try to centre myself and do a bit of light meditation even if it's only 5 to 10 minutes because that's something that everyone can do."

Formerly based in Singapore, the ex-supermodel married Singaporean Desmond Koh in 2006, and currently resides with him and their children in Bali, Indonesia.

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Back when she was still living here, Nadya used to take nightly walks with her husband after putting their kids to sleep as a way of taking time for herself. During their walks, the busy parents of three - sons Tyrone, 23, Finn, 15, and daughter Nyla, 9 - would use that time to exercise and catch up with one another.

This was one of Nadya's ways of investing in herself, so she could be a better daughter, wife and mother.

"When you can invest in yourself, the time that you spend with your kids and your family, or even with your parents, is usually much better because you've kind of satisfied your self-needs, and therefore you can be there for somebody else," she shared. 

So, with Mother's Day recently over, we were curious about how Nadya spent the day.

Starting with being pampered by breakfast in bed, the happy mother recounted how she was served heart-shaped egg whites along with peanut butter toast before being presented with handmade jewellery and a song by her children.

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On what she finds is the most challenging thing about motherhood? Nadya said: "Finding ways to inspire kids to want to do better... to want to be change makers in their world, and be (sic) engaged and passionate. I think that's really a challenge. That's something that I really hope I can do for my kids."

When asked if she had any advice for parents, she said: "Look after yourself!"

Fun facts about Nadya

Favourite food: Guacamole sushi

Favourite colour: Red 

Favourite travel destination: Kenya 

Favourite pastime: Cooking for the family

One thing she can't live without: Breath  

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ljoey@sph.com.sg