Artistic Impressions & Passion Unlimited!
Priyal Thakkar, an all-inclusive and accomplished artist by profession, epitomises art with the stroke of her skill and creative expertise. She’s always been extremely resourceful, versatile and thoughtful with the way she leads her life. Her ambitions have brought her to the ballpark of her career, sustained with a journey that could be an inspiration to many. Art for her is not a business, but a calling in life and a privilege to live a dream. Her monumental and spatial photography combined with artistic elements inspired by wedding album designing art, is called “Paintography”. She has had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions across the country at galleries like the Jehangir Art Gallery and Coomaraswamy Hall at The Prince of Wales Museum. One of her prominent exhibitions is currently at a top interiors store in the city of Mumbai - ‘Vaishnavipratima - The Interiors Store’. Her work has also been displayed at The New York Metropolitan Pavilion in 2018. In an exclusive conversation, we get to understand her health and wellness philosophy…
"For me to make sure I can maintain holistic wellbeing, I surround myself around people that impact me in a positive manner, and I try not to compromise there"
Corporate Citizen: Your philosophy on wellness?
Priyal Thakkar: Wellness for me is knowing yourself - your strengths and weaknesses and moving forward with awareness. I feel all matters start in the mind, and having a healthy mind is most important. I believe awareness is all you need to have holistic wellbeing. Once you are aware of your shortcomings they become easy to overcome, as well as awareness of adverse circumstances externally.
For me to make sure I can maintain holistic wellbeing, I surround myself around people that impact me in a positive manner, and I try not to compromise there. The right environment makes all the difference to the way to think and live. Good habits follow automatically. I keep in touch with a bunch of people that inspire me and push me to always strive for better, not just in my professional life but in personal life as well. It is also equally important that one lives in harmony with one’s family and keeps family at the forefront over everything else.
CC: How does your art help you in dealing with atress?
The moment I go into a mode of creation, even if it is just for fun, it puts me in a mode of healing, no matter what it is that I’m dealing with at the time. I also go on to write my thoughts about what I’ve created, so automatically my perspective on matters that are upsetting, change right away. And the moment I’m done, I’m already in a better place. I make sure I create something or the other on a daily basis, even if it is just something on my phone.
CC: Your mantra about keeping fit and well?
Constant gratitude for everything-experiences you’ve had and are having and the learnings you get. The amazing people you have in life, the talents you’re gifted with and every opportunity that you get to use them.
CC: What keeps you fit and healthy?
I try to stick to a schedule that I create the night before. That makes me feel like life makes sense and I feel at ease. I find spending time alone with yourself for some time every day is very effective in remaining calm and cool. I also read books that interest me before sleeping, ensuring great sleep.
CC: Your stress busters?
I engage in creative activities all day, besides what I create professionally & create while practising. To take up my share of helping around the house, I cook. For workouts, I’m into dance fitness or I play golf to keep fit. I watch light comedy shows, to de-stress sometimes. My hobby is abstract watercolor painting. I’m also learning to play the mouthorgan.
"The moment I go into a mode of creation, even if it is just for fun, it puts me in a mode of healing, no matter what it is that I’m dealing with at the time"
CC: Your food philosophy? Is that also part of your wellness regime? Your diet fads?
Yes, I eat foods that suit me and make me feel good even after my meal. I avoid eating foods that make me feel any discomfort later on. I’m mildly allergic to gluten, so I avoid wheat and mainly bread, I indulge in sour dough bread sometimes, if I have to.
CC: Anything you will like to say about ‘your exercise fundamentals’?
I feel one should select a form of exercise that one enjoys, there are so many options out there these days. I do not enjoy yoga as much, but it has immense benefits. I try to practice a couple of rounds of Suryanamaskar in the morning.
CC: How do you set out your priorities to keep your work and personal life balanced?
As an artist, you get the benefit of flexibility with timings. I do use that to my benefit and I take each day as it comes. There are days when your personal life is more important and requires more of your attention, so I prioritise accordingly, and vice versa.
CC: What helps you the most in maintaining calm and peace despite an overload of work?
The tagline of Nike inspires me - “Just Do it”
CC: For women, it is tougher. How do you manage?
True, I manage because of the support of my family and mainly my parents. They’ve invested in me emotionally and in every way, that keeps me motivated. They believe in me and my talents primarily.
CC: Five tips that work the best for you to maintain work-life balance.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat well.
- Give yourself some quality time daily.
- Some form of exercise as soon as you wake-up.
- Do what you love or love what you do!
CC: Anything else you would like to say about keeping fit and on holistic wellness, what can others learn from your learnings?
I have put up quotes, messages, documents of achievements and photos on all my walls that push me, motivate me and make me feel amazing about myself, the moment I enter my room which is my happy place!