Living Life Queen Size

A passionate educationist, Alka Kapur is the principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. Holding an illustrious career of 33 years in academics and administration, she is a born leader and strives to maintain a fair balance between her work and personal life. She is also the President of Sahodaya School, North West Delhi, presently. She takes each day as it comes and has a deep sense of contentment with what she has accomplished. In an exclusive interview with Corporate Citizen, she talks about her wellness philosophy and how she maintains work life balance

alka Kapur

Corporate Citizen: What is your philosophy on wellness?

Alka Kapur: A fit body is an abode to a physically thriving, mentally healthy and spiritually developing system. It is for this reason that I believe that our day must begin by tending to all the above three domains in order to enhance our quality of life. When there is mind-body balance, your body is energised and at ease, which is a prerequisite for a content and productive life.

Unless there exists a harmonious unison of mind and body, your happiness will always be short-lived and dependent on external stimuli. A healthy body serves as a pathway to happiness because you exuberate joy when you feel it within yourself. My principle is that I will choose to be happy without any reason or expectation and solely for the fact that it is good for my health.

CC: Your idea/mantra about keeping fit?

It is often said that wellness encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind, and a tranquil spirit. I reckon, in order to achieve a healthy body and lifestyle, it is imperative to keep a check on your mental and emotional well-being as well. I can personally vouch for the fact that I have been able to tread extremely demanding situations by maintaining proper mind-body equilibrium. My ability to stay positive and reflect gratitude under difficult circumstances is what makes me strong and capable to brave any weather. It is only during testing times and hardships that you can assess your grit and strength, which can only be possible by committing yourself to a healthy way of living. I am grateful and thankful to the almighty for giving me the ability to laugh and the power to move forward.

CC: What keeps you fit and healthy?

I believe the first step to keeping fit and healthy is understanding the requirements of physical and mental health. Therefore, once I became aware of these nuances with respect to my mind and body, the way forward became clearer and easier. I fixed my workout regime and yoga sessions in consonance with my needs and removed the unwanted lifestyle activities that would have contributed to the deterioration of my mind-body balance.

All my years of experience have taught me one thing there is nothing meaningful beyond your own happiness and contentment. Such commitment to preserving your happiness can be achieved by adopting an empathetic and positive attitude towards everyone. Moreover, my happiness is not fixated upon the actions of anyone else as I am the only person in charge of my happiness. Also, early on in my career, I had learnt that accepting an individual for how they are and treating them with compassion will always keep you grounded. That is how I keep my calm and cool.

CC: How do you like to rejuvenate and recharge?

The serenity and calmness in nature rejuvenate my spirits and cast a youthful spell upon me. Whenever I find myself in a quandary or feel the need to recharge myself, I try to stay connected with nature as much as possible. Often at home, I keep my mind engaged with gardening along with my granddaughter. The time I spend doing home gardening with her helps me to detach my mind and emotions from the fast-paced life, and reinstates a sense of joy. The patience required to see a plant bloom from a bud to a beautiful flower makes me understand the importance of care and support. This serves as a reminder for me about how wholesome my career is and motivates me to commit to each of my duty with utmost sincerity. I also love animals and I am always thrilled to be in their company. I truly believe that animals are perfect companions during stressful times. They can’t talk but they surely can understand you.

CC: Do you play any game which helps you in your work?

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of playing in my life. Playing games is not one of my strongest suits but it definitely is something that enlivens my spirits and promotes my physical well-being. I actually do not confine myself to playing a single game and rather take interest in playing any indoor or outdoor game. I make sure to spend my play times with my granddaughter or students so that I immerse my mind in youth and glee. I have ensured that I dedicate some time every week or whenever I get time to either pick up a friendly match of chess with my granddaughter or a game of badminton with my students in my school. The majority of my stress is released, my mind feels liberated and my body stays in shape by engaging in such light-hearted activities. The fundamental lesson that games teach us is embracing failure with grace and appreciating the victory of your adversaries. Further, every game teaches you that teamwork and persistence are inextricably connected to success.

CC: What is your food philosophy?

I am very mindful of how I treat my body and therefore, I am careful of what I put in it. I have always championed the saying that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Following this old age adage, my primary philosophy for food is making sure to consume plant-based meals as much as possible in order to keep the quotient of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants sourced out of plants, high. Naturally derived food will replenish my body with just the right amount of nutrients that are vital to keep a healthy immune system and stimulate easier metabolism. I have maintained such food habits wherein, I absolutely refrain consumption of processed food owing to the fact that they contain an excessive amounts of preservatives. Basically, I am an ardent follower of the belief that one must eat to survive and not survive to eat.

CC: Your exercise fundamentals?

I have incorporated my exercise routine in a way to keep up with the daily responsibilities of my teaching and administrative profession. Being engaged in a sedentary job, I have ensured that I find some time to maintain mobility which will enable the movement of my muscles. The prime focus is to avoid remaining stationary and go for short strolls. I absolutely take pleasure in discussing work-related matters with my colleagues while pacing up and down the corridors of our school. Inevitably, I have to juggle between work and home at times. Nevertheless, I stick to a time when I usually go for walks in my house’s vicinity and whilst walking attempt to get my work done as well. I enjoy freestyle dancing as well and this is another great way to be active and entertained at the same time. Exercising does not only change my body, but also my mind and attitude towards life.

Tips to maintain work-life balance

• The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
• Always stick to the plans you make at work.
• Learn to work smarter, not harder.
• Maintain a stopping point, and do not exceed it.
• Set up boundaries and manage your boundaries.

CC: What message you would like to give to youngsters on time management?

One who cannot manage time, cannot manage their life because the key to a successful life is not spending life but investing in life. That is why it is famously said that time is more valuable than money; therefore, choose to spend it wisely. I follow a very plain and simple philosophy with regards to time management and that is, if you are early, you are on time, if you are on time, you are late and if you are late you are gone. I believe half the work is accomplished if you are on time. Moreover, spare yourself some time to engage in some leisure activity. Every individual, including adults, should always explore their creative side as well. Hobbies are a great escape from worries and troubles that inundate our lives. One’s identity is one’s profession. I understand that the essence of time is very important at every juncture of a profession and one must find adequate space in order to maintain a work-life balance. Every pursuit is a travesty, if you do not strike balance.

CC: How has your journey been?

My life has been a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. The ride till now has not been smooth sailing but I have managed to handle every hurdle as if it is one road bump at a time. Nevertheless, I see my journey as full of lessons and enriching experiences that have made me who I am today. When faced with difficult times, strangely enough, I draw inspiration from a duck who is peddling hard underneath the water, yet maintains a firm appearance on the surface. When you stand staunch on your resolve to accomplish your goal, no amount of barriers can break your will. I have immense gratitude for the people I am surrounded with because throughout all my hardships the only thing that had been certain was their unwavering support.