Scholar-Journalist of the Week: Practice saying no to ‘negative words’ for 24 hours

An MBA student with Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus in Jalandhar, Sajal Sharma has a list of hobbies and interests. She enjoys reading books, working out in the gym, dancing, singing, painting, sketching and cooking.  The 22-year-old emphasises, “Negative energy can have a huge psychological and emotional impact on you. It can ruin your day and make an otherwise enjoyable experience miserable.”  Thus she believes in practicing exercise and meditation,  promoting positive thoughts, listening to music, avoiding jealousy and being grateful to everyone around. Recently, Sajal also penned down an article, in which she highlighted ways to practice saying “no to negative words” for 24 hours. Read edited excerpts from her interview: 

What encouraged you to write on this topic: Practice saying no to ‘negative words’ for 24 hours?

Positive mindset and emotional well-being play a very important role in life. And this can be attained when one starts practicing saying “no negative words” for 24 hours. The decision to practice this was my  personal choice and was motivated by the desire for self-improvement or to improve relationships with others. Thus, I practice this sometimes. By avoiding negative language, it helps me focus on positive and constructive communication, which also leads to better understanding and cooperation. This practice helps me become more aware of my own thoughts and emotions, and how to express them through language. 

How do you fight negative thoughts?

If the attitude is negative, it can impact everything, including health, career, family, and more. Furthermore, negative thinking can have a spiraling effect that attracts more negative thinking. 

So how to overcome it? 

• Consciously replace your negative thoughts with happy ones  

• Be your own best friend 

• Write instead of think 

• Make a conscious effort to find things to love, like & appreciate 

• Stop watching fake news

• Develop your success routine 

• Focus on gratitude 

• Practice movement & meditation

According to you, what are the benefits of saying no to someone? 

There are following benefits of “saying no to someone”. Such as: 

• Saying no means you value your time 

• Saying no can be a brave act 

• Saying no means you know what you want 

• Saying no means standing your ground 

• Saying no is something saying yes

Do you like to read? What kind of books do you prefer?

I like to read motivational, romantic and comedy books. I also like comic books because it freshens up my mind and my stress just vanishes.  All the characters of comic books are funny and deliver great ideas to work with.

Any upcoming articles you are working on? 

Yes, the topic is: Impact of workplace diversity in company culture.

Your advice on how to find solace?

• Take break from stressful  environment 

• Learn to forgive yourself and others 

• Accept your own uniqueness 

• Take time to laugh 

• Don’t fear change 

• Don’t lose hope