Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post in partnership with BIC. All opinions expressed are, as always, my own.
Right beside me is today’s to-do list, and beside that is my monthly goal sheet for bigger projects. Take a walk from the office into the kitchen and you’ll find my grocery list on the counter. Weekly and monthly tasks are written on the calendar at our command center.
Sound familiar?
We wade through clutter and chaos on a daily basis, and these lists we make are just one example of how we cope and move forward. It’s easy to go through daily life on autopilot sometimes, which results in forgetfulness or being totally sucked into what life throws at you that day. Pretty soon, it becomes easy to forget the little things like mindfulness and gratitude.
Wait. How did I get from making lists to being ungrateful? If we don’t learn to slow things down from time to time, that daily autopilot brings on mental clutter which can easily disrupt our balance. To combat this, we need to focus on how we spend our time and energy.
This need for mindfulness is where a 5 Minute Journal comes in. It’s a simple way to reflect on your day, organize your thoughts, track your goals, maintain focus and clear the mind. Putting pen to paper promotes a positive mindset, aids in recollection and fosters gratitude. Plus, it’s a great exercise the entire family can participate in, helping your teens and tweens identify their goals and reach their full potential with fun, creative and educational activities.
Tools required:
This is the best part, because all you need is a notebook and a writing tool. It’s compact, portable, discreet, and simple! I’m currently using BIC® Gel-ocity® Quick Dry Gel Pens, because they offer a super smooth writing experience and come in an array of fun, vibrant colours that help you bring your creativity to life.
Journaling Tips:
When spending your 5 minutes journaling, simply write what is on your mind. What results is most likely what is causing that clutter and chaos.
Encourage your family to focus on gratitude and reflect on the positive experiences from their day. Easy solutions may not come right off the bat, but you’ll start seeing ways to help manage and wade through the clutter.
My biggest tip is to be colourful and creative. Draw photos and doodle away if the urge strikes. Be expressive and let your writing flow freely to paper.
Benefits of a 5 Minute Journal
Soon after starting your 5 Minute Journal, you’ll notice a sense of accomplishment. It’s a space to help organize your thoughts, reflect, clarify feelings, develop positive mindsets and can be used to increase self-esteem, productivity, and strengthen emotion.
Since there are no limits, it’s also an effective tool to help craft your roadmap to success. It can be used to discuss work/school roadblocks, set and track goals, and identify setbacks and successes that help you and your family reach your full potential.
The benefits are endless, but they all work towards forming a better you. By writing down your thoughts, worries, hopes, goals and experiences, you’re finding respite from the clutter and can enjoy all the good things to come.
Have you tried a 5 minute journal?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.
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krystal says
So I only use these pens – honestly! I discovered them over the summer, and I love all their colors for my planner.
Connie says
I have been keeping a journal like that for a long time. It really helps me to be able to collect my thoughts and have the all in one place. Plus all the colored pens are a lot of fun too. Haven’t tried these Bic pens yet, but I will be looking for them next time I go to the store.
Huey Teng says
With my 5-minute journal, it started off as an excuse to practise my amateur calligraphy skills. I then realised how much it helped me to be grateful for little things that happened to me each day and I’ve been continuing to jot down in it each day. I’ve been using Tombow pens for my journal, but ever since I moved to Kamloops, Canada, I can’t seem to find them. Will try looking for these BIC pens instead, thanks!
yvonne says
I haven’t tried the 5 minute journal yet, but, we’re going BTS shopping today and there is a journal and gel pens on the list.
Marcie W. says
I really want to add a daily journal into my self care routine. I love the idea of using a different color gel pen for each topic.
Scarlet says
Great ideas. I just love journaling. I always use pencil but I think I will try your fun pen colors idea- how pretty!
Angela says
I like how you have this as a family experience. I think my daughter and I could manage 5 minutes a day. Thanks for the idea.
Calvin says
Nice way to defuse the situation! It’s great how writing things down can help