A Daily 5 minute Practice to Promote Well-Being
Hi YOU!
Things certainly have changed since I last wrote a blog post. We are all sharing this unique human experience as our lives have been interrupted by the unrelenting threat of a virus. My family and I are on day 6 of “Q”, and I need a way to ensure that I journal each day for my own well-being – and to make sure I capture the highlights each day brings in this new reality – because I know all too well the remarkable benefits of journaling. I also want to help others who are looking for a way to ease anxiety, so I thought I’d actually do my journaling online and invite others to join me in that calm space – doing it together could be powerful.
To join me in journaling together, visit me on instagram @nancyroldanjohnson where I’ll set aside five minutes for us to engage in this beneficial practice. I suggest you start with day 1 to get tips on how best to prepare for freewriting.
While I am inviting you to answer three specific prompts: 1) Today I am feeling, 2) My intention for today is, and 3) I am grateful for…, please use this precious time – your time – to let out what needs letting out. It’s not about following rules, it’s about releasing your thoughts directly onto the page or computer screen, without stopping and completely ignoring the inner critic. There is no wrong way to do this. However you do it is perfect and whatever you feel is completely valid.
Please let me know how I can support you in this practice. Leave your comments and questions, as I’m sure you’ll be helping someone who is doing this with us.
I’ll be sharing some of my actual free-writes here.
Food– today is all about fermenting foods, cauliflower. The fermenting process creates lots of microbes and good gut bacteria that we need to fight infection. More good news: fermented foods can sit on the shelf or on counters, saving precious refrigerator space.
Body– today I will cycle indoors near an open window for fresh air. I will also do a free online yoga class with Dad. I’ll end the yoga session with a super simple and beneficial pose that almost anyone can do (see pic below).
Mind– I set the timer for 25 minutes and started reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. So far really, really good.
Gentle yoga pose
Courtesy of The Simple Things magazine September 2019 issue
My Free-write (Day 6 in Self-Isolation)
Nancy Roldán Johnson 
I’m grateful for you reminding me about self-care and journaling. It clarified some personal and family priorities that I wasn’t looking at. Thank you Nancy!
I’m so happy to hear it’s bringing you clarity, Glynn. It helps to see thoughts concretely in front of us and no longer taking unnecessary space. Then we can act on these, or decide to abandon them if that’s in our best interest.