So your brain feels like it has 50 tabs open? Like so many that you can’t even see the little name of what each is? Yeah I feel you! It’s overwhelming and mentally exhausting when your mind is trying to keep everything in order and not forget things. Which is why you need to do a brain dump!
A brain dump is exactly what it sounds like: taking everything floating around in your head and putting it on paper (or a digital note). The result? More mental clarity, less stress, and a better sense of control. If you’ve never done one before, or if you’re looking to refine your technique, here are some of my pro tips to make your brain dumps more effective.
So let’s get into it so you can start to feel that sweet relief that comes with some mental clarity!
*** This article may contain affiliate links that I receive a small commission off of. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I always appreciate any support to keep this site running! Thank you!***
Tips For Doing Brain Dumps To Clear Up Your Mind
How to do a brain dump:
Tip 1: Set Aside Uninterrupted Time
A successful brain dump requires a distraction-free zone. Whether it’s 10 minutes in the morning, before bed, or when you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a quiet space to let your thoughts flow without interruptions.
Try setting a timer for 15 minutes. You don’t have to commit an insane amount of time to doing a brain dump but it is really helpful when the time you do set aside is uninterrupted so you can really let your thoughts flow.
Tip 2: Use the format that works best for you
Some people swear by the magic of writing things down on paper, while others prefer digital brain dumps in apps like Notion, Evernote, or even just a simple Google Doc. Choose the method that feels most natural and easy for you.
Your brain dump also doesn’t need to be proper sentences. Personally I prefer to grab a pen and paper and make a bullet point list of absolutely everything that comes to mind.
We will get into what things soon!
Tip 3: Write Down EVERYTHING (No Filter!)
A brain dump isn’t the time to organize, analyze, or edit my friends! It’s just intended to get written down anything and everything that’s occupying space in your mind. This can include:
- Things you need to do
- Worries or anxieties
- Random ideas or inspiration
- Unfinished projects
- Conversations you need to have
- Future plans or goals
Really it is ANYTHING that comes to your mind when you are thinking about all those open tabs in your brain.
There is no right or wrong way to do brain dumps and what you write down is personal. It’s about getting everything down on paper (or digitally) so you can see everything in front of you and make your plan for handling things. It doesn’t need to be “perfect” and no one besides you needs to see it!
Tip 4: Categorize Your Brain Dump (After You’re Done Writing!!)
Once you’ve unloaded your thoughts, take a few minutes to categorize or organize them. Some common categories that I use include:
- Urgent tasks: Things that need to be done ASAP. (I also like to highlight these tasks as well- which helps visualize the most important things).
- Future plans/goals: Ideas that aren’t urgent but still matter to you and your life.
- Worries or stressors: Things you can problem-solve or release.
- Random thoughts/inspirations: Creative ideas or things you want to explore later.
- Throwaways- this is anything that you can’t do crap about. Things that are taking up mental space but you can’t change them or prepare for them. These are items that you are going to want to work though why they are taking up mental space and how you can shake them!
Tip 5: Identify What You Can Take Action On
Not everything in your brain dump will need immediate attention, but some things will. Review your list and ask:
✔️ What needs to be done today?
✔️ What can be scheduled for later?
✔️ What can be delegated or removed?
I like to go through and see if there is anything that I can immediately deal with. Often it is “life admin” tasks like making a doctor appointment or paying a specific bill. Something that I keep putting off but that I know will make me feel so much better when it’s completed!
Tip 6: Use Prompts if You Feel Stuck
If you’re staring at a blank page and don’t know where to start, use these brain dump prompts:
- What’s been distracting me lately?
- What’s been stressing me out lately?
- What unfinished tasks are lingering in my mind?
- What do I need to do this week?
- What am I excited about?
The more often you do brain dumps the easier I find it to be! But no matter if it’s your first or 20th there is no shame in using prompts to help get those mental juices flowing.
Tip 7: Try a “Brain Dump Journal”
If you find brain dumps helpful, consider keeping a dedicated Brain Dump Journal where you can regularly clear your mind. This way, you can track patterns, recurring stressors, and ideas that pop up over time.
This is an assigned journal that you just regularly update when you have random things on your mind or are starting to feel stressed out by life!
Tip 8: Don’t Overcomplicate It
A brain dump isn’t about making a perfectly organized list guys!
It’s about getting thoughts out of your head so you can process them better. Let go of perfection, don’t worry about handwriting or structure, and just write it all down.
Korra-Shay
If you enjoyed this article on Tips For Doing Brain Dumps To Clear Up Your Mind then you probably (hopefully!) will enjoy and find these articles helpful as well:
You must be logged in to post a comment.