Have you ever had so much on your mind that you couldn’t sleep or focus on your daily tasks? A heap of disorganized thoughts? Try brain dump!
It may sound like another big task when you already have a lot on your plate but it’s not.
The idea is that you put your thoughts out, without thinking, delay and censoring.
The result? Clarity and peace of mind.
Let's see how it's done.
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How to Brain Dump?
Brain dumping can be done in many forms: you can write long essays, draw pictures or link keywords to each other in a mind map.
This method is also known as freewriting.
Whichever output you prefer, the process is mostly the same: let your mind wonder freely and simply note everything down that comes to you. If you're a perfectionist, it's best if nobody sees your notes, so that you don't feel pressured to edit and polish them.
Let me repeat: let everything out. That is - if nothing comes to mind, write down :"My mind is blank, I don't know what to write about." Draw a scribble. Draw little hearts on the paper. You can do anything as long as you force your brain to create.
What your brain creates doesn't matter at this point.
It's important to not force your thoughts and try to filter them until you find something that is worth putting on paper. You most likely won't keep this note, so no need to spend time to making it look and sound fancy.
As long as you're creating, your brain will eventually unlock more and more creativity. Just trust the process.
Continue freewriting (or free talking, drawing) for as long as you like. I guarantee you that if you brain dump for just 5 minutes, you will start generating ideas. But don't cheat!
Try setting yourself a timer for 5 minutes, and commit to writing (or talking, or drawing) for 5 minutes straight, without stopping, and resisting the urge to erase and re-do whatever you created.
The easier you can generate creative ideas, the more likely you will find creative solutions when you find yourself in tough situations, both in your professional and personal life!
What to Put in Your Brain Dump Note
Think of a mind dump like a river. Allow all your thoughts to go with the flow.
Brain dumping can be used for a wide range of things, from solving inner conflicts to remembering all you need to pack for your next vacation.
Here are some ideas of what you can write about:
- Your raw and unfiltered ideas about a certain topic
- Your frustration about not being about to write
- Anything that bothers you.
- Poems and songs that can be your own or your favorites
- Progress on your job, projects, or side hustle
- Daily, weekly, or monthly tasks and goals
- The deadlines that haunt you
- Your shopping list
- House chores that make you feel lazy
- Lingering dreams and nightmares
- Themes or subjects like art, the weather, and so on
- Anything that crosses your mind
Once you’re done, you can even set up tags. Circle the things that make you happy. Underline the thoughts that make you stressed. You can color-code to catch the thoughts that match. You can even doodle and decorate your pages.
If it’s a voice recording, you can type tiny reminders to go with it.
Brain Dump Methods
Traditional Brain Dump
A paper and pen are all you need to keep it traditional. You can write on loose sheets, in your journal, or even in an old notebook.
Feel free to experiment with brush markers, glitter pens, or other fancy stationery too. Pick your weapons of mass creation and get ready to write away!
You can brain dump in a simple notebook, a fancy journal, or on a whiteboard.
The advantage of brain dumping on a paper is fewer distractions, and, because handwriting takes longer takes longer than typing - so your brain is forced to slow down, process and filter your thoughts!
There's more: studies have shown that writing by hand activates certain parts of your brain that are important learning and memory!
Digital Brain Dump
Would you rather turn to technology?
Not only it is faster than off-screen methods, but you can also edit it and find your
older notes easier.
My favorite tools for brain dumping are:
- Trello
- Google Docs
- Evernote
- The Note app on iPhone
- A Voice Recorder
That's right: you don't need to limit yourself to typing if your most creative ideas flow while driving or walking. Even if you never listen to your voice memos later on, the simple act of thinking out loud can help you gain clarity and boost your creativity.
When and How Much Should You Brain Dump?
You can do it daily, weekly, or even monthly. It could be anywhere from seconds to minutes. It all depends on how much your brain needs to lighten up.
If your routine is hectic, you can pick a day or time to follow. You can also set up a timer to not run behind schedule.
A great resource for this is the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron where you can get familiar with the so-called morning pages.
In my personal experience, it's best to not overthink it: do the dumping whenever your brain feels crowded. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about getting it done.
Whatever you choose, commit to it all the way. It will do wonders for you. And if you make it a morning habit, mind dumping can skyrocket your productivity.
What Will You Get Out of Brain Dumping?
A regular brain dump session can help you...
- Remove the "empty canvas" feeling
- Organize your jumbled thoughts into organized lists
- Tackle life's difficulties
- Learn that you can't have good ideas before allowing your mind to generate ANY idea
- Untangle your thoughts faster and with ease.
- Get rid of the writer’s block and get those great ideas flowing
- Steer clear of negative thoughts
- Brainstorm new ideas and become more creative
- Focus on doing tasks rather than thinking about them
- Learn what makes you happy or sad
- Silence your mind for a sound sleep
- Listen to others better
All in all, you’ll be pouring out to your brain’s content for a more blissful you.
Pro tip: why not link it to your meditation routine?