What will it do for me?
This task frees up processing space in your brain because the thoughts that were flying around your mind are now on paper. Brain dumps don’t solve problems, but as your thinking become less cluttered, ideas and solutions come to mind more easily than before. That is what solves problems and drives change.
Stress stifles ideas and creativity!
When to do it
You should do this every day either first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Some people use a particular notebook and pen but any piece of paper is just fine, as is the notes app on your phone.
How to do it
Get a pen and paper and write down everything that’s on your mind. This can include:
Worries
Problems
Anything that’s bothering you
Things to remember
Tasks to complete
Then rip it up and throw it in the bin. That’s it!
Feel a sense of achievement
As you complete the brain dump regularly you could find that it is useful to keep hold of part of your brain dump, such as the tasks. You can use this task list during the day and tick off the tasks as you complete them. I recommend that you only have three or four tasks on your list. By doing this you focus on them and are more likely to achieve them. A long list that is unlikely to be completed will have the opposite effect.
It is really important that people feel a sense of achievement every day, whether it is from work, family, personal development or life admin. This feeling makes people feel good and it motivates them to strive for more. If someone feels they are getting nowhere it will overwhelm, demotivate and make them look for an external source to feel good, such as alcohol or sugar. Equally, anyone who feels they have no purpose or anything to look forward to, this process can refocus the mind and break the cycle of feeling 'what is the point'. Achieve small goals, even if the goals are as small as having a shower or going for a walk.
Benefits
This is a great task to make habitual, for the following reasons.
Improve sleep
Reduce stress
Control anxiety
Assist memory
Organise your mind
Prioritise tasks
Aids relaxation
Enjoy a sense of achievement