We’ve all been there. You’re in the carpool line running through your mental checklist before the kids get in the car just hoping things are taken care of before you transition into “mom mode.” But what if there was a better way? More peace, more structure, and more confidence that things are not falling through the cracks. We’d like to introduce to you Brain Dumping and why YOU need to know about it to help organize and simplify your life.
What is a Brain Dump?
Brain Dump Definition: A space to write down everything on your mind—no order, no judgement.
A Brain Dump is different than your average to-do list because it doesn’t have to have any specific end goal, such as checking something off after you’ve done it. Brain Dumping allows you to write down everything that comes to your mind so that if you can’t do something right in that moment, if you get a spark of inspiration that can’t yet be tended to, or if you’re unsure how to accomplish a specific and important task, putting it on paper by pulling it outside your brain will allow you the mental space to know that your thoughts are landing somewhere and won’t be forgotten.
What are the benefits of a Brain Dump?
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A Brain Dump frees your mind and helps to calm the inner clutter. This can dramatically decrease anxiety so that you can think about what matters most.
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It can boost your clarity and focus. Once everything is out of your brain, it becomes easier to see what is actually urgent vs. what’s just noise.
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It helps to improve sleep. It’s a form of emotional release and allows you to no longer think about things while trying to fall asleep.
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Prevents important tasks from falling through the cracks.
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Supports creativity by sparking solutions as you brainstorm through seemingly random tasks.
How to Set up a Brain Dump Page:
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Have a dedicated weekly space in your planner. In the momAgenda Day Planner, you have dedicated space each day to prioritize anything/anyone of your choice. This could be a great place to dedicate your weekly Brain Dump.
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If you’re feeling creative, you can use our washi tape to outline your Brain Dump box and make it pretty!
When is the Best Time to Use It:
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During your weekly planning prep
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Sunday Evenings
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First thing Monday morning
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During times of overwhelm
From Dump to Done: What to Do with the List
Once you’ve gotten everything down on paper and have the time to sort through it all, prioritize things that matter most. If there are tasks that are important, transfer them into your calendar so that you know they’ll get done at a certain time, rather than having to think about it constantly. If you find things on your list that are no longer important, don’t be afraid to let them go or delegate them.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Get things down on paper and take things one item, one day at a time. It’s okay for your mind to rest, too.
