Brain Dump: The Why, When, And How

This post has been sponsored by Zebra Pen. However, I can assure you that all thoughts and opinions are unprocessed! That means they are my own!

Hey, Goal Diggers! I’ve had a few requests to write about brain dumping and I’m super excited to pour this information into y’all while also telling you about my favorite, stylish, and affordable premium pen, the G-402^® Gel Retractable Pen by Zebra Pen!

Okay, let’s get into it!

Brain Dumping! Many have requested this topic because they ask me “how I manage to reduce my stress with such a busy schedule,” and one of the many ways I do so is by brain dumping. When you have a lot going on sometimes it’s not about calendars, planners, and reminders. Sometimes it’s a matter of taking what’s on your mind and releasing it onto paper, which is what brain dumping is!

Wait, so what is brain dumping?

Simply put, a brain dump is offloading information from your brain and releasing it onto paper. There are several reasons and ways that brain dumping is done. In this post, I’ll walk you through my brain dumping techniques, when I brain dump, and why I brain dump!

I am aware that many of the goal diggers in this community come from a technology-led generation and even if you do not—we are currently living in times where technology is the first option. However, consider the standard way when brain dumping by using pen and paper. When you write it out you are not only transferring thoughts, but also energy. It’s even more enjoyable when you’re writing with your favorite pen! For me, that is the STEEL G-402. It has a 0.5mm point size with fast drying gel ink and a stainless-steel barrel that makes writing look and feel effortless.

Do you have that favorite pen that always brings out your best handwriting? That pen that makes you feel as if you’re having a premium writing experience? The STEEL G-402 gives me the best writing experience. Whether using it personally or professionally, my writing experience subconsciously helps me accomplish my goals. Plus, it’s available both in blue and black ink. Check out more information to see how you can Choose Different: https://bit.ly/3gANjea.

So, why a brain dump?

Brain dumps serve many purposes and as I walk you through the types of brain dumps you could do—it’s important to keep in mind what the purpose of your brain dump is. I love brain dumps because they help reduce stress and anxiety. When I am able to release my thoughts and transfer energy from my mind to paper it makes me feel as though I’ve decluttered my mind. Brain dumps also help me organize and prioritize the many tasks that I may need to face in a day or week.  

Okay, so when should I do a brain dump?

• At the end of the day to empty your thoughts
• When you have a lot on your mind
• When you have a busy schedule or a lot of projects/tasks to complete
• In the morning to organize your day
• When you have a fresh, new business idea
• At the end of a week or to prepare for a new week (Friday before leaving work/Sunday night)
• When feeling an emotional imbalance—after an argument/disagreement

This helps, but how do I brain dump?

How you choose to do your brain dump is up to you! I recommend taking an approach that aligns with the meaning behind your brain dump. When brain dumping you can be as organized or disorganized as you’d like. The point is to get the thoughts out of your mind and onto paper. So, if you have to get everything out, do that first and organize it later. If you’d like for it to be more strategic or intentional, take the organized approach from the beginning.

Examples

Here’s how I’d use both the organized and unorganized approach. If I have a busy week or weekend ahead and the number of tasks I need to complete make me feel overwhelmed or anxious, I throw the ideas out of my head and onto paper using my STEEL G-402. If needed, I take time to organize it after. What’s personal? What are the errands? What is blog and business related?

In another situation where I’d take an organized approach is organizing my tasks for the day by what I must, should, and could get accomplished. This organized approach helps me gain clarity over my day. With brain dumping, I can strategically and intentionally accomplish tasks throughout my day.

An example of when I’d take an unorganized approach is when I feel overwhelmed about the number of tasks I continue to tell myself I need to complete, but I can’t wrap my head around all that needs to be done. So, instead of carrying it in my mind I release the thoughts, as they come, onto paper.

Brain dumping is such a great way to declutter your mind and I hope you consider using this strategy as one of your methods to reduce stress, anxiety and overthinking. To help you get started, I’ve created easy-to-use brain dump templates for your use! You can download it from the link below or head over to the Unprocessed Lifestyle shop for the free download!