Not a Shitpost
Because you’re going to read the word “dump” often, but I promise you it’s worth it
I’ll admit it — I’m not much of a talker. Most so when it comes to talking about the things that count. Baring my soul has never been one of my stronger points.
Over time and across relationships, I’ve puzzled people with this. Frustrated a few and even worried some. Fuelled by their best intentions, the more well-wishing among them have urged me repeatedly to find my outlet.
It isn’t that I don’t get their point. On more than one occasion, (whether I’ve admitted it to myself or not), I’ve felt the need for an ‘Eject’ button for my head. Or at least a ‘Pause’ one.
I never thought I’d put the word “pandemic” and “silver lining” together in a sentence, but here we are. It’s plain as day how the past year has brought about a renewed focus on mental health. Helping yourself to better emotional wellness has never been easier. I’d like to pay it forward and urge you too to seek out an approach that works for you. #ymmv, of course, but you might find something that does things you didn’t even know you needed.
Like I did. Introducing: The Brain Dump.
Ugly as it sounds, “brain dumping” has become my Habit of the Year 2020–21. It’s easy, accessible and minimal, but also massively effective. And all it needs you to do is write. Arm yourself with 15 minutes of time and your writing weapon of choice — physical or digital — and you’re mental battle-ready.
In its simplest form, brain dumping starts with you writing down _everything_ that comes to your mind. In no particular order and without worrying about whether it makes sense or not. Any of it. There’s nothing that can’t be in a brain dump (chores, shopping lists, work projects, health goals, travel plans, difficult conversations, scary thoughts — they all belong) and there isn’t a wrong way to write one. Remember that ‘Eject’ button I wish for? Think of this as a way of ejecting thoughts from your head onto the paper. Or in my case, a Google Doc.
T̶h̶e̶ ̶n̶e̶x̶t̶ ̶s̶t̶e̶p̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ I’m getting ahead of myself and will let the article do its job.
Doing it a couple of times a week helps me clear my head and reduce feelings of overwhelm and rudderlessness. It also gives me guidance for my day/week and helps clarify what’s noise and what isn’t. Freeing up the tons of mental energy I didn’t even know I had. To do the things that need doing, or even better, making me realise that I don’t have to do anything at all.
Secret hack: Unlike me, do you prefer talking to typing? Open a new Google Docs document on your computer and go to Tools >> Voice Typing. Give Google Docs access to your microphone and start rattling off whatever’s on your mind. Ta-da.
Till next time, keep putting it out there.
