We all have endless to-do lists, 500 gatherings that we need to attend, and probably at least 20 thoughts on what could have gone better this year.
By the end of the month, we are all exhausted and stressed out of our minds, and we feel like it’s time for a December mental reset.
But guess what, you don’t need a spa day or a week off—5 minutes a day is enough to hit the reset button this December and get ready for the new year.
This blog post will teach you exactly how to clear mental clutter in just 5 minutes through a brain dump.
Real Quick: What is a brain dump?
A brain dump is the act of writing down everything that’s on your mind—tasks, ideas, emotions, goals—without judgment or organization.
It is a renowned strategy employed in various productivity methods, such as “Getting Things Done” by David Allen.
The main purpose of doing a brain dump is to clear mental space and get rid of all the useless, excessive things, such as stress, worry, finished projects, and whatnot.
After doing a brain dump, you’ll immediately feel a bit of relief, and you might even feel like you just did a complete mental reset.
Uh… Tell me why?
Improved focus and productivity
Our working memory has limited capacity.
Think of it like a computer (guess where they got all those ideas for AI ;0).
Your brain can only have several tabs open at the same time, without slowing down or freezing.
If you clear some tabs, your brain will work faster, better, and more efficiently.
Reduced stress and anxiety
When you are offloading the stress, anxiety, worries, thoughts of unfinished tasks, etc., you engage in cognitive offloading.
You are externalizing all these thoughts by writing them down on a piece of paper or typing them out on your device.
You are transferring the mental burden to an external tool.
Of course, this does not mean that suddenly all your problems are solved and you have no more stress or anxiety.
But it does mean that you reduce your stress and anxiety.
Enhanced creativity
A decluttered mind opens space for new ideas and inspiration.
When your brain actually has time to chill, to be a little less occupied, to be somewhat bored, creativity will start up.
As Robert M. Pirsig (a philosopher and writer) said: “Boredom always precedes a period of great creativity”.
Better sleep
Unfinished tasks or unresolved issues create mental tension, which leads to rumination (repetitive worrying).
Usually, during the day, you’re so busy that you don’t have time to worry about all the open tabs in your brain.
But once your head hits the pillow, you suddenly think about all those worries, fears, and unfinished tasks.
Just another great reason to do a brain dump at the end of the day, to get ready for a peaceful night of sleep.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Brain Dump
Clearing mental clutter is much easier than you’d think.
And these few simple steps will make it even easier
1. Prep your space and tools
Make sure you have a pen/pencil and notebook/piece of paper ready, or just open the notes app on your phone.
2. Dump everything out
Literally go into your brain and dump everything out.
Write down every thought you have, every unfinished task, every fear, every worry, etc., etc.
3. BONUS: Sort & organize
We don’t recommend doing this at night, since it will work out your brain a bit more, but a great way to deal with some of the things that you jotted down is to sort and prioritize.
Cross out the things you don’t need, write down solutions to irrational worries or fears, or plan some of the tasks you want to complete.
Being proactive after a brain dump can really help you organize your mind and get one step closer to a complete mental reset.
A Few ProTips to Make Your Brain Dump Even Better
- Do a morning dump for making plans
- Do an evening dump for unwinding
- Try to not be perfectionistic, it stalls the process
- Remind yourself—messy is okay; you can edit later
- Pair the brain dump hack with other mental reset tips and tricks for optimal results
As December winds down, a simple 5-minute brain dump can clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and spark clarity—empowering you for a true mental reset into 2026.
Try it today: grab a pen or phone and unload everything.
Subscribe for daily mental reset challenges that take less than 5 minutes to get you all ready for the new year.
And share your experience in the comments below!
Here’s to a refreshed, balanced adventure in the new year—you’ve got this!
