One of the hardest parts about being a mom of three, active community member, and successful entrepreneur, is that there is SO MUCH TO DO and my brain sometimes has a hard time shutting off. Can you relate? 
To allow myself to sleep at night, I have a system I lovingly call, “Brain Dumping”. I don’t remember where I learned it, but it is a powerful way to let go of all the thoughts running through your head. This allows you to relax your mind and get the rest you need.
Here’s what you will need to implement my Brain Dump System:
1. A Pencil
2. Sticky Notes
With your pencil and sticky notes right next to you (or in a pocket), start getting ready for bed. Brush your teeth, take your makeup off, pick up items around the house, prep your outfit and so forth for the next day. As you are doing all of those things, your mind will begin to release ideas galore – tasks to do, people to call, articles to write, book titles, tweets, the grocery list, etc. As the ideas come to your mind, simply jot them down on a sticky note. This will release them from your mind!
I used to write a bunch of ideas on one note, but I find that it is better to simply write one idea on each piece of paper, and I will tell you why soon (as in tomorrow )
Once you are completely ready for bed, allow yourself some time to stretch your muscles, take some deep breaths, and give your mind just a little bit longer to release any other ideas.
I can’t wait to hear how you sleep tonight! Be sure to share you ideas for a restful night sleep in the comment area below!
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Awesome Sarah can’t wait for tomorrow’s post.
If after all the preparations, one still awakens in the middle of the night, you can just take the sticky notes out to the den and get the work done!
So true Beth and yes, I have done that before too! On rare occasions, I have pulled an all-nighter just to get all the ideas down and a game plan for implementation in place. Thanks for taking time to comment! Come back soon!
Great tip Sarah, very similar to the idea of a parting lot that we use often!
IT’s great having tips for switching off and I love the Brain Dump!
Jo
Thanks for the suggestion. I did this last night and for the first time in a while – I went to sleep quickly and slept well…
Thanks!
Jo – I am so glad to hear that you have a system that works for you!
Meredith – I am so glad you had sweet dreams! YEAH!
Alyssa – did you see the next post? http://sarahlcook.com/2011/10/sticky-notes-and-spiral-notebooks-organization-that-rocks/
Have a fab Friday y’all! (said with an East Coast accent)
Sarah, I keep scrap paper and a pen beside my bed for the same purpose. But I LOVE the idea of sticky notes . . . and one idea per note. Thanks for sharing!
Leanne – I used to use scrap paper, envelopes from the recycle bin, or whatever I could lay my hands on to write on. It was horribly disorganized! My Sticky Note system is a work in progress. Can’t wait to hear how it works for you! Thanks for stopping by to comment! I so appreciate you!
Great, I use the same method to get rid of bad emotions or to verbalize preocupations to bring them to the real world of action! Words are the world of human beings!
I am a big fan of brain dumping and use it for all sorts of things. Me and Mr D use it when we have lots on as a family in order to protect what is most important, I use it for business stuff and it is great for proactively keeping overwhelm at bay too.
What a great idea to use it in couple councils!! So smart!