Clear the Mental Clutter: How a 10-Minute Dump Can Reset Your Brain

Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is to unload what's weighing you down.

by James Smith, Executive Director

Ever feel like your brain has 47 tabs open—and none of them are loading? You're not alone.

In the middle of the chaos, the deadlines, the family life, and the text messages you forgot to answer, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of mental overwhelm. We’ve all been there. In fact, when I first stepped into the role as Chamber Director—during the busiest month of the year, no less—I was juggling a major leadership conference, an annual banquet, member renewals, and, oh yeah… learning a brand new job. “Overwhelmed” doesn’t quite cover it.

That’s when one of my favorite productivity tools saved me. It’s simple. It’s fast. And yes, it might make you chuckle:

It’s called a mind dump.

🧠 What’s a Mind Dump?

A mind dump is exactly what it sounds like: you take everything swirling around in your brain—your to-do’s, your worries, your appointments, your “don’t forget to…” moments—and dump them onto paper (or screen).

The goal isn’t to organize. It’s not a checklist. It’s a brain release valve. When you get it out, you create space for clarity, focus, and forward motion.

Productivity expert David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, says your brain is for having ideas, not for holding them. A mind dump clears the mental fog and lets your best thinking rise to the top.

⏱ How to Do a 10-Minute Dump

All you need is a timer and something to write with. That’s it. Here’s how:

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes.

2. Write down everything on your mind. Big stuff. Little stuff. Worries. Reminders. Random ideas.

3. No structure. No editing. No overthinking. Just dump it all.

4. If you like, write each thought on a Post-it Note. (Shoutout to Cynthiana’s very own 3M plant, which makes every Post-it Note in the world—how cool is that?)

What To Do After the Dump

Here’s where the magic happens.

Once your dump is done, you’ll probably have a page (or a pile of sticky notes) full of thoughts. Now, take a moment to scan through and:

• Group like items together: Emails, errands, calls, ideas, etc.

• Highlight or circle the most important ones.

• Trash the junk—yes, some things just aren’t worth your energy.

• Transfer action items to your calendar or task list.

If you used Post-its, you can move them around like puzzle pieces—great for visual thinkers.

When Should You Take a Mind Dump?

Anytime you feel mentally overloaded or stuck. Try it:

• On Monday mornings

• At the start of a big project

• Before bed if your brain won’t shut off

• When you feel like you’re spinning your wheels

💡 My Go-To Practice

I keep notebooks and Post-its handy all the time. As a night owl, my creative ideas often hit after 9 p.m.—so I dump them onto notes for the next day. It helps me sleep better, think clearer, and stay ahead.

And when I was mayor, juggling multiple departments and projects, a 10-minute dump helped me cut through the noise and focus on what mattered right now.

Why It Works

When your brain is full, you can’t think clearly. But once you unload the chaos, it’s like turning down the static on a radio—you can finally hear the signal.

A 10-minute dump won’t solve all your problems. But it will give you a clearer head, a calmer spirit, and a concrete list of what to do next.

So… got 10 minutes?Go ahead. Take a dump.Your brain (and your business) will thank you.