Our minds are often bustling with loads of thoughts we don’t even notice - we don’t realise they are draining us. We have things on our mind, but they stay stuck without release when we are busy trying to work and focus on something else. Your mind can become very heavy and you don’t even know it.

Dr. Robert Collins, Psychologist at the Free Thought Association says “People who journal have fewer physiological illnesses. Recording their experiences causes them to become exposed to what's going on and to examine it in a more rational way at a time when the hot thoughts are not overwhelming.”

If you haven’t heart the words ‘brain dump’ before read what Scott Ginsberg says about it here: http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/2007/03/9-ways-to-journal-for-joy... He is a big fan of morning writings “As soon as you wake up, dump out everything you possibly can possibly for three pages. Clear you mind. Liberate yourself from those (mostly negative) thoughts. Once you’ve cleared your mind of all the crap, let the floodgates open and make way for the good stuff”

A fabulous thing about journaling and brain dumping is nothing is left bottled up. Thoughts you didn’t know you had about a topic get let out and explored. With all of it out of you its like your mind is tidier and cleaner – making you more ready for the world and just living. Journaling like this can bring huge clarity either while you are doing it or afterwards when your brain reorganises the information a different way and brings a new perspective or idea.

Dumping and writing is also great for cementing learning’s in your mind. A lot of the stuff I blog about are things I’ve learnt/needed to learn in my own life. By writing about it, I start to remember it more deeply and really take my own advice. My blog actually keeps me accountable to my self in a fantastic way. If I’m being petty about something I think “gosh and to think I wrote a blog about how not to be petty… and look at me!” Instantly I change my state and thinking.

Another great journaling tool is forgiveness letters. When you’ve got a relationship problem or rift with someone on your mind, write out a letter to them – include all your thoughts on the situation (really let rip), then tell them that you forgive them. It is cleansing for your soul. Even if you really really don’t forgive them yet, writing it all out and saying you forgive them will make you healthier and happier in the long run.

Give brain dumping a go for a few weeks and you will probably be a fan for life. It’s especially great for ‘over thinkers’. You may feel a whole new sense of peace and freedom – as well as a load more mental space.

Author's Bio: 

Allison O'Neill writes a self growth blog called "Live Knowing This" www.liveknowingthis.blogspot.com . Self growth has been a huge love of hers from a very young age. She has read hundreds of self help books. Been to all the 'entrepreneurs' seminars she could find, and adores Tony Robbins programs. She loves pondering, writing and learning as she writes. She wants to help people live better and simpler lives while loving learning and growing. Some people she adores that have and are ABSOLUTLY changing the world are... Steve Irwin, Ellen DeGeneres, Jesus, Wayne Dyer, Tony Robins and Lousie Hay.