7 Brainstorming Methods

Staring at an empty page or screen, wondering what the heck you are going to write/talk/whatever about? I had the same problem – but it doesn’t have to be a major issue anymore, for either of us!

Living with a mental illness is very much like doubling the number of balls you are juggling. (Confused? See The Juggler HERE) Everyday life gives us a certain number of things to deal with, and of course that number changes – but with a mental illness there are even more factors involved.

Racing thoughts, inability to focus, hallucinations – all of these things and more can be keeping a productive brainstorming session from happening.

I’m here to tell you that we can be productive despite these issues. Although these suggestions won’t eliminate symptoms, they can help you get work done despite them.

What I’m Doing About It:

First and foremost, I have to advise that you take any prescribed medication, and take it as prescribed. Being properly medicated helps so much with this process and these suggestions cannot replace medication.

On to what I’m doing:

• Making a routine
  • To get in a proper zone, I have certain things I do each time to help train my brain – such as having a hot beverage (usually coffee or tea), turning down the music, and finding a good work environment)
• Setting a timer
  • I actually set the timer twice for 30 min each. The first 30 min is to help me get in the zone, and the second 30 min is for actual brainstorming. I still try to come up with ideas in the first 30 min though!
• Using a separate tab on my computer
  • As someone who frequently has many tabs open, this helps reduce distractions. You could also turn on “focus assist” so notifications don’t pop up while you’re working.
• Silencing my phone or turning it face down
  • Another way to eliminate or reduce distractions.
• Pacing
  • Pacing a room or the house while brainstorming is a great way to keep from getting restless – an hour is a long time! It also helps with perspective – sometimes I will see something while pacing (in another room) that sparks an idea.
• Talking out loud
  • If you need to hear information to digest it then this is great for you – talking out loud can help us process our thoughts much more quickly and easily.
• Writing down EVERYTHING – even the outlandish ideas
  • Even if it sounds like a worthless idea at the time, write it down! You never know if you could come back later and tweak it, or somehow make it work. It could surprise you!

In a Nutshell:

Brainstorming is hard to begin with, and even harder when you have a mental illness to deal with. The above tips and tricks can help you have a productive brainstorming session even when you can’t focus, your thoughts are racing, or symptoms are otherwise in the way.

What helps you brainstorm? Have you tried any of the above? Let me know in the comments below!