Hey Frum Minimalists!! 🎉
Good Chodesh Adar! 🎭✨
I love hearing from my Frum Minimalists! Sometimes, a question is just so good that I have to share it with the rest of you.
Yesterday, during a time management session with a client, she asked me something I hear all the time this time of year:
“Right now, I’m just feeling so overwhelmed with everything I have to do to prepare for Purim! It’s just a lot!!! I’m not even gonna go into it… Although I’ve been starting to declutter (which is amazing!), I’m hosting a huge seudah, I have to get the kids’ costumes, plan out Mishloach Manos, and just SO much!! I don’t know what to do!”
I love this question because I have such a simple and easy solution that I use and teach my students. And I want to share it with you!
The Secret to Beating Overwhelm: Brain Dumping
When our brains are overloaded, we get stuck. We don’t know what to do first, so we do… nothing. Or we do the easiest thing (hello, scrolling our phones 📱🙈) while that mental clutter keeps building up.
That’s where brain dumping comes in. And it’s not just some cute productivity hack—it’s actually backed by neuroscience!
Why It Works
Your brain isn’t designed to store endless information—it’s designed to process it. When you try to keep too much in your head, your brain gets overwhelmed and starts running in circles.
This is something I always tell my students:
"Write it off of your head and heart, and onto paper.”
Yes. Paper. Not your phone.
When we physically write things down, something amazing happens. Science shows that writing by hand helps our brain process information better, reduces stress, and improves focus.
So let’s do this right now. It takes five minutes, and I promise you’ll feel a difference.
Step 1: The Brain Dump
Grab a notebook and write down everything on your mind. 📝
Purim prep
Groceries
Costume shopping
Clearing out the fridge
School paperwork
That thing you were supposed to do last week
Appointments, errands, phone calls—literally everything.
Write messy. Don’t overthink. Just dump it all out.
Why? Because once you see it all on paper, your brain can stop stressing about “remembering” everything. Just writing it down already gives you relief!
Step 2: Cut the Overwhelm in Half
Now, let’s make this list work for you instead of against you:
✔ Circle anything related to Purim (or whatever big event you’re planning for).✔ Underline things with a real deadline (not just things you wish you’d get done).✔ Cross out anything that’s NOT urgent or important. Be ruthless! If it’s not a priority right now, let it go.
💡 Fun fact: Studies show that when we physically cross things out, our brain registers them as done—which lowers stress! So even if you’re just deciding not to do something, you’re still getting relief.
Step 3: Delegate Like You're In Charge
Now, take a look at what’s left. Do you actually have to do all of it? 🤔
Some of these tasks don’t need to be done by you personally.
Highlight or mark anything you can delegate:
✅ Can your husband pick up the groceries?
✅ Can your cleaning lady clean the fridge?
✅ Can your sister grab that specific costume one of your kids wants if she’s there anyway?
✅ Can your older kids pack the Mishloach Manos?
✅ Can you order something online instead of running to five stores?
When we hold onto everything ourselves, we’re just adding to the overwhelm.
Letting go of even a few things makes a huge difference!
What’s Next?
Now, your list is clear. It’s no longer “everything I have to do” but a realistic plan of what actually matters.
In the another email, I’ll show you how to work backwards from big deadlines (like Purim day!) so you’re never scrambling last minute. But for now? Take a deep breath. You just made a huge step!
I'd Love To Hear From You!
📩 Did anything surprise you in your brain dump? Hit reply and tell me!
💡 Have a topic you’d love me to discuss? Let me know—I love hearing what resonates with you!
🎭For more on Purim click this link to Purim articles!
With love, Ellie
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