Brain fog makes simple tasks feel heavy. The fix is remembering less by trusting a system.

Pair this workflow with the Daily Briefing Guide to process what you capture.

Quick Path ⚡️

  • Pick one inbox for ideas: a single notes app or doc named Brain Inbox.
  • Turn on voice to text, then dictate every loose thought into that one inbox.
  • Use voice reminders for time-sensitive items; skip typing when possible.
  • Triage once daily: move actions to your reminders or calendar; archive the rest.

Phase 1 — Capture Without Friction (⏱️ 5 min • 🧩 Easy)

  • Choose your inbox: Create a note called Brain Inbox in your preferred app.
  • Enable dictation/voice typing on your phone and computer.
  • Pin it: Add the note to your home screen or favorites for one-tap access.

Phase 2 — Build the Safety Net (⏱️ 7 min • 🧩 Easy)

  • Pick one reminder system: your phone’s Reminders/Calendar or your main desktop calendar.
  • Create two lists: Today and Soon.
  • Set anchors: Add medication and recurring essentials with clear times.

Phase 3 — Daily Mini-Review (⏱️ 4 min • 🧩 Easy)

  • Set a 2-minute timer; open Brain Inbox.
  • Scan top to bottom; for each item decide Do, Schedule, or Archive.
  • Convert actions into reminders with dates only if they matter.

The Prompt Kit 🧰

This system relies more on device features than AI, but you can use a prompt to process your captured notes.

AI Summarizer Prompt

Summarize this note for action. Output: 1) Tasks with when/owner, 2) Deadlines, 3) One 2-minute next step.

[PASTE YOUR VOICE NOTE TRANSCRIPT HERE]

Privacy & Redaction Reminder
This workflow is primarily device-local. If you use an AI to summarize notes, ensure you redact any sensitive personal or medical information before pasting.

Offline Backup (No-AI / Printable)
This system is already offline-first, as it relies on your device’s local notes and reminders apps.

Troubleshooting
  • Too many apps scatter captures.
    • Fix: Collapse to one inbox and one reminder system. Migrate later if needed.
  • Alert fatigue from reminders.
    • Fix: Use dates only when real. Move non-urgent items to Soon without a time.
  • Voice capture butchering names.
    • Fix: Spell the name slowly once. Add the contact to your device for better recognition.

Friction Fix 🔧

  • One-phrase automation: Create a shortcut/routine named “Note This” that opens Brain Inbox to a fresh recording, saves to the top, then asks “Remind you?”.
Need to process what you capture? Use the Daily Briefing Guide to turn your inbox into an action plan.

Next Action ▶️

Start a 2-minute timer. Dictate one worry for tomorrow into Brain Inbox, then set one reminder for the exact time you’ll handle it.

Accessibility and Care ♿

  • Voice first is allowed: You can operate all steps with voice commands on modern devices.
  • Customize to your day: Slow down on low-energy days; expand on sharp days.
  • No medical advice: This is a workflow, not treatment.

Support & Further Resources 🙌

  • Device Guides: Apple Dictation, Google Assistant, and Windows Voice Typing official documentation.
  • Peer Support: National MS Society (US), MS Society (UK), and other community forums.