How do I insert/add text within a multilevel list for the body?

I am beyond frustrated with this issue, and cannot seem to find any resources online to help with this seemingly simple issue:

How do I insert or add text within a multilevel list?

I am trying to create documentation (SOP) for my office, and am trying to create a document with chapters and sections. I have seen a TON of videos and tutorials that demonstrate this, such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiChXfl2U8w

However, every single video or tutorial I see has the document already written, and involves highlighting the text you want and then clicking the corresponding header within the list. This is great and all, but how do I add NEW sections or chapters to my document, or even the text below it? For example, if I have two headers defined, Header 1 for Chapters, and Header 2 for Sections, I would want the following:

Chapter 1 - Overview
Text to briefly describe chapter.

1-1 Purpose
Paragraph to describe the purpose.

How can I generate the Chapter 2 portion, or even add a section 1-2 and then put text beneath that? Normally, for list, I just hit enter and it creates the next list element. Just as well, how can I add text to go underneath the Chapter 2 portion?

Would really appreciate any guidance, or resources, on what I can do to accomplish this.

Solution 1:

Switch to using a MultiLevel List attached to Styles and use Styles.

This method is explained step-by-step in Word MVP Shauna Kelly's page on Numbering.

I've outlined it in my answer here.

Each numbered level in a list is attached or connected to a separate existing paragraph style. You assign the numbering level then by using styles. You use Body Text, Normal, or another non-outline level style for your text between numbered elements.