Intellectual wellness

Last month we examined emotional wellness and now we will investigate intellectual wellness, how it contributes to lifelong learning and increases knowledge and skill building.

Intellectual wellness is defined as exploring our creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills. Intellectual wellness is the practice of nourishing your intellect, stimulating your brain and supporting mental health habits. It is one of the eight dimensions of wellness and can be developed throughout your life through personal and professional development, cultural and community involvement.

Intellectual wellness stimulates critical thinking, curiosity and creativity. Just like exercise and physical fitness, training our minds is fundamental to supporting our intellectual wellbeing. By cultivating intellectual wellness throughout your lifespan, new neural connections are developed, neuro-plasticity is supported, creativity is promoted and a healthier, happier life can be experienced at any age.

According to the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion at Harvard University, potential benefits of intellectual wellness include:

• Improved cognition.

• Improved concentration and memory.

• Enhanced clarity in thinking.

• The experience of a more stimulating life.

• The development of personal values and opinions.

• Having a more open mind.

Ways to Improve Intellectual Wellness:

1. Have a topic you have always wanted to learn more about? Pick up a classic or the latest on the bestseller list. Order a book online to read on your electronic device. Did you know that many local libraries allow you to borrow digital books?

2. Keep a daily journal of activities and events by writing your thoughts and stories of your life. This supports your ability to process your feelings and examine significant life events.

3. Play brain games like Sudoku or crossword puzzles. There is also a large selection of challenging games online, such as Mastermind, Crime Scene, trivia, checkers, chess and more.

4. Experience the arts by attending or taking part in cultural events in person or online. Music, the arts, dance and other cultural activities support the ability to experience creativity and stimulate your brain in new ways.

5. Studies show that spending time with friends and loved ones regularly will increase your level of happiness and your lifespan. Socializing, talking and exchanging ideas is an opportunity to expand your mind.

6. Sign up for classes through the local community college or an online learning platform. Harvard University, Coursera and edX.org all offer free or low cost online courses and are excellent places to experience how lifelong learning is key to keeping the brain active and healthy.

7. De-stress! Stress can have a negative impact on intellectual wellness, making it difficult to concentrate, make decisions or solve problems. Stress can also impair cognitive functions, such as memory, judgment and the ability to learn new skills. Examples of activities that reduce mental stress include meditation, light exercise and spending time with a pet or enjoying nature.

It is also important to understand the connection between intellectual wellness and physical activity. The area of the brain responsible for cognitive thinking tasks, the frontal lobe, is activated during physical activity, which also has a lasting, positive impact on brain function and neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to change and adapt from experience.

Studies have shown consistent participation in physical activity enhances development in the region of the brain responsible for executive function. Executive function is important for essential cognitive skills that allow people to control their thoughts, emotions and actions to achieve goals. These skills include "Working Memory" which is responsible for retaining and manipulating information over short periods of time, and "Cognitive Flexibility" which supports managing thoughts, focusing and ignoring distractions.

Working with a professional for guidance can nourish your intellect, stimulate your brain, support executive function and help navigate transitional life events for an enhanced quality of life. At Healing Solutions Family Therapy Center, professionals are waiting to support your wellness journey. Please call our office at (661) 903-8822 or visit our website: http://www.healingsolutionsftc.org/. We accept most major insurance plans.

Carla Cook is a Clinical Supervisor at Healing Solutions Family Therapy Center.