Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Intellectual Wellness
I'm drawing a blank as I sit here trying to figure out how to start this post. A case of bloggers block is the perfect intro for our next dimension of wellness.
Intellectual wellness encourages participating in mentally stimulating and creative activities. Improving intellectual wellness can happen in and out of a classroom such as cultural involvement, community involvement and personal hobbies. It is the ability to think critically, reason objectively, make responsible decisions, and explore new ideas and different points of view. It also emphasizes lifelong learning and inspires curiosity.
When I think of intellectual wellness my mind automatically goes to school neglecting the knowledge I can gain from walking out of the classroom. While I was in undergrad I placed myself in a box being so focused on school and sports that in grad school I packed my schedule with school, work, coaching high school, and a little traveling to emulate the same structure I had in undergrad with no real intention on expanding my intellectual wellness. I made time for community involvement and cultural involvement but my intentions prevented me from reaping what I believe to be the full benefits. It wasn't until after grad school I felt forced to really look at myself to explore and "define" my personal hobbies.
Defining my personal hobbies enhanced my emotional wellness as well helping me practice self-care and self-acceptance, boosting my self-esteem which in turn helped me to be optimistic. When I took the time to ask myself what it is that I enjoy doing I began to realize some of my hobbies were actually cultural involvement and community involvement. I enjoy traveling and most of places I have been to thus far I have known someone that lives there. I ask them to show me around, meet new people, try new food, and embrace the culture. I do have to admit I haven't been as involved in the community as much as I would like since moving to San Diego but it will change soon!
Environmental wellness also plays a role in maximizing your intellectual wellness. Since this dimension puts emphasis on evolving in life, having a constant thirst for knowledge and not getting comfortable with where you are surrounding yourself with people that can offer different perspectives to challenge you to be open minded and stimulate you mentally will allow you to evolve in multiple dimensions of wellness. In addition to increasing my community involvement I want to start taking solo trips to explore different ways for me to experience cultural involvement as well as discover new personal hobbies.
Don't be afraid to stir up the tea in your own life; explore your own intellectual wellness by being more active in your community (volunteer more), travel to a new city and submerge yourself in their culture, visit a new place you've never been in your city (a museum, restaurant, etc.), do something to spark your curiosity and engage in learning new things.
