Intellectual Wellness
While searching for this article’s resources, most of them came from universities. They featured pages on their websites that illustrated the value of keeping an open mind and being willing to expand on knowledge, as well as creativity, common sense, and critical thinking skills. Sharpening our intellect increases our defense against charlatans, abuse tactics (such as gaslighting), and enables us to find more than one solution to a problem. Intellectual wellness also expands our understanding of others’ experiences and the nuances of our communities at large.
Building up intellectual wellness does not require going back to school, though that is always an option. Regardless of age, expanding our knowledge can not only enrich our lives, but also our sense of self. Here are some ways to improve brain power without sacrificing or breaking up the daily routine:
Creativity
Perhaps the most fun way to increase intellectual wellness is creative expression. In an interview with Kim Mills for the American Psychological Association, Dr. Ellen Winner says that art in and of itself is difficult to define because artists are always pushing expectations. It’s a form of communication that is limitless in its potential for emotional outreach.
For those who don’t feel particularly imaginative, there are pragmatic methods for exercising the creative side of the brain:
Take in art. There is no setback in simply absorbing others’ imagination. Read recreationally, attend a painting exhibit, or go to a live performance. Especially with the Internet, there are ways to directly find creative work based on personal interest and curiosity.
Practice something enjoyable. Some people find comfort in journaling, others go back to their childhood and indulge in coloring books or building blocks. Even baking with a box recipe is creating something that can lead to personal expression and accomplishment.
Join a group. Whether that be a class or something more cost-effective, like a drum circle or writing workshop. Some theaters actively seek volunteer ushers and stagehands, while libraries often host special classes or demonstrations. Reaching out on social media can also reveal online groups and forums with people of like-minded interests.
Knowledge
Expanding on knowledge enables us to see more than one solution for any given problem. It also clears up paths to other forms of wellness, such as spiritual discovery, emotional revelation, or better financial and time management. There is always more to know in life and as the saying goes, “Knowledge is power”, and it is power that can be accrued on the daily.
Watch tutorial content. Many people on social media share their expertise. Whether that be makeup artistry, singing, construction, or repair, the list is endless! Even when we don’t follow along with the lesson, it is intellectually stimulating to see the inner workings of other trades.
Exercise critical thinking. Asking questions to clarify what we see, hear, and read is a great start. Always criticize the source of information: inquire as to who wrote it, where they found their sources, and what biases they may carry. This can protect us from bad-faith actors who might be trying to sell an agenda instead of relaying legitimate facts.
Apply new knowledge to everyday life. Whatever we learn, we won’t retain it if we don’t utilize the information and apply it. For example, while learning another language, it’s imperative to have conversations with native speakers. Mathematic, scientific, and artistic information can also be applied to our daily routines to increase our efficiency and confidence.
Common Sense
In his paper, Garth J.O. Fletcher defines common sense: “(a) as a set of shared fundamental assumptions, (b) as a set of maxims or shared beliefs, and (c) as a shared way of thinking.” (Fletcher, 1987). In other words, information that is assumed to be known by everyone, regardless of culture or life circumstance. However, common sense can vary across communities, even from person to person, based on their perceptions and lived experiences. Therefore, it’s important to:
Remain open to new ideas. Everyone has a different life journey. By listening to others of a different culture or lifestyle and absorbing what they say without contradicting, we can learn new approaches, strategies, and outlooks.
Be aware of current events. Keeping, at least, a lay understanding of what is going on can prevent our perspective from growing stale. Delving deeper into sources such as scientific organizations (.org), educational institutions (.edu), or systemic offices (.gov) is also a good opportunity to exercise critical thinking.
Wellness for the Brain
Practicing intellectual wellness also enables us to further expand our emotional and spiritual well-being. All eight dimensions tie in together, but these three in particular are more existential in nature. Our psyche relates directly to our physical health, so being at peace with how we think and feel is essential for having a functional body and routine.
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Sources
Southeastern Oklahoma State University. (2022). Intellectual Wellness. Student Wellness Services, Southeastern Oklahoma State University. https://www.se.edu/student-wellness/intellectual-wellness/.
Mills, K. (April 2022). Speaking of Psychology: What psychology has to say about art, with Ellen Winner, PhD. Speaking of Psychology podcast, American Psychological Society (188). https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/art.
Benedictine. (Sept 2021). 7 Ways to Increase Your Intellectual Wellness. Benedictine Living Community. https://www.benedictineliving.org/blog/7-ways-to-increase-your-intellectual-wellness/
Aquinas College. Intellectual Wellness. Counseling, Health, & Wellness at Aquinas College, Aquinas College. https://www.aquinas.edu/health-wellness/intellectual-wellness.
Fletcher, G.J.O. (Jan 1987). Psychology and Common Sense. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 14(4): pp. 29-40. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3228869_Psychology_and_Common_Sense.