Intellectual Wellness
If we’re going to do this wellness thing together, I’m going to need you to know what I mean when I say WELLNESS.
Let’s talk about Intellectual Wellness. What does that even mean? Well, it DOESN’T mean testing well academically. It means being open to taking in new information and applying it in a way that benefits your own life and community. The University of New Hampshire (1) says, “Intellectual wellness is being open to new ideas, thinking critically and finding ways to be creative.” Further, they list signs of intellectual wellness that I really liked. Straight from their website:
Signs of Intellectual Wellness
Development of good study skills and time management
Ability to challenge yourself to see all sides of an issue
Becoming a critical thinker
Development of your own ideas, views, and opinions
Exposing yourself to new ideas, people, and beliefs that are different from your own
Become aware of who you are and what you value
Curiosity doesn’t get enough credit. You accidentally kill one cat and suddenly that’s all anyone can talk about. Use your curiosity. It is your friend. It could lead to amazing new things and discoveries. What does it look like to be curious? The next time something grabs your attention, treat it like a white rabbit and follow it.
What does intellectual wellness look like in my life? Well, first of all, It looks like only getting my information from trusted sources. (I did a whole separate blog post (this one!) about sources of information.) But it also looks like reading, for me. I read a LOT. I also love podcasts. The intersection of these things is probably why I love my masterclass subscription so much. This was a decently expensive thing, but minds are worth investing in. Also, knowing my teachers are credentialed, experienced, and knowledgeable is paramount. I can’t get enough.
Some podcast suggestions to spark your curiosity:
Stuff You Should Know
Their bio online (2) says, “If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered” It’s been running since 2008 and has 1400+ episodes. Should keep you entertained for a while.
Ted Talks Daily
Their website header (3) says, “Every weekday, TED Talks Daily brings you the latest talks in audio. Join host and journalist Elise Hu for thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable -- from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between -- given by the world's leading thinkers and creators. With TED Talks Daily, find some space in your day to change your perspectives, ignite your curiosity, and learn something new.”
Hidden Brain
Their website (4) says, “ explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and questions that lie at the heart of our complex and changing world.”
As adults, this is the way we grow. We expand our minds. It’s a delicious feeling. Find something that interests you and dive in!
(1) https://www.unh.edu/health/intellectual-wellness
(2) https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-stuff-you-should-know-26940277/
(3) https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/ted-talks/ted-talks-daily
(4) https://hiddenbrain.org/