This month we're talking about intellectual wellness, one of my favorite topics! In this newsletter, we'll discuss what it is, why it's important, and suggestions on how to cultivate your intellect. I also shared a fave recipe of mine and some wholesomeness. Let's diiiiiiive in! |
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Please also enjoy an appearance throughout the newsletter of my favorite literary characters who inspire me to cultivate my intellectual wellness. Shout out to Lizzie Bennett, Jo March, & Miss Honey. |
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What is Intellectual Wellness? |
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Intellectual wellness is engaging in learning, creativity, and growth activities. It involves nourishing your mind, learning. It focuses on having an open mind, trying new things, imparting knowledge with others, and developing skills. It is curiosity, common sense, and asking questions! Academic pursuits help cultivate your intellectual wellness, but so do artistic, creative, or cultural pursuits. Intellectual wellness can look different for everyone so it is up to you to find what helps your mind feel stimulated. |
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Why is Intellectual Wellness Important? |
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For us to feel our best, we can take a holistic look at our lives. There are six dimensions of wellness we need to address to thrive: emotional, physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, & occupational. Intellectual wellness is one nice slice of that wellness pie. Challenging ourselves, creating, and learning something new improves our quality of life. It improves our understanding of yourself & others, and helps our decision making. For those that are no longer in school, don't forget to nourish your mind. It needs it! I found that when I graduated college and transitioned to solely working full-time, I felt a little empty and like my mind was sluggish. I didn't realize how frequent studying, questioning, evaluating, and reading helped my mind feel so good, and in turn, helped me feel so good. Once I recognized this, I was able to feel balanced and more like my best self. |
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How Can I Cultivate My Intellectual Wellness? |
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There are so many ways to cultivate intellectual wellness. Do what works for you and find what piques your interest. I would suggest doing things that challenge & push your mind. Only read fiction? Throw in a non-fiction. Hate reading? Listen to audiobooks. Not into stories or audio? Try puzzles or painting! It works great to include SOs or friends, too. It's so exciting to know that the topics or skills you can learn about or acquire are endless! Below are suggestions to get you inspired. |
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For a bit more info on intellectual wellness, check out this short video. |
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Here we are again, the best part. Food! This month I've decided to share my favorite lasagna recipe-- zucchini lasagna that is. It's a bit lighter than regular lasagna, but has so much flavor, feels comforting, and has plenty of cheese (cheese is life). I came up with it years ago when I found I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease so I tried to sub different things for noodles. I've tried a few different things to perfect it over the years, and I think I've just about gotten it. Let me know what you think! |
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Thanks for reading, friends! Be sure to share this with your friends, and let me know how you're cultivating your intellectual wellness. Remember, you can sign-up for a complementary consultation to explore coaching at any time on my website or Instagram. I'm cheering for you! Have the best March! Until next time, Coach Haley |
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Resources https://umatter.princeton.edu/action-matters/caring-yourself/wellness-wheel-assessment/intellectual-wellness https://spokane.wsu.edu/wellness/intellectual-wellness/ https://www.se.edu/student-wellness/intellectual-wellness/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM1Cq3Uh4Ec |
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