Intellectual Wellness Tips

Brain games for adults, such as Sudoku, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, Scrabble, or Connections, can help improve memory, concentration, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions by actively engaging the brain. Looking for a new activity? Try a brain game to stimulate your mind. Increasing your ability to work through these activities can maintain and build your intellectual wellness. 

Using your head can be a great way to participate in wellness. Intellectual Wellness is about keeping your mind active, curious, and open to new ideas. Engaging in activities like reading, taking online courses, learning a new language, or exploring creative hobbies can boost brain function, expand your perspective, and enhance problem-solving skills. Lifelong learning helps you grow both personally and professionally. Explore 7 Ways to Increase Your Intellectual Wellness.

In 2024, 65% of Americans did not read one book over the course of the year. That is a sobering statistic. “Turning the Page,” as stated in the title of this tip, has a twofold meaning:

1. Turning the page refers to an activity one conducts when reading a book (whether digital or paper) to advance and,

2. Turning the page refers to how we examine our lives, trying to let go of those things that tend to weigh us down. 

Speaking of books, please take some time to read this one. It is entitled “Four Thousand Weeks, Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman. In this book, Burkeman reveals some human pain points around stress, overreaching, time management, and burnout. He deftly navigates the mystery of mortality and provides us with a new and innovative way to objectively focus on the time we have and how to use that time wisely and efficiently. The book's content is thought-provoking, insightful, and at times reassuring.

Move your mind. Not really move it, but use it. Remember, keeping your mind in shape is just as important as walking, biking, or going to the gym for a workout. Our brains consist of highways of nerves that constantly send messages to various parts of our bodies as we move and think throughout the day. Not using parts of our brains causes there to be either mixed messages or a complete termination of message transmission in some cases. Exercise your mind by doing something new, creative, or stimulating. As you continue to force those areas of your brain to pay attention, they will improve in their ability to transmit messages. You will see an improvement in your ability to problem solve, store memories, and think clearly and critically. The phrase “use it or lose it” certainly applies to the skills and knowledge being stored by your brain. Here are some exercises to keep your mental “muscles” in tip top shape.

When we create routines we organize our days in such a way that taking care of tasks and ourselves takes on a familiar pattern and that makes it easier to get things done without having to think hard about them. With several things and tasks that call to us on a daily basis it is easy to be overwhelmed. It can feel impossible to get everything done. So start with small steps. Maybe choose one thing a week on which to focus. Add something new to your day or cut back on a bad habit (e.g., drinking soda). These small changes will add up and over time you will have a thoughtful and effective daily routine. Also, don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. Everyone needs a break once in a while! Read this article for more on establishing a daily routine. 

Learning a new skill is a great way to keep your brain activated, helping it form new connections as you improve your intelligence & intellectual wellness. Some great resources for learning new skills include online learning platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, MasterClass, and Coursera. Most classes featured on these platforms are relatively inexpensive (some are even free) and include everything from photography, animation, and design to marketing, copywriting, and even programming, web development, and artificial intelligence.

Reading may have several physical and mental benefits. These include strengthening your brain, increasing your ability to empathize, reducing stress, and building your vocabulary, among others. By challenging your mind to learn, understand, and experience new words and vocabulary you will activate areas of the brain, even those areas responsive to physical sensations and pain. Reading also has a social aspect. Book clubs and other social activities around reading can be a wonderful way to meet new people or get in touch with those you love in a new and unique way. Check out Healthline for more information and resources on the benefits of reading. 

Your phone (the one in your pocket or bag) may be distracting you. How can that be when it isn’t in your hand and you are not looking at it? Because you may be thinking about it. Thinking about what you can search, your emails, or using an app. Statistics show that we look at our phones between 75-400 times per day, and adults are, on average, in front of a screen 10 hours per day. 

So, remove yourself from your digital world from time to time during the day. By limiting your screen time, you can regulate melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone) and limit the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) to help you sleep more soundly. A good rule of thumb is to ditch your devices at least one hour before bedtime – put your phone and tablet in the other room. If you need help winding down, listen to soothing music or read a favorite book instead.

Join a book club, sign up for a class, start cooking or pick up a new hobby. Try something new at least once a month. Making a point to keep yourself “on your toes” Learning new things throughout your life can keep your mind lively and engaged. Check out this website for some great ideas.