COVID-19 is the pandemic that ruined 2020 for everyone. In March of 2020, United States citizens went into quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 domestically and internationally. People expected to go about their normal lives two weeks following quarantine. However, after nearly seven months later, restriction, regulations, and protocols are still limiting people from interaction. Following social distancing protocols requires a level of social isolation. Therefore, the importance discussing wellness is more relevant today than it ever has been.
According to John Hopkins University (2020), “the pandemic led to a 74% drop in overall emotional well-being.” Consequently, millions of people around the world are experiencing a decline in their overall wellness due to the pandemic.
The National Wellness Institute (2020) defines wellness as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choice toward, a more successful existence.” Most people think of wellness in regards to their physical and mental health, but Western Michigan University Office of Health Promotion and Education (2020) outlines eight dimensions of wellness. These include physical, social, emotional, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, financial, and environmental. Although each of these pieces are important for each individual, intellectual wellness is often overlooked.
What Is Intellectual Wellness?
The National Wellness Institute defines it as a person’s ability to “[expand] his or her knowledge and skills while discovering the potential for sharing his or her gifts with others” (The Six Dimensions of Wellness, 2020). Intellectual wellness requires a commitment to a lifetime of learning and growth.
Why Is It Important?
Humans have a great desire for stimulation and therefore, “[b]oredom can affect the production of chemicals in the brain that cause us to feel happiness and excitement” (Kirby, 2017). Repetitive behaviors and boredom have a tendency to lead to depressive moods and behaviors. Focusing on continual growth can stimulate your overall happiness, faster thinking, less stress, better memory, increased attentiveness, and creativity. Since COVID-19 has potentially stunted our growth, we need to find new ways to revitalize our intellectual thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Here are some tips on how to increase/stimulate your intellectual wellness throughout the pandemic:
- Listen to Podcast or TedTalks
These resources can be great for any length of time ranging from ten minutes to two hours. They offer entertainment, factual information, opinion, or education on nearly any topic out there. One of my favorite TedTalks is The Power of Vulnerability by Bren Brown. - Read a Book or Article
Whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blog, a credible author’s writing gives a unique perspective of the world. These perspectives may challenge your misconceptions or stereotypes or they may invoke new thoughts or ideas. My favorite book is The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan R. Covey. This book will leave a lasting impact on your intrapersonal thoughts and interpersonal relationships. - Learn a new language
There are so many apps and online tools to help and guide you in learning a new language. Duolingo is a free app for any smart phone that can be used on the go. YouTube offers millions of video series in nearly every language. - Play puzzle games
Sudoku or crosswords are available in the app store and are a great source of brain stimulation. They offer beginner or very difficult. There are plenty of puzzle games available to you keep busy for hours. - Keep a journal
Keeping a daily or weekly journal allows for time to organize thought process. Additionally, it allows you to express your unfiltered thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Get to journaling! - Take an online course
A lot of community colleges around the United States offer basic classes in many different fields. This is an easy, but more expensive, way to learn something new and challenge your mind.
Nearly everyone has experienced feelings of isolation in the wake of this pandemic, but engaging stimulation and actively learning something new has the possibility to increase depressed moods and decrease negative thoughts. Now go and focus on your intellectual wellness!
References
Wolverton, M. (2020). Social distancing-your choice. https://fernandinaobserver.com/general/social-distancing-a-sobering-monte-wolverton-cartoon/
Hettler, B. (1976). The six dimensions of wellness. National Wellness Institute.
https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness/
Ercolano, P. (2020, May 13). Study: onset of COVID-19 pandemic led to 74% drop in overall emotional well-being. The Hub. https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/05/13/emotional-well-being-study-china/
Kirby, S. (2017, July 23). Boredom and depression: can one lead to the other? https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/depression/boredom-and-depression:-can-one-lead-to-the-other/
WMU Office of Health Promotion and Education. (2020). WMU well-being wheel. https://wmich.edu/healthpromotion