When we think of wellness, “intellectual” may not be one of the first things that comes to mind, but it is certainly important! According to Ohio State’s model of wellness, Intellectual Wellness is one of the key dimensions that contributes to our overall well-being and quality of life.
So, what is intellectual wellness? Well, Ohio State shares that “the intellectually well person values lifelong learning and seeks to foster critical thinking, develop moral reasoning, expand worldviews and engage in education for the pursuit of knowledge. Intellectual wellness is achieving academic success, demonstrating learning and using information well.”
One way you can nurture your intellectual wellness is through reading. There are many benefits to reading, including improving cognitive functions, reducing stress, building your knowledge, and enhancing your creativity and imagination to name a few.
It can sometimes seem difficult to fit reading into our busy lives (or not prioritize it), but here are a few things that you can do to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Set aside 15-30 minutes daily for reading
- Join a book club
- Replace some of your screen time with reading time, especially before bed to improve your sleep hygiene
- Listen to an audiobook during your commute or while exercising
A great resource for getting books without having to spend money is your local library! In addition, if you have a library card, and like to listen to audiobooks or read eBooks, you can check out Libby or Hoopla where you can “check out” audiobooks or eBooks for free from your local library.
Not sure what to read, or maybe in the dreaded reading slump? Check out some of the Wellness Team’s summer reads to get you inspired!
- The Introvert’s Edge – “I was intrigued by the tagline: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone (or, even if you’re an introvert who prefers solitude over socializing, you can find remarkable success…)” – Melissa Buelow
- The Journey to the West – “This is a classic Chinese novel. I think it is fun because it tells the story of a monkey, a pig, a human, and a monk travel together to fight monsters in order to achieve their goal.” – LiJuan Bi
- Win Your Inner Battles – “I want to live a happier life and improve myself” – Jeff Storer
- Poor Richard’s Almanac – “I think it is fun, too. For example, it includes the humorous quote: ‘Fish and visitors stink after three days.’” – LiJuan Bi
- Sea of Tranquility – “This is a re-read for me this summer. Emily St. John Mandel does a great job with this book, weaving science fiction, time travel, a plague, and how we are all connected into one great story. I couldn’t put it down and want to read it again this summer.” – CorynGonzales
- The No A**hole Rule – “ I want to learn more about building a better workplace” – Jeff Storer
- Black Clover – “New to manga? This series has it all. Magic. Wizards. Heroes on Quests. Will Asta, a boy born without magic in a land that values magic above all, become the Wizard King?” – Melissa Buelow
- Good Morning, Monster – “This was a recommendation to me from my brother. So I am really excited to read this. It is a book from a therapist who is sharing the stories of her most “heroic and memorable” patients.” – Coryn Gonzales
- How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems – “Want a humorous take on science…possibly to prepare some go-to answers when your kiddo asks “why” and you don’t know? This is the book for you.” – Melissa Buelow
Have any books that you are reading this summer? The Wellness Team wants to hear from you! Email Melissa or Coryn with your summer reads to be shared on the Wellness Corner website.