The Definition of Intellectual Wellness

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October 2nd, 2008 Ethan Z. Leave a comment Go to comments

What does Intellectual Wellness mean? This article brings together the definition of Intellectual Wellness from multiple credible sources, this definition is straight forward and easy to comprehend.

Hettler who theorized that wellness could be broken into six dimensions said that Intellectual wellness is “evidenced by self-directed behavior, which includes continuous acquisition, development, creative application, and articulation of critical thinking and expressive/intuitive skills and abilities focused on the achievement of a more satisfying existence”.

Ultimately Intellectual Wellness means being “free intellectually”.

The list below will explain in more detail what Intellectual Wellness is:

Keeping an active mind through mental activity stimulation
A demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning
Lifelong Learning
- lifelong learning through formal education and informal life experiences
Openness to new ideas
- Continuous openness to new ideas
Thinking critically
- A capacity to question and think critically
Maintaining a sense of creativity and curiosity.
Being motivated to master new skills and seeking out new challenges
- Challenging the mind with intellectual and creative pursuits
- Not being self-satisfied and unproductive
Being focused on the achievement of a more satisfying existence
A continuous sense of humor, creativity, and curiosity
Reaching your own correct decisions, making up your own mind, in your own interest when there is a choice or a problem, which is a daily event.
Intellectual Wellness is one of the interconnected eight dimensions of wellness

The points above are interconnected and crucial to overall Intellectual wellness. The continuous acquisition, development, articulation, expression and application of critical thinking and intuitive skills while continuously seeking out new challenges and keeping an open mind all enable a person to maintain their mental abilities and to use any available resources to expand their knowledge, improve skills. This is accompanied by a sense of satisfaction and expanding the potential for sharing such skills and knowledge with others.