Intellectual Health And Wellness
Sources Cited
Sources Used
1.) http://definitionofwellness.com/dimensions-of-wellness/intellectual-wellness/
2.) www.healthandwellnessforfamilies.com/health-wellness/intellectual-health/#sthash.vkbaxCba.dpuf
3.) http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/LHI/mentalHealth.aspx?tab=determinants
Quick Facts
Adults
Children/Adolescents
1.) It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S. adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health.
2.) An estimated 26% of Americans age 18 and older are living with a mental health disorder in any given year, and 46% will have a mental health disorder over the course of their lifetime.
1.) Approximately 20% of U.S. children and adolescents are affected by mental health disorders during their lifetime.
2.) 15% of high school students have seriously considered suicide, and 7% have attempted to take their own life.
3.) Mental health disorders among children and adolescents can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug abuse, family discord, violence, and suicide.
Why Should I Care?
Occupational
What Else Affects Mental Health?
Because it marks one's level of satisfaction and thus happiness in life, occupation and the conditions under which somebody works is also another major determinant of his mental and intellectual health. Correspondingly, it has been proved that smarter and intellectually healthier people are able to get better jobs and turn their working conditions to their benefit.
You will not have a healthy body if you don't also take care of your mind. People depend on you. It's important for you to take care of yourself so that you can do the important things in life — whether it's working, learning, taking care of your family, volunteering, enjoying the outdoors, or whatever is important to you. Also, caring about your mental health and exercising your brain can help reduce the risk of getting dementia and Alzheimers Disease.
Several factors have been linked to mental health, including race and ethnicity, gender, age, income level, education level, sexual orientation, and geographic location. Other social conditions such as family, community dynamics, housing quality, social support, employment opportunities, and work and school conditions—can also influence mental health risk and outcomes, both positively and negatively. For example, safe shared places for people to interact, such as parks and churches, can support positive mental health. A better understanding of these factors, how they interact, and their impact is key to improving and maintaining the mental health of all Americans.
What Specific Aspects Are Involved With Intellectual Health And Wellness?
Physical
Emotional
Spiritual
Social
Physical health directly affects Intellectual health. If you are not physically well, you may not be able to adequately think or process information.
Emotions often coincide with the way you process information. If you are emotionally distraught, you may not be able to think straight or process information clearly.
Many people find inspiration from their spiritual walk or faith. Humans often rely on their faith for signs of enlightenment and intellect.
Social health is defined as an individual's collective abilities to interact with different people and fit in social settings. This aspect of health has direct reciprocal relation with one's intellectual health. A person with better social relations is supposed to be intellectually healthier and an intellectually healthy person is supposed to thrive better in his/her social relations.
What does this mean?
How Do I Know If I'm Intellectually Healthy And Well?
How Do I Know If I Have Poor Intellectual Health And Wellness?
Tips To Help Maintain Intellectual Health And Wellness
Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual Health
Intellectual health refers to how well your cognitive and thinking functions are working. It is part of mental health and wellness, along with emotional health.
Poor intellectual health and wellness can be related to issues with your physical, emotional and spiritual health. Physical stress from not getting enough sleep and rest, and brain health issues can contribute to poor intellectual or cognitive health. Disordered thinking can also result from emotional health challenges such as depression and anxiety, and from spiritual distress.
1.) Read for fun.
2.) Attend a seminar just for fun.
3.) Debate an issue with a friend, but choose the viewpoint opposite to the one you
hold.
5.) Learn a foreign language.
6.) Play board games or cards.
7.) Play a musical instrument.
8.) Write down your thoughts, or journal frequently.
9.) Stretch your brain. Do crossword or Sudoku puzzles.
10.) Take nutritional supplements that support brain function: Oasis, GABA, fish oil, L- glutamine.
The intellectual dimension of wellness encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one’s knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community.
Your intellectual health and wellness involves your ability to think clearly and realistically, to have more positive thoughts than negative thinking, to be able to pay attention appropriately, to have good short and long term memory, and to value learning over your entire lifetime. To be intellectually healthy, you are involved in activities that increase knowledge, moral reasoning and mental agility. Also, being open to new ideas and seeking new challenges are important to your intellectual health.