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Overview: In this dimension we explore how we can open our minds to new experiences by seeking creative and educational activities in the pursuit of knowledge. Intellectual wellness challenges your mind to explore things outside of your major, current social network, and beyond. Examples may include, last time you engaged in meaningful conversation with someone outside of your culture, to gain awareness of their experience or participating in a club that is not related to your field/major/primary study. When is the last time you explored your personal interests and actually engaged in something you enjoy outside of your courses?

What it means to engage in your Intellectual Wellness according to the National Wellness Institute:

"Intellectual wellness follows these tenets:
• It is better to stretch and challenge our minds with intellectual and creative pursuits than to become self- satisfied and unproductive.
• It is better to identify potential problems and choose appropriate courses of action based on available information than to wait, worry, and contend with major concerns later."¹

When your social wellness is balanced you may experience:

- improved cognition, concentration, and memory
- a more stimulating life
- a better connection to your personal values
- a growth in your social network

Common misunderstandings associated with Intellectual Wellness:

Myth: If my GPA is high enough, that's all I need for intellectual wellness.

Truth: Although coursework is a component of your intellectual wellness, it is not the only focus you can have. If desired, making time for creative pursuits and being open-minded can be an outlet for self exploration and stress management.

How can I attend to my Intellectual Wellness?

- Join SGA, join a club, or create your own on campus
- Take a class outside of your field or concentration
- Read something that you enjoy (not something listed on a syllabus!)
- Sign-up for a seminar or conference
- Attend a play, museum exhibit, or poetry reading

- Take time to network with individuals with passions or interests outside of your own

At Florida Southern College we offer numerous Campus Resources to balance your Intellectual Wellness:

- Direct: Arts and Culture, FSC Scholars Experience, Simmons Multicultural Center,Campus Ministries, Career Services, Center for Student Involvement, Academic Fuel
- Indirect:

References

¹National Wellness Institute (Accessed 2023). Developing Strong People. https://nationalwellness.org https://nationalwellness.org/resources/