Intellectual health refers to activities that stimulate the mind
and includes many forms of personal expression. Aspects of intellectual health include learning and using life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, organization, and problem-solving. These skills can be applied to a variety of creative pursuits, often for the purpose of expressing oneself.
Building Blocks for Intellectual Health
Learning & Pursuit of Knowledge
Learning and the pursuit of knowledge relates to one’s desire to acquire skills, and seek and utilize information and resources. The ability to process information has a direct impact on intellectual health. The processes required of the brain for reading, writing, and computing shape the way an individual reasons, solves problems, and thinks. Additionally, learned skills influence one’s behaviors which can be helpful or harmful to one’s health.
Creativity
Creativity refers to the forming of something new through the expression of imagination, inspiration, innovation, and original thought. Forms of creative expression include art and design, dance and movement forms, music, and other types of performing arts. The use of creativity and creative expression is particularly common in connection with mental health. Creativity can also directly affect the body, along with each of the other eight dimensions of health.
Life Skills (Intellectual Health)
Life skills related to intellectual health include creative and critical thinking, decision-making, organization, problem solving, and time management. Creative and critical thinking relates to thought processes used when approaching, analyzing, and finding solutions. Problem solving relies heavily on these types of thinking. Decision-Making refers to one’s ability to process information in order to choose an action. Organizational skills include attention to detail, planning, prioritizing, and time management used to manage interactions, tasks, thoughts, and other responsibilities.
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