Intellectual Wellness

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
-Benjamin Franklin

Intellectual wellness is characterized by the ability to make sound decisions and to think critically. It includes openness to new ideas, motivation to master new skills, and a sense of humor, creativity, and curiosity. Striving for personal growth and a willingness to seek out and use new information in an effective manner for personal and social development are also characteristic of an intellectually well individual.

Our minds need to be continually inspired and exercised just as our bodies do. The intellectual dimension encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. People who possess a high level of intellectual wellness have an active mind and never stop learning.

An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge and improve skills, along with expanding potential for sharing with others. Keeping up-to-date on current events, reading newspapers, magazines, and books, and participating in activities that arouse our minds all serve to increase our intellectual wellness. An intellectually well person uses academic and cultural activities both in and out of the classroom, combined with the human resources and learning resources available both within the university community and the larger community.

Enhance intellectual wellness by attending museums, exhibits, and theater. UND offers numerous opportunities to enhance one’s intellectual wellness.

By becoming involved and supporting the many opportunities for enhanced intellectual wellness on campus, we not only stimulate our own minds, but helping ensure the future of such activities which will further inspire the minds of generations to come.

Tips for optimal intellectual wellness include:

• Take a course or workshop
• Learn (or perfect) a foreign language
• Seek out people who challenge you intellectually
• Read
• Learn to appreciate art

Intellectual Wellness at UND

ND Museum of Art
Burtness Theatre
Financial Wellness: Financial Aid Office
Libraries: Chester Fritz, Medical School, and Law School
Writing Center
The University Learning Center
Center for Student Involvement and Leadership

Intellectual Wellness at the Wellness Center

Resource area:
located on the first floor of the Wellness Center, is an area where you can check your email, get information on almost any health or wellness topic and check out books or DVDs to take home with you.

Future Leaders in Exercise (FLEX) Internship Program
FLEX program

Intellectual Wellness beyond UND

Community Theatre (Fire Hall, Crimson Creek, etc.)
Empire Arts Center
CNN.com
GF Herald
Consumer reports