Ways to Support Your Intellectual Wellness
What makes someone an intellectual? … *crickets*…
Ok, let’s start with what we do know. We know that intellectual wellness goes beyond schoolwork, but how far does it reach?
Intellectual wellness is how we expand our thoughts to gain information and perspective. It’s about how we engage with the information and people in our environment. It’s about learning how to learn. It’s about understanding your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for further growth. It’s about being aware of interests and hobbies that engage your brain in different ways.
We do A LOT of the above as a student, so let’s explore ways to focus that will benefit your intellectual wellness.
Focus #1: Your Mindset Matters.
If you haven’t explored the Mindset Matters Library Guide yet, you really should. This module talks about things like grit, resilience, and how to fail better. These are all super useful tools that we can all use in our daily practice while at school and beyond. Being in control of your mindset is easier said than done, but it’s an important practice that can set us up for growth and achievement of our goals.
Being in control of your mindset is easier said than done, but it's an important practice that can set us up for growth and achievement for our goals.
Focus #2: Manage Your Time.
Time is finite, so make good use of it. Please remember that time for rest, and time for play are equally important as time for working and learning (see focus #3). To keep our minds engaged and well, we need a healthy balance. Time management is a skill that can be developed.
Time for rest, and time for play are equally important as time for working and learning. To keep our minds engaged and well, we need a healthy balance.
Focus #3: Engage Your Brain in Different Ways
Although we sincerely hope that you are engaged in your studies…it’s not exactly “playtime” for your brain. Podcasts, reading for pleasure, board/video games, art, or even the latest Netflix documentary are all examples in which we can engage our brains in fun ways between study sessions. If we are focusing on managing our time effectively throughout the semester, there is no reason to skip these activities.
Podcasts, reading for pleasure, board games, art, or even the latest Netflix documentary are all examples in which we can engage our brains in fun ways between study sessions.
Focus #4: Be Open.
Did you know Sheridan provides a lot of opportunities to meet new people and engage in new experiences? Be open to new activities and developing relationships with people who are different from you. You may be surprised how much of your learning and growth can be achieved outside of the classroom by just being more curious about the unfamiliar.
Be open to new activities and developing relationships with people who are different from you.
Focus #5: Get to Know Your Tools.
Ever heard of the saying “Work smarter, not harder”?
If you chat with any Sheridan Grad, they are likely to tell you that they have a few tools now that they wish they had known of at the start of their studies. This experience is a natural part of your journey as a student. So why not spend some time getting to know the tools and resources available to you, that can make your life easier? Here are a few of our favourite student tools:
Sheridan’s Learning and Study Tools Hub -
This hub gives you everything you need to work smart AND hard while still maintaining balance. We promise that you will find at least one helpful tip… and if you take the time to review all modules in the hub you will be a better student.
Apps for Note Taking -
Evernote and OneNote are some of our favourites, but you might need to try a few apps out to find the one that works best for you. A lot of students say that well organized and engaging notes are a game-changer when it comes to studying for midterms and finals.
Apps for Time Management -
Brain Focus Productivity Timer , Rescue Time (PC only), Your Calendar App (Google Calendar, iCal etc., Outlook etc.), Good ol’ pen and paper. We realize that this isn’t a fancy app, but it works well for a lot of people! Here is a template that you can use to get started.
Tutoring Services -
Sheridan offers several tutoring options for students of all levels.
Student Support Services -
Being a student can be hard, but if you are dealing with other issues that impact your overall wellness, it can make balancing everything in your life much more difficult.
Take some time to think about how your following areas of wellness are doing, and reach out if you feel like you need some help: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Social, Environmental, Financial, Occupational.
There are so many supports available to students, Sheridan really wants to make sure that you can do your best; the first step is connecting with The Centre for Student Success.
If you chat with any Sheridan Grad, they are likely to tell you that they have a few tools now that they wish they had known off at the start of their studies.
We recently hosted an event to support your intellectual wellness.
Our team at SheridanLife Radio went live on our Facebook page to show you how to start your very own podcast! Take a look at the recorded video below and download the worksheet mentioned in the video here.
This blog was written in collaboration with your Sheridan Student Union, Sheridan Wellness and Counselling Services, as well as Sheridan’s Library and Learning Services.
Have you read our other blogs on how to support your wellness?
We've created a free bucket list for you to download! Check it out here where you'll find tips and activities that you can mark off as you work on the different categories of wellness. Here's what we've included in your bucket list:
Financial Wellness
Environmental Wellness
Social Wellness
Occupational Wellness
Physical Wellness
Intellectual Wellness
Emotional Wellness
Spiritual Wellness