If you're eating right, exericising regularly, and taking your supplements, you're making great strides in your physical health. If you're living within your menas, building up your savings, and sticking to a budget, your financial well-being is in good shape. But have you considered your intellectual wellness lately? How healthy is your mind? Your intellectual health directly impacts every area of your life. And you might be surprised at how easily you can improve your mental well-being every day. 

FLEXING YOUR MENTAL MUSCLES 

Your mind is like a muscle-- the more you challenge it, the stronger it gets. But rather than barbells and treadmills, your brain needs new ideas and experiences to help it grow. Clinical studies show that exercising your mind generates nerve cells that help preserve brain function. An active brain produces new dendrites (the connection between nerve cells) that allow nerve cells to communicate more efficiently with on another. Research indicates that lifelong learning, mental challenges, and socializing with other people preserve your brain's "plasticity." Having an open mind literally keeps your brain healthy!  

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND  

It's not a given that as you age you'll lose mental capabilities. Granted, like other parts of your body, your brain may lose some agility over the years. However, researchers believe that many of the supposed age-related changes that affect the mind (such as memory loss) are actually lifestyle-related--which means they can be controlled. 

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR INTELLECTUAL HEALTH  

Answer yes or no to the following questions to help determine your current intellectual health.  

1. I have specific goals related to increasing my knowledge

2. I like to challenge myself with mentally stimulating activities.

3. I am generally satisfied with my career.

4. I have a positive attitude towards learning.

5. I may have a degree, but I'm still willing to learn.

6. I like anything that furthers my professional- or self-development.

7. I like to do research.

8. I have read more than 10 books this year.

9. I use my leisure time to do intellectually stimulating activities.

10. I can embrace and adapt to change.  

If you answered yes to 8 or more questions, then you're intellectually healthy.  

If you answered yes to 5 or more questions, then you're working on your intellectual wellness, but there is room for improvement. 

If you answered yes to less than five questions you should consider some of the ideas in this article to begin building your intellect. 

Add This Entry To Your CureZone Favorites!