Can you believe it? We’re halfway through our series on simple wellness strategies! Today, we’re diving into intellectual wellness - one of my favourites. But for many, it’s often the first thing to get pushed aside because it feels like extra mental work. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

Research shows that lifelong learning improves your career and decision-making, and increases self-esteem and social interaction – which, by the way, also ties into relational wellness (coming up in a couple of weeks!).

A Simple Strategy: Learning

When we think about intellectual growth, formal education often comes to mind. Personally, I loved my time in college. The camaraderie, the challenge of learning from professors, and the built-in accountability of assignments and deadlines worked really well for me. (So well, in fact, that it contributed to my ADHD going undiagnosed until I was an adult). But let’s be real – traditional schooling isn’t for everyone, and it’s not the only way to learn.

If college/university courses aren’t for you, that’s okay! There are many other ways to keep your mind engaged:

• Take an online course on a topic that excites you – like woodworking, learning a language, survival skills, or how to recharge when life is overwhelming. (Check out My Recharge Guide)
• Learn a new game
• Attend a local workshop or class – many communities offer hands-on experiences like cooking, photography, or crafting.
• Read or listen to books, podcasts, or blogs (Like this one! 😉). These options allow you to learn in small doses, at your own pace, and fit into busy days. Plus, they’re often accessible from your phone – so even in the middle of chaos, you can still nurture your intellectual wellness.

The key is to make learning work for you – in a way that feels exciting, not exhausting.

What’s one small way you will stretch your mind this week? Let me know in the comments!