Cheryl’s Tip For Less Stress: Checking In On Your Intellectual Wellness
How would you rate your intellectual wellness?
First, let’s define it. Intellectual wellness has to do with being aware of how external influences affect your state of mind. It’s about paying attention to what you are putting into your mind.
What kinds of books, newspapers, magazines, or internet articles do you read? What TV shows, news programs, or movies do you watch? What type of radio programs or music do you listen to? How often are you accessible via email, cell phones, and text messaging?
Cheryl Jones-Reardon, who holds a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Connecticut and a certificate in spirituality from St. Joseph College, has joined the Watchdog team.
How wonderful to be on the planet at a time when technology makes so many choices possible! The problem is that we are constantly being bombarded with information and if we aren’t careful we can become overwhelmed and unnecessarily stressed. We must consciously choose what we ‘allow in’ and when we do so.
For example, news or TV programs that promote fear and violence can have a negative impact on our mood. If you’re like most people, you’ve got plenty of your own fears about your own life that you are managing. Watching more of this on TV or hearing the same horrible stories over and over again only makes us more afraid and more stressed.
When we make choices that reflect our values, what we deeply care about, and what gives us a sense of aliveness we feel nourished and stimulated in a positive way.
Not buying into this? I invite you to observe yourself this week.
Without changing anything, simply notice what you are choosing to watch, listen to, or read. Notice what effect a particular choice has on you. How often does your mind feel disturbed/agitated vs. stimulated/nourished? It’s about finding balance.
Try to begin noticing what impact your choices have on you. This is the first step in making changes to live a healthier, less stressful lifestyle.
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1 Response for “Cheryl’s Tip For Less Stress: Checking In On Your Intellectual Wellness”
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I agree with this completely.
For that reason I stopped watching television news quite a while ago, except for the rare occasions when there was a big breaking story I wanted to know more about. Then 5-6 years ago I canceled cable and ditched my TV , and now only watch a few select programs (or portions of them) online.
For peace of mind before sleep, I tend to browse garden magazines or seed catalogs – pleasant images, not challenging intellectually. ON Sundays I have begun buying the Washington Post and either the Boston Globe or the NY Times, both more gratifying than the Courant has become. (my Courant last subscription petered out and I let it, most of those who made it a good paper are gone)