Rooted in Wellness: Intellectual Wellness

Our conversation today with Cori Pence, Communications Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board Prevention & Wellness Services is part of a year-long partnership with Northwestern Community Services Board highlighting eight different dimensions of wellness. Their "Rooted in" campaign is in its third year with 2023's message: Rooted in Wellness. Each month they will encourage community members to get involved by either participating in a monthly challenge, attending a Lunch and Learn session, or accessing resources on their website. The goals of the campaign are to deliver the following messages of wellness: • To raise awareness about how being mentally well impacts not only one part of who we are; • To encourage community members to become mentally well; • To foster connection and resilience in our communities by emphasizing wellness. This month's topic was Intellectual Wellness. Cori explained what that is and we talked about several approaches to improving your intellectual wellness. Intellectual Wellness means striving toward good mental health, continued intellectual growth, and creativity in life. We talked about reading and/or listening to audiobooks on topics that interest you - magazines count too! Journaling, playing brain games, and experiencing the arts (such as listening to music) are also helpful ways to increase your intellectual wellness. We also shared our personal tips, tricks, and struggles. We discussed the importance of having actual conversations with each other and listening to opposing opinions with an open mind.  Cori encouraged listeners to seek out online classes - many are free through your local library - and to research classes at our local community college. We talked about the role that stress plays in our overall wellness and how practicing yoga, and meditation can also help improve your intellectual wellness. Before we wrapped up our conversation, we circled back to how getting enough sleep is a valuable tool in all aspects of your wellness.  You can find more details, resources, and information about physical wellness on their website: https://www.nwcsbwellness.com/rooted-in-wellness-campaign/intellectual-wellness  "Rooted in Wellness" is a collaborative project. Prevention and Wellness works closely with local coalitions to reach each community in their service area. These include Family Youth Initiative, Page Alliance for Community Action, Warren Coalition, and Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition. In addition, the campaign hopes to bring awareness to 2 statewide initiatives: Activate Your Wellness and Lock and Talk Virginia. Each month there will be a call to action with tips, activities, and education to build up a specific dimension of wellness. There are various ways to engage in the campaign including through social media. Stay up-to-date by following @NWCSBWellness on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for infographics, photos, resources, and quotes. As this campaign is yearlong, be sure to visit nwcsbwellness.com regularly for updates and schedule of monthly activities. Share posts and include the hashtag #NWRootedinWellness. Get involved. Be creative. Take photos that reflect what wellness means to you and tag @NWCSBWellness on social media with the hashtag #NWPhotoVoiceChallenge. Implement #NWRootedinWellness into your everyday life this year. Yard signs with wellness messages are also available as part of this effort. Reach out if you are interested in displaying a FREE sign by emailing [email protected] See signs? Take a picture and be sure to tag @NWCSBWellness and use the hashtag #NWRootedinWellness. Click here to listen to prior conversations about the Rooted in Wellness campaign.