Why does "health" have to be intentional?

When it comes to healthy lifestyles, many people tend to get defensive or turned off by the idea of setting intentions or plans. As if to think, "Why do I have to plan one more thing? Can't it just happen?"

If only. It's easy to wish that a healthy lifestyle was just the way it was; a rule instead of the exception. In fact, it was more that way a few hundred years ago, but now we are very far from that way of life.

Instead, the normal way of life is unfortunately quite unhealthy. Let's consider the norms for most people:

• Work or school indoors and likely, on a computer or other screen

• Busy schedules that quickly add minutes in the car (more sitting) and meals away from home (uncontrolled ingredients)

• A technologically advanced world that has put social media connections above real, in-person connections

• Physical activity or exercise is only "if there's leftover time" so it's easily pushed aside

• Highly processed, high caloric, convenient foods are more readily available and seemingly affordable to busy parents

• Distracted, "plugged in" evenings rob people of almost all ages of quality sleep

Unfortunately, I could probably make this list even longer. If you read this list and felt like it described much of what your daily or weekly life looks like, don't get down. Instead, let it be your call to intentional action.

Choosing to live a healthier life is actually choosing to go against the grain of normal society; one that celebrates or perpetuates many unhealthy lifestyles. With the above list only scraping the surface of what normal looks like, it's no wonder why it is normal for Americans to have chronic illness and health issues that lead to early mortality.

Heavy, right? That's where intentional actions build fortitude.

Begin exploring what your intentions for a healthier life might be like:

• Set an alarm to remind you to take a walking break during the work day. Getting outside for this walk is even more beneficial for LOTS of health reasons.

• Look at your weekly schedule and consider what healthy snacks you might be able to pack for busy nights.

• Consider your workouts an appointment for yourself that you can't miss. Better yet, joining a class can help with accountability thanks to a positive environment and other people who are trying to live with healthy intentions.

• Make a weekly or monthly in-person connection. In a later post, I will discuss the many forms of connection (with self, with immediate family, with others outside your home, with your spiritual life), so for now, choose whichever type you either think is easiest or most important.

• Get to bed (without your phone) 15 minutes earlier than usual to start accumulating more zzzzz's gradually.

These are only examples. In fact, when I work with a small group or individual health coaching, we usually only approach one or two of these areas at a time, so it's not overwhelming and smaller practices are applied to different actions that help people succeed at making meaningful change.

No matter where you might want to start, know that as you're fighting the norm, you're heroically choosing to be intentional about your health. And that, right there, is the start of a journey that builds the fortitude for lasting change.