Spring into Better Habits and Smarter Time Management

Lifestyle
Jeri Zacarese
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This season is a fresh start — a chance to declutter your space, manage your time, and create healthy habits that stick. Let’s plant the seeds for a more balanced, positive, and fulfilling life.

Hi, Coach Jeri here!

The world around us is beginning to renew. The first signs of spring are popping up, soon to be followed by warmer weather, blooming flowers, and trees bursting with fresh, green leaves. It’s time to shed those winter coats and boots — a reminder that a new season is a new chance to grow into the person we want to be.

Sometimes, we feel stuck or even hopeless about our future and our relationship with food. But every day is a fresh opportunity to make a change. A simple statement like "I can and I will" helps connect our mind emotionally to our physical progress.

Of course, life throws us curveballs. Outside factors can affect our ability to stay on track — that’s why having a solid food plan and a supportive community is half the battle. In my meetings, we set monthly goals to clear the clutter in our lives. The sense of accomplishment is powerful: the more positive experiences we create, the better we feel about ourselves — and the more likely we are to stick to our plans.

Time Management: The Root of Success

One of the most important (and overlooked) factors in staying on track is managing our time. With busy lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when we commit to living a healthier lifestyle, we need to prioritize the essentials:

Without a plan, time frustrations can trap us. But be careful — over-scheduling can be just as harmful as no planning at all, leading to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed.

Top Tips for Time Management

  1. Start with a plan. Each morning (or the night before), jot down what you need to do for the day. Cross off completed tasks — seeing that list shrink brings a powerful sense of accomplishment.
  2. Take breaks. When stress starts to creep in, pause. A moment of calm can reset your mindset and help you tackle the rest of your day with fresh energy.
  3. Let go of perfection. Perfection is rare — and unnecessary. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow stronger. Progress beats perfection every time.
  4. Learn to say no. People-pleasers, this one’s for you! It might feel selfish, but putting yourself first isn’t wrong. If saying yes to everyone else makes you feel drained or resentful, it’s time to start saying no.
  5. Stop procrastinating. Time isn’t redeemable — once it’s gone, it’s gone. The longer you put something off, the harder it feels to start. Whether it’s booking a doctor’s appointment, reaching out to a friend, or simply tidying up — starting small is better than not starting at all.
  6. Balance is everything. Make time for work, family, relaxation, sleep, and the things that make you truly happy. A healthy, fulfilling life isn’t all or nothing — it’s about balance.

Manage your time, so it doesn’t manage you.

With a daily plan, you’ll feel more in control and less stuck in the chaos of time frustrations.

Spring is a fresh chance to open up your life to new possibilities. The world is blooming — a beautiful reminder that we, too, can start fresh. Let’s plant the seeds of healthy habits and grow toward a more positive, vibrant life.

This is our season for renewal. Let’s make it count!

Updated on:

March 21, 2025