Celebrate spring with fresh habits or compost trash behavior.

        Spring is here! Start something new or revisit an old project with a fresh perspective. Or stop a bothersome routine or let go of something and simplify matters. Be realistic, and do not create a multitasking obstacle course. The idea is to introduce a positive change in your life to reduce stress, so no lofty goals. Give some attention to using your time wisely and bolstering health-related habits. Pick an issue that annoys you and improve your ability to solve it.

Some issues I continue to improve upon are:

        Make shopping trips more efficient by plotting out the stops, using a shopping list, and eating before you go. A change like this will reward you with time to spare and less spending.

        Meal planning requires effort, but with practice, you gain a lifetime of tastier meals with minimal effort. You may need to spend a little money on a cookbook or kitchen stuff; just don’t go crazy.

        Add a 20-minute walk to your week, 10 minutes out and 10 minutes back. Don’t worry about exercise value. Alone or not, get out there. Walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Don’t use your phone. Listen, look at the scenery, and let your mind wander.

        Stopping a behavior or letting something go can restore lots of wasted resources but requires a personal commitment. For example, stop looking at your phone; it doesn’t love you, and there is nothing urgent to see.

        Focus on your situation or be helpful instead of nitpicking. Moments spent complaining or criticizing others add up to an unwelcome time suck. Find ways to introduce solutions instead of recruiting others to validate your jaded thoughts. The more you tame negativity, the less your mind will bog you down.

        Spring cleaning is an activity that applies to more than the obvious. Minimizing the clutter on the floor and in your mind makes navigating life more manageable. The gains you make may seem small, but they add up. You may inspire others to follow your example. A problem may be solved because you or others are receptive to suggestions. Quality of life improvements do not need to be dramatic to create peace of mind. And the fact that you choose how to change is gratifying and empowering.

Visit uduforu.com for more about Martin E. Dodge and get email updates. The uduforu blog and uduforu vlog post every first of the month. Follow social media for uduforu on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.