As the dogwood blooms fade and the last of the azaleas burst with color, it's time to do some much-needed spring cleaning.

"You can really change your life and open up what's most important to you by uncluttering your life," said Sylvia Sultenfuss, human relations consultant with Buckhead Center for Health. "So many people never stop to take care of themselves, particularly nurses and those in health care. It's like a breath of fresh air to take some time for yourself, and there's nothing wrong with it."

Too often, people in care-giving professions put everyone else first. Sultenfuss said striking a balance is crucial.

"You need to have some time for yourself, your family and your significant other, in that order," she said. "Decide what's most important to you, what's sacred, and literally put it on a calendar."

Sultenfuss uses color-coding to give a quick reference to what type of activity she has on the calendar.

"When someone calls to schedule an activity with you, first look at the calendar. If you've already committed to personal or family time, simply say 'That doesn't work for me, I'm already committed,' and let it go," she said. "There's no need for an explanation. You're making a statement to yourself that your commitment is most important."

Starting small is an easier way to stick to a plan. Select two or three priorities and schedule them, following through on only those for a few weeks.

For example, a goal to exercise can begin by picking a time each day and doing a little bit at a time. A two-mile walk may not happen every day at first, but by committing to a time on a calendar, you'll be more likely to take a walk.

"My walk has increased from one to two times a week to six times in just a few months," she said. "And people know not to call me at 7:30 because that's my 'me' time."

So how do you pick prioirites? Sultenfuss suggests looking back on the previous week to see where you've spent your time and energy.

"Ask yourself, 'If I died tomorrow, which of these things would I be glad I did?" she said. "Then schedule two to three of those items and make them sacred. Don't let anything other than a real emergency get in their way."

There will be times when events and demands interrupt a schedule, but by making plans and committing them to a calendar, there's a much better chance of keeping them.

"If you never put the most important things on your schedule, I can assure you that they will never happen," she said. "You need time to take care of yourself, your family, and your significant other, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

"It's like getting a whole new outlook once you've spring cleaned your clutter and realized the most important things in your life."