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Happy Spaces

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Happy Spaces

After graduating from the Cornell Hotel School, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade.

Helping students & overwhelmed adults get organized—mentally, physically, and academically. ✨Coaching for ADHD, time management, study skills & productivity
🎯 Custom strategies, real accountability + systems that actually work
📅Schedule a free consult She has managed both hotels and luxury apartment communities. In 2016, Sarah decided to follow her passion and launch Happy Spaces. She is excited to bring her love of organization, time management and productivity into the lives of her clients.

09/03/2026

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People are often surprised when I tell them that, despite all the amazing technology we have today, I'm still a big fan of using a paper planner. I've coached many students over the years, and while we've experimented with countless planning apps, most eventually come back to paper. Why? Because it's simple, quick to maintain, and always right in front of you.

My advice is to keep your planner with your laptop so you always have it when you're studying or heading to class.

At the beginning of each week, write down all of your due dates. Then comes the important part: decide exactly what you're going to do each day.

Instead of writing "Study Biology," write "Create a study guide for Chapters 1–3." Instead of "Read History," write "Read pages 25–50." The more specific your plan, the easier it is to get started.

If you have a big assignment or a weekly math or engineering problem set, don't wait until the night before. Plan to start early, schedule a visit to office hours if you have questions, and then set aside time to finish the assignment after you've gotten the help you need.

A planner isn't just a place to record due dates. It's a tool for creating a realistic plan that breaks big projects into manageable steps. That's one of the best ways I know to reduce procrastination and replace overwhelm with confidence.

This Week's Happy Spaces Challenge: Choose one planning day this week. Write down your due dates, then break every assignment into small, specific tasks. Your planner should tell you exactly what to do each day and not leave you guessing.

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08/27/2026

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One of the first questions I ask students at the beginning of the semester is, "Have you read your syllabus?" Most smile and say, "Not really." I get it! The syllabus isn't exactly exciting reading. But I can't tell you how many questions, missed assignments, and unnecessary stress could have been avoided by spending just a little time with it during the first week.

Here's my advice: print your syllabus.

I know...no one likes printing anymore! But if there is one document worth having on paper, this is it. Keep it in a folder or binder where you can easily flip through it. If printing isn't your thing, create a folder on your desktop and save each syllabus there so it's easy to find when you're planning your week.

As you read, grab a highlighter. Pay attention to how your grade is calculated, when assignments are due, where and when office hours are held, whether you need a textbook, and any important class policies. Many professors also include helpful resources and tips for succeeding in the course.

Think of your syllabus as the roadmap for the semester. It answers questions before you even know you have them and helps you avoid surprises along the way.

This Week's Happy Spaces Challenge: Read every syllabus from start to finish. Highlight the important details, save them somewhere you'll actually look, and refer back to them each week as you make your plan. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

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08/20/2026

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Every semester, I hear a version of the same story: "I was waiting to see if I really needed the book." Then the first reading assignment arrives, the bookstore is sold out, shipping takes longer than expected, or the student is already a week behind.

One of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success is to get your books as soon as you can.

Whether you choose a printed textbook, an e-book, or a rental, having it before you need it means you're ready when your professor assigns the first chapter. There's nothing more frustrating than wanting to get started but not having the materials you need.

While I still love the experience of reading from a physical book, many digital textbooks come with incredible study tools. Explore what's included! You might find flashcards, practice quizzes, chapter summaries, videos, or interactive learning activities. These resources can make studying more engaging and help you review concepts throughout the semester.

Once you have your textbook, don't just put it on the shelf. Spend a few minutes getting familiar with it. Is there a glossary of key terms? Review questions at the end of each chapter? Practice problems you can use to check your understanding? Knowing what's available before you need it makes studying so much easier.

This Week's Happy Spaces Challenge: Get all of your textbooks before classes are in full swing. Then spend 10 minutes exploring each one so you know exactly what resources are available when it's time to study. Your future self will be grateful you did!

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08/13/2026

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Have you ever spent five minutes digging through your backpack looking for one worksheet? It happens to the best of us! The good news is that a simple system can save you time and frustration all semester long.

One of my favorite strategies is to color-code each class. Choose a different color for every subject and use that same color for your folder, notebook, and digital calendar if you'd like. Before long, you'll automatically reach for the blue notebook for Biology or the green folder for History without even thinking about it.

I also recommend having both a folder and a notebook for every class. The folder gives you a home for handouts, returned assignments, and other papers, while the notebook keeps all of your notes together in one place. When everything has a home, you're much less likely to lose important information when you need it most.

Although technology is a wonderful tool, I'm still a big fan of taking notes on paper whenever possible. Research has shown that handwriting notes can improve understanding and recall because it encourages you to process information rather than simply type every word you hear.

The goal isn't to have the prettiest school supplies. It's to create a system that's simple enough to use every day. When you know exactly where everything belongs, you can spend less time searching and more time learning.

This Week's Happy Spaces Challenge: Pick a color for each class and organize your folders and notebooks before assignments start piling up. A few minutes of preparation now can make your entire semester feel more organized.

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08/06/2026

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Every August, I meet students who are excited for a fresh start. They've picked their classes, bought their school supplies, and are ready for the semester. Then I ask a simple question: "What does your schedule look like?" More often than not, they have to log into the student portal to figure it out.

Before classes begin, spend 15 minutes adding your class schedule to your electronic calendar. Include the class name, location, exact start and end times, and make sure the recurring event begins and ends on the actual dates for that class. This is especially important if you have a lab, since many labs don't start until the second week of the semester.

Having everything in your calendar gives you an instant picture of your week. Instead of wondering where you need to be next, you'll have the information right at your fingertips. It also makes it much easier to schedule study time, appointments, work shifts, and all the other pieces of your busy life.

While you're at it, take a minute to double-check the building names and room numbers. The first week of school is much less stressful when you already know where you're headed.

It's a small task, but one that sets the tone for the semester.

This Week's Happy Spaces Challenge: Add every class to your calendar before the first day of school. Your future self will thank you as you confidently walk into the right classroom at the right time.

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07/30/2026

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One of the things I love most about my work is that I don't just get to work with kids. I get to work with parents, too.

Of course, I enjoy helping students build skills, confidence, and independence. But over the years, I've learned that some of the most meaningful changes happen when parents make small shifts in how they respond, communicate, and lead at home.

Parent coaching isn't about becoming a perfect parent. It's about learning to lead by example, set the tone, hold healthy boundaries, offer support, and avoid getting pulled into every piece of drama that comes your way.

That sounds simple, but it can be incredibly powerful.

I've watched parents make small but meaningful changes and then begin to see changes in their children that they had hoped for for years. Sometimes even decades.

The child who takes on more responsibility.

The teenager who starts communicating more openly.

The young adult who begins making better decisions.

Not because someone forced the change, but because the environment around them changed.

One of the hardest parts of parenting is allowing children to learn their own lessons. We naturally want to protect them from mistakes, disappointments, and consequences. But growth often happens when we provide support without rescuing, guidance without controlling, and boundaries without constant battles.

The changes rarely happen overnight. In fact, they often happen so gradually that you don't notice them at first.

And then one day, a parent shares a story about something their child did, and you both realize that something important has shifted.

Those moments are my favorite.

Because they remind me that lasting change often starts with the adults in the room. When parents change the way they show up, children often find new ways to grow.

And sometimes the results are even better than anyone imagined.

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07/23/2026

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I have had the privilege of being a foster parent to my kiddo for over three years, and one of the routines that has worked really well is keeping their room picked up. The expectations are simple: clothes go in the hamper, decorations stay on the dresser, and stuffies, blankets, and pillows make it back onto the bed each morning.

It isn't about perfection. It's about creating a space that is easy to maintain.

For years, they have done a great job following those expectations. But about a week ago, I noticed something new.

When I walked by their room, the bed wasn't just picked up. It was made.

The comforter was straightened. The stuffed animals were carefully arranged. It looked intentional. And when I saw them later, they proudly told me they had made their bed.

The interesting thing is that this was never a rule. I never asked for it. I never reminded them. Honestly, it just didn't feel like a battle worth fighting.

But every morning for the past three years, they've watched me make my bed.

Day after day. Week after week. Year after year.

And eventually, they decided to do it too.

It was such a good reminder that kids often learn more from what we do than what we say. They are always watching. They notice our habits, our routines, and the little things we do consistently.

I think this lesson extends beyond parenting. It applies in schools, workplaces, and leadership roles too. If you want people to adopt a habit, one of the most powerful things you can do is model it yourself.

Consistency is a quiet teacher.

Sometimes the behaviors we hope to see in others aren't developed through reminders, lectures, or rules. Sometimes they grow because someone sees an example worth following.

And often, that example is us.

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07/16/2026

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We recently had an early morning flight. And by early, I mean really early.

The alarm went off when it still felt like the middle of the night. I had a choice. I could have squeezed in every possible minute of sleep, or I could get up a little earlier and give myself enough time for our normal morning routine.

I chose the earlier wake-up time.

Was I a little more tired? Absolutely.

Was it worth it? Yes.

Instead of rushing around the house and starting the day stressed, we had a calm morning. There was time for breakfast, time to get ready, and time to mentally prepare for the day ahead. By the time we got to the airport, I felt organized and grounded instead of frazzled and overwhelmed.

It reminded me that sometimes the best choice isn't getting the maximum amount of sleep. Sometimes it's creating enough space to start the day well.

I see this with students, too. You might have a 9 a.m. final and think, "I need every minute of sleep I can get." But waking up a little earlier to review your notes, eat breakfast, and get out the door without rushing can make a huge difference in how you feel walking into that exam.

The same is true if you have an important presentation, a big meeting, or a packed morning with the kids. Giving yourself even 30 extra minutes can create the space to practice, prepare, and begin the day with confidence.

A peaceful start to the day has a ripple effect. It helps us think more clearly, make better decisions, and handle unexpected challenges with a little more patience.

Sometimes being a little tired is easier than being stressed.

And on the days that matter most, creating a little extra margin may be one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

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07/09/2026

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"Emotion regulation is not about controlling what you feel. It's about choosing how you respond." — Adam Grant

I really like this quote because it shifts the focus from something impossible to something achievable.

Most of us know, at least deep down, that we can't control our feelings. We can't simply decide not to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious, disappointed, or discouraged. Emotions show up whether we invite them or not.

What we can control is what happens next.

That distinction matters.

When we talk about productivity, planning, and organizing, people often think of calendars, to-do lists, and systems. Those tools are important, but our ability to respond to our emotions may be even more important.

Think about the last time you felt overwhelmed by a long task list. The feeling itself wasn't the problem. The challenge was what happened after. Did you shut down? Avoid the task? Get stuck in worry? Or were you able to pause, acknowledge the feeling, and take one small step forward?

Emotions are a little like waves. They rise, they peak, and they eventually come back down. The goal isn't to stop the wave from coming. The goal is to learn how to ride it without letting it carry us too far off course.

The good news is that responding differently is a skill. It can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.

Every day, we have opportunities to make small choices. We can take a break instead of giving up. We can ask for help instead of struggling alone. We can choose one next step instead of focusing on everything at once.

We may not get to choose our feelings, but we do get to choose our response. And often, those small choices are what help us return to what matters most.

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07/02/2026

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As I wrap up this Mental Health Matters series, there is one last thing I really want to say: it is okay to ask for help.

Actually, more than okay. It is brave. It is strong. And sometimes, it is one of the most important steps we can take for ourselves.

Many of us grow up believing we should be able to handle everything on our own. We push through, minimize our struggles, and tell ourselves other people have it worse. But mental health is not something we earn support for by reaching a certain level of suffering. We are allowed to need help simply because things feel hard.

The good news is that support comes in many forms. Traditional talk therapy can be incredibly helpful, but there are also support groups, trauma therapies, family counseling, coaching, mindfulness programs, and other approaches that may be a better fit depending on your needs.

And just because one therapist or one type of therapy did not work for you does not mean help will not work for you.

Finding the right support can sometimes feel a little like dating. Some people feel like a safe fit right away. Others do not. And that is okay. You are allowed to keep looking for someone who makes you feel understood and supported.

I have also seen how powerful community can be. There is something healing about realizing you are not the only person struggling. Feeling seen and understood can soften shame in powerful ways.

Throughout this series, I have talked about sleep, movement, mindfulness, nourishing food, gratitude, and other small habits that support mental health. These things matter.

But I also believe many of these tools work best in connection with others.

We were never meant to carry everything alone.

Sometimes healing starts with a deep breath, a nourishing meal, or a mindful moment. And sometimes healing starts with saying, “I think I need some support.”

Both matter.

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Albany, NY

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.HappySpacesBySarah.com/

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