A moment of thoughtfulness today can transform your tomorrow. 

Last Christmas, I escaped the winter chill for the warmth and sunshine of the Caribbean. It was one of the most relaxing vacations I’ve had in years. But when I returned home, the peace I cultivated quickly unraveled. The Uber never came, the freezing cold bit through my coat, and when I finally walked through my front door, I found a chaotic mess—wrapping paper rolls scattered, laundry piling up, and clutter on every surface. My serene mindset was gone in an instant, replaced by stress and overwhelm. 

That’s when I remembered the idea of “future self-care.” It’s a simple but powerful concept: the things we do today can make life easier, calmer, and more enjoyable for our future selves. Thinking ahead, even in small ways, is a kindness we rarely pause to appreciate. Normally, I tidy up before leaving on trips, but this time I skipped it—and my future self paid the price. 

If you want tomorrow-you to start the day with peace, not chaos, the solution is surprisingly simple. Spend a few moments today doing small, thoughtful things that pave the way for a better tomorrow. Treat your future self like a guest in your own life—someone worthy of a warm welcome. 

Here’s a list of easy, practical ways to start: 

1. Tidy up before bed. Spend a few minutes creating order in your kitchen or living space so tomorrow starts with calm, not chaos.
2. Do the dishes right away. Save future you from the dreaded sight (and smell) of yesterday’s mess.
3. Get 8 hours of sleep. Rested you will be more energized and productive.
4. Lay out your outfit for tomorrow. Mornings are smoother when decisions are made ahead of time.
5. Hydrate before bed. A glass of water now will leave you feeling refreshed later.
6. Start a load of laundry. Coming home to clean clothes is a gift to your future self.
7. Meal prep or plan your meals. Take the guesswork out of “What’s for dinner?” with some advance thinking.
8. Write yourself a note. Leave a kind or encouraging message for future you in a drawer, journal, or planner.
9. Schedule a random day off. A surprise break can do wonders for your mental health.
10. Tuck away a treat. Hide a candy bar, a favorite snack, or even a small gift somewhere you’ll find later.
11. Tidy your desk. A clutter-free workspace makes starting your day less overwhelming.
12. Put fresh sheets on your bed. Future you will love slipping into a crisp, clean bed after a long day.
13. Set up your coffee maker. Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee feels like a gift.
14. Write inspirational quotes in your planner. Surprise yourself with a boost of motivation on a random day.
15. Plan tomorrow’s to-do list. A clear plan helps you hit the ground running.

These small acts of thoughtfulness can make an enormous difference in how your future self feels and functions. Each one is a simple way of saying, “I’ve got your back.”

This week, pick one or two from this list and start weaving them into your routine. Your future self will thank you—and you’ll thank yourself, too.