Taking Care of Future You

Bonjour!

I read recently about the concept of doing something for “future me.” I love the idea of doing things to help out your future self. Today’s post shares some ideas about how to take care of Future You.

As a planner and a worrier, I already spend a lot of time thinking and working ahead, as it were: setting out my clothes the night before; filling the tea kettle with water so it’s read to turn on first thing in the morning; purchasing, addressing, and stamping birthday cards at the beginning of each new year so they’re ready to send when the time comes. But rerouting the perfectionist energy of toxic productivity into the loving, gentle energy of self-care seems much more positive and pleasant (and healthier!).

Short-Term Ideas for Future You

In the near-term, a version of Future You will benefit from a little planning and forethought. What does You in Twenty Minutes or Tomorrow You need? What will ease the daily burdens of food prep, laundry, commuting, decision-making, et cetera?

Some short-term ideas for taking care of Future You:

• Prep the tea kettle or coffee pot so it’s read to turn on first thing in the morning (I cannot overstate how valuable this simple act is now that I have a toddler).
• Unload the dishwasher when Le Bébé is playing with a toy and Le Chien is snoozing in a sunspot, usually right after breakfast. You’ll thank yourself later!
• Reset your purse, satchel, European carryall, or what-have-you as soon as you get home (or soon thereafter; life happens!) so it’s ready for your next excursion. I try to check my wallet, discard trash, restock masks and hand sanitizer, and charge my phone.
• Unroll a yoga mat in quiet space to inspire you to take a break, breathe, and stretch. I see my yoga mat. I wave at her. I’ll get there.
• List to-dos for the on Monday morning in order of priority. Give yourself permission not to do things you find necessary, tedious, or draining.

Long-Term Ideas for Future Yous

Looking after your future self can also have long-term applications, such as saving for retirement, eating right and exercising, and getting enough sleep. What does You Next Season or You in Five Years need?

Of course, life sometimes has other plans when it comes to money and health, despite your best efforts and intentions. But it still doesn’t hurt to consider Future You’s financial, physical, and emotional well-being as much as is practical.

Some long-range ideas for Future You:

• Plant bulbs in the fall to enjoy next spring.
• Refresh your wardrobe at the end of each season. Launder and mend items to keep and store them properly. Donate items you no longer want or need (and remember that torn, stained, or worn-out textiles can still be donated for repurposing!).
• Cook big batches of soup, chicken breasts, rolls, et cetera to portion and freeze. A healthy, home-cooked meal is ready to thaw and eat when you’re tired and don’t feel like much meal prep (so basically every day for me, le wink).
• Sleep!
• Moisturize! Everything! Your skin will thank you.

Ways I’ve Looked After Future Me

For more inspiration and tips, here are some ways I’ve taken care of Future Me. Spoiler alert: they occurred mostly during my pregnancy when I was in hardcore nesting mode.

• We painted, decorated, and organized the nursery with its glorious Snoopy theme.
• We bought and assembled baby gear like the crib, stroller, and car seats – and learned how to use them (le sigh) – before the baby came.
• I sterilized baby bottles and pacifiers.
• I washed and put away baby clothes because I assumed babies were messy (and I literally had no idea what level of bodily fluids I was getting myself into). Ha. Ha. Ha.
• I packed my hospital bag for Due Day.

But Let Yourself Rest Too

I readily acknowledge the Girl Scout and lifeguard in me want to Be Prepared, whether it’s just time to make dinner in the short term or an unexpected issue (or adventure!) arises in the long term. But constant preparation and anticipation can detract from being in the moment and simply enjoying life. Taking care of Future You only goes so far and can become compulsive or overwhelming, so give yourself a break!

Find ways to balance thinking ahead with letting yourself just be. The whole point is to make life just a little bit easier and more pleasant, not create more stress and to-do lists. Overall, taking care of Future You is an investment in happiness and peace of mind that can boost overall life satisfaction and contentment.

What can you do today to take care of Future You?

Merci for reading and please subscribe and share!

À votre santé,

Katie