Written by Alessa Jones

You might not realize it, but your daily habits help shape your life. Hitting the snooze button too often can make you lazier, while putting off your workout goals can prevent you from achieving them. The truth is, what you do everyday matters and influences your future in subtle but profound ways. So, here are 10 things that you can start doing today to better your tomorrow:

1. Have a Hearty Breakfast

Your mother may have told you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day — and it certainly holds true, as TIME Magazine reports that skipping your morning meal can lead to dangerous inflammation. Although mornings can be hectic, it's important to have a hearty breakfast. To make things much easier, you can check out our guide on ‘How to Meal Prep Like a Pro’, as this can help you prepare a good breakfast ahead of time. One easy solution is to prepare overnight oats, which not only lets you have an easier morning overall, but also helps you start your day on a positive note.

2. Meditate and Reflect

In the same vein, you can offset the morning rush by beginning your day with meditation and reflection. By dedicating a few minutes of your morning to grounding yourself and staying calm, you'll learn to practice gratitude in your life. In turn, being grateful will inspire you and get you motivated to start the day with the right energy.

3. Go for a Walk Outside

Another way to manifest this positive energy into your life is by leaving the house for a short while to take a walk outside. When you get your body in tune with the wonders of the great outdoors, you're allowing more peace and harmony into your day. Use the time to assess the day's priorities, while also taking more steps to boost your health.

4. Exercise

Exercising is essential to lead a healthy and happy life, but it is easier said than done. The good news is, researchers from the University of Michigan share that all movements count, as small steps can lead to big progress. Whether it's going on a short jog or even taking the stairs instead of elevators, exercise is a tool that will make you feel more empowered.

5. Eat Healthier Food

You are indeed what you eat, as an unhealthy diet contributes to stress, sickness, and a poor appearance. What's more, bad eating habits can cause chronic illnesses — a trend that is quickly taking hold, as Maryville University points out that chronic illnesses are projected to affect 164 million Americans by 2025. Thankfully, you can avoid being part of this statistic by eating a well-balanced diet. To strike a balance between healthy and delicious, try and incorporate a wide variety of leafy greens and luscious fruits into your daily meals.

6. Create Checklists

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the number of things you need to do in a day? Fortunately, a trusty checklist can bring more organization into your life. Entrepreneur shares that spending just five minutes to create a list of the things you need to do the next day will not only streamline your tasks, but also help you get a good night's rest.

7. Recite Positive Affirmations

Whether it's spilling your drink or missing your train, we all know what it feels like to have a little bad luck. While we can't predict negative events, we can choose to respond positively when they occur, as this can help alleviate stress and put things into perspective. If you find yourself feeling low, try saying this mantra from Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn: "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I’m possible!'"

8. Allow Yourself to Have Breaks

In the midst of a busy day, it's easy to get worked up, which is why you should allow yourself a 15-minute break every now and then. Whether you're at the office or at home, allot time to get in tune with yourself. You can listen to calming music, do a quick dance, or take deep breaths.

9. Take Care of Your Skin

Taking care of your skin goes beyond vanity, as following the pursuit of healthy skin shows that you value yourself. And in exchange, you get a fresh and radiant appearance that will boost your confidence.

10. Prepare Your Things the Night Before

Last but not least, a wonderful way to have a better tomorrow is to prepare your things the night before. From your outfit to the belongings in your bag, putting your essentials together much earlier can help ensure that you have everything necessary for the coming day.

Alessa Jones is a human resources professional with a passion for helping others build healthy habits that contribute to work-life balance and overall wellness. When she's not working, Alessa enjoys running and spending time with her two dogs.

10 Things You Can Do Today That You Will Be Grateful For Tomorrow