Your future self called… They have a few requests.

Spoiler alert: she’s not asking you to become a marathon runner, survive on kale, or give up dessert forever. She’s just hoping you’ll stop hitting “Remind Me Tomorrow” on all those healthy habits you’ve been meaning to start.

When it comes to your health, the little things really do add up. No single habit can guarantee you’ll never develop breast cancer or another disease, but small, consistent choices can support your overall wellness and may help reduce your risk for certain health conditions, including some cancers.

Think of it like compound interest… but for your body.

Here are seven tiny habits your future self will definitely thank you for.

No fancy gym membership required. A brisk walk around the neighborhood, dancing while making dinner, chasing your kids (or your dog), taking the stairs instead of the elevator… it all counts.

Regular physical activity helps support your heart, your mood, your bones, and yes, it has also been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.

Your plate should look like it went shopping at the farmers market. Colorful fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that help your body do what it was designed to do.

No, you don’t need to become someone who makes green juice from scratch every morning.

Your body doesn’t come with an instruction manual (wouldn’t that be nice?). But getting to know what’s normal for you is the next best thing.

Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel can help you notice changes if they happen. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Reach out to your healthcare provider.

And if you’re thinking, “Okay, but how am I supposed to know what’s normal?” That’s where we come in. 

Organizations like The Maurer Foundation provide simple, easy-to-follow resources, like our Breast Self-Exam Guides, to help you get to know your normal. No complicated medical degree required.

We all love a good toast with friends. But here’s something that often surprises people: alcohol is a known risk factor for breast cancer.

That doesn’t mean you have to swear off your favorite glass of wine forever. It simply means being mindful of how much and how often you drink.

You don’t have to become the kind of person who meal preps 47 mason jars on Sunday. But cooking at home more often can make it easier to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while cutting back on highly processed foods. Every homemade meal doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. Sometimes “good enough” is exactly what your body needs.

You know the one. The annual physical. The mammogram you’ve been meaning to schedule. The appointment that’s been sitting on your to-do list longer than that sweater you’re supposed to return.

Early detection saves lives. Keeping up with recommended screenings and routine healthcare visits is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

While you’ve got her on the phone, ask about your family’s health history. Knowing whether close relatives have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, or other cancers can help you and your healthcare provider better understand your personal risk and make informed decisions about screening.

It might not be the most exciting conversation you’ll have this week, but it could be one of the most important.