When it comes to reducing stress, sometimes implementing some practical strategies beats self-care practices. With a few small actions, you can create a future for yourself that is guaranteed to be a little less stressful. Here are five things you can do that might save you from stress tomorrow.

Buy a spare

There’s never a good time for items to break, run out, or get lost. What’s an item you only have one of that, if you lost it, or it reached the end of its life, it would be inconvenient without a spare? Perhaps it’s a battery? A key? A tire? Whatever it may be, having a spare can give you some peace of mind.

Learn how to do something you currently can’t

Instead of turning to the person you always ask when you need some help, try learning a specific task. Learning how to do it yourself will save you the stress of having to rely on someone else’s availability and potentially the relationship stress of asking them to do it.

Boost your retirement fund by any small amount

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but lack of money is certainly a huge stressor, as are guilt and regret over behaviors you know you should be doing but aren’t. Many folks feel completely overwhelmed by retirement investing, but the more you do it, the easier it gets to do. Start small, work your way toward a higher number, and don’t forget to see it as a little investment into a less stressful future.

Systematize a process

Checklists are one easy type of simple system that can help you not forget items and minimize mistakes, especially in situations in which you’re likely to be stressed or fatigued.  

Brainstorm ideas for a future-likely situation

It often doesn’t make sense to over-prepare for situations that might not occur, but some situations are likely to occur from time to time, and when they do, you might not have the mental space to think up ideas on the spot. It could be ideas for what to do on a rainy day or meal ideas for vegetarian dinner guests. Whatever it is, there’s nothing bad about being prepared.