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The Best Small Fixes That Improved My Life in 2020
Blankets, silk pillowcases, and a little wicker basket really can make things better
As the year draws to a close, I am looking back on what 2020 has wrought. For me, it was a year of adjustments (new job, leaving journalism full time, new apartment, etc.), which included trying to find ways to self-soothe during a global crisis. I bought a bunch of stuff that made me happy because that’s evidently what you do when you have a small amount of disposable income for the first time in your life. I donated to my local mutual aid organizations, and and I made a bunch of pretty small changes and purchases that improved my life significantly. Here’s a few words on that latter category so that perhaps you too can make a few small changes to improve your life:
A silk pillowcase
If you’re getting any number of hours of sleep a night, you’re spending a not-insignificant amount of time pressing your face and hair against a pillow. Nothing against cotton or flannel, or my beloved linen-hemp blend sheets, but my silk pillowcases are cooling, help cut down on frizz when I toss and turn all night, and just feel incredibly fancy. There’s some people who claim there are skincare benefits to sleeping on a silk pillowcase, but I don’t know about that, I mostly just think it feels nice, and you deserve something that feels nice. I think I got mine on Amazon (I know! I’m sorry!) but Brooklinen has some good ones too.
A little wicker basket
A little wicker basket can be useful for many reasons. but one thing I have been using MY little wicker basket for is to empty out all the crap I carry from purse to purse—so it’s always in one spot and not like, strewn about the bottom lining of six different canvas tote bags in my closet.
A bedside pill organizer
This thing cost like $4 at CVS and I keep it next to my bed in my nightstand so I can take my medicine while lying in bed. I understand this does in fact sound like a laziness life hack but it also helps me remember to take my medicine regularly every day.