5 Things You Can Buy Today To Make Your Life a Little Better

It’s not always easy to keep up with everything you need to do to make your life work. Between eating healthy and exercising, trying to stand out at work, and keeping up with your social life, the little things sometimes get lost, as anyone who’s tried to keep a plant alive or declutter their closet will know. If your time is at a premium, check out these five things you can buy to make your life simpler and happier.

Washable, Leak-Proof Period Panties

Technology has made so much of our lives easier, and yet period products seem stuck in the past. Pads and tampons are still leaky and uncomfortable. If you’re not the type to track your cycle in your calendar, or it’s often irregular, periods can also be an unpleasant surprise. But finally, there are better options! Several brands now manufacture underwear that does everything disposable menstrual products can: stop the leaks, collect your flow, and keep you comfortable all day.

Although it feels unthinkable to trust just a pair of underwear to manage all your menstrual needs, customers are happy; one Ruby Love review found that period panties can handle even heavy overnight flow. The comfort, accessible price, and machine-washable fabrics mean that as soon as you start to think your period might be due, you can switch your underwear wardrobe and you’ll be prepared—no need to remember pads, tampons, or extra underwear.

A Sunrise Alarm Clock for Slow Risers

Startling alarms are a bad way to start the day. According to researchers at Japan’s National Institute for Industrial Health, an abrupt wakeup call can spike your heart rate and blood pressure. Rising with the sun is more natural; your retinas detect the light of sunrise, even with your eyelids closed, and signal your brain that it’s time to wake up soon. That said, if your bedroom is always pitch dark or you don’t want to be up at dawn, a sunrise simulator alarm is a great stand-in for the real thing. Options range from basic timer lights to smart alarms that mimic a real sunrise, but whatever you choose, you’ll find that a gentle alarm makes getting out of bed much easier.

Smart Water Bottles for Staying Hydrated

You know you should drink more water, but it’s easy to forget, and before you know it, you’ve misplaced another refillable water bottle. If this sounds like you, consider a smart water bottle that does some of the work for you. Each model comes with different features to build your hydration habit, like reminding you to hydrate, sanitizing automatically with UV light, or adding flavor with fruit or carbonation.

Drawer Dividers for an Organized Day

Many people find that decluttering is one of those projects that they want to do, but can’t seem to start. If the KonMari method still doesn’t spark joy for you, try a quicker solution: drawer organizers. Whether you’re straightening up your wardrobe, kitchen, or junk drawer, dividers help you choose a home for every item, which is the key to being able to find things quickly. Sorting items into compartments will also let you look over your things and decide if there’s anything you want to discard or donate. It may take some time, but you’ll thank yourself next time you’re in a hurry and everything you need is right where you expect it to be. Have a lot of drawers that need attention? Tackle them one at a time in 15- to 20-minute sprints.

An Office Chair That Supports You

If you’ve been working from home for months and you’re starting to dread the uncomfortable chair you’ve been using, it’s time for an upgrade. A quality office chair is an investment, but it can pay dividends for your postural health, minimizing back and hip pain and helping you stay focused. The wallet-busting Steelcase Gesture is considered the best chair on the market, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendlier pick, this surprisingly stylish Amazon pick is under $250 and arrives with Prime shipping in the U.S.

Clicking “add to cart” can’t solve every problem, but it can solve a few! Try these picks for a better routine.