Jessica's Friday Five: I finally learned what a 'cable raceway' is

Hi Reader,

Thanks to those of you who have already signed up for the fall 2026 cohort of Joyfully Managed Worklife. I'm so excited about this cohort that's building!

Let's get to your Friday Five:

1. I learned this week what a "cable raceway" is: We recently had to move around some technology in our living room, and my husband said to me, "You should share about these cable raceways!" (he's clearly gotten used to being married to the author of this newsletter, haha). I had never heard that term before, but he explained that they're the best ones he's found for cable management, hiding cords, etc. We have them in a few places in our house, and now in the living room too.
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2. Permission to be a little more yourself. My friend Alice Leibowitz is hosting a live online workshop called Iconoclast, and the premise alone made me want to sign up (along with that high school photo on the registration page!). Her whole point: the people we admire most — Picasso, Madonna, Thoreau — weren't admired for fitting in. They were admired for fully owning what made them different. In the workshop, she'll help you spot where you're still bending to expectations you don't actually agree with, and find your own version of that kind of courage. It's $35, on Zoom, this Sunday, August 23, from 1-3 p.m. Eastern.
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3. An opportunity for a babysitter to earn some extra cash: If you have young kids, I love ​this babysitter idea​ for when sitters are around and kids are asleep. It’s particularly helpful for the sitters who like keeping busy while on duty, and it helps you out, too!
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4. Naloxone saves lives: The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 125,000 people died of an opioid overdose in 2019. Unfortunately, due (in part) to the increased use of opioids in chronic pain management and the rise of highly potent opioids available on the illicit drug market, the number of opioid overdoses has increased in recent years in several countries. Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save someone’s life. If you or someone you love takes opioids, it’s not a bad idea to have naloxone on hand. It can make a world of difference in case someone needs it around you. It’s available over the counter, through insurance, and even for free in some places—here’s how to get it. We don't have any opioid users right now in our home, but I still keep some on hand because I want to be able to help if someone around us is experiencing an overdose.
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5. Stuffed animals can help adults sleep better: Before you write me off for this one, check out this article. Stuffed animals help kids self-soothe because they’re cozy, and they can have the same effect on adults, as self-soothing reduces the active thinking that persists during our waking hours and helps us enter a relaxed state that allows us to drift off to sleep. Maybe I should try it!

Bonus Sponsor Resource: Like Spanx Air Essentials, but cheaper. I am a huge fan of the Spanx Air Essentials brand for the best loungewear ever, but it's not cheap. So imagine my delight when I realized that Old Navy now has basically the same product but more affordable. They call it "Bounce Fleece." They have men's and women's, and this week I bought cargo pants for one of my kiddos and flare-leg sweatpants and a ​dolman-sleeve top for me. This resource is from one of our Friday Five sponsors - thank you to them for keeping this newsletter free for readers!

Last Friday's Most-Clicked Link: For the 2nd week in a row, that fall calendar! Glad y'all are as into it as I am. But second place last week was the blue-light screen protector I got to help me sleep and hopefully avoid cracking my phone screen again.