Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Share down below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Need something cold fast? Put it in the freezer for a short bit. Pro tip: Don't forget about it :p
Final score:
34points
Nicole Trombly 4 years ago
The “hack” part is that you are supposed to wrap it in a wet paper towel
RELATED:
#2
Learn how to say "no" to people. Especially on the job, but this can also apply to the people you love as well.
Final score:
25points
#3
Learn to recognize little things in daily life that make you happy, that you're grateful for. Doing this regularly 'rewires' your brain, making it easier to recognize and focus on positive thoughts. It's in the little things; seeing a rare bird, an unexpected talk with the persoon waiting in line behind you, relaxing on the couch with your pet in your lap, etc.
Final score:
24points
Tracy Wallick 4 years ago
That's called reframing, and it's an actual psychological therapy technique.
Leigh C. 4 years ago
My daughter said she had the best day on Saturday because she found a wild garter snake, saw big bull cows, goats and made goodies with her nana. She's at a point in her life everything is stressful, trying to get affairs and plans in order. The only thing that it takes to put a smile on her face and being with people who love her and having these simple moments.
#4
Self care is not selfish, it's a necessity. Besides doing your best to eat right, get enough sleep, drink enough water, etc. it's also about having boundaries and learning to say 'no' to things or people that are not good for you.
Final score:
23points
Leigh C. 4 years ago
Yes. Including requests to stay later at work. Ground yourself. Don't let them guilt you or bribe you. The incentives are not worth it. An extra $5, $10, $15 on your paycheck will go unnoticed after it's been taxed.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
And your willingness to work overtime will equally be unnoticed. They only notice you when you refuse to work overtime.
Load More Replies... #5
Always buy your shoes in the afternoon after your feet have expanded
Final score:
21points
#6
Wedge a pool noodle between your washer and dryer to prevent things from getting lost and never seen again.
Final score:
19points
#7
IF you don't know what you're doing, get help first. This goes for everything from DIY to cleaning, buying houses or cars, pretty much everything. Before jumping in, research, research, research. Don't take everything you read on the internet as golden either. Ask around, read articles, talk to friends. It is easy to do a lot of harm very quickly if you don't know what you're doing.
Final score:
18points
#8
Have an emergency fund. if you get a monetary gift/bonus, spend half, save half.
Final score:
16points
#9
Listen to your gut - alway, always, always. Your gut is frequently smarter than your brain.
Final score:
16points
Tim Smith 4 years ago
I'm going to disagree with the "always" part of this. There's plenty of science out there on biases and heuristics that shows that people's instincts are often flat-out wrong.
Robin Roper (Submission author) 4 years ago
My deep gut feelings about people and situations have always been correct. If I get a "this doesn't feel good:", "I need to to get out of here." or "I don't trust this person.", I've never been wrong.
Load More Replies...
𝙸'𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚘𝚋! 4 years ago
Well, if your brain is basically responsible for working everything in your body, wouldn't your gut not work if not for your brain?? So technically your brain is the one you're listening to in the end??🤔 I'm just messing with ya, I know what you mean :)
Kenny Earthling 4 years ago
Some scientists have referred to the gut as our "second brain" as it has a comparable number of neurones and complexity
Load More Replies... #10
1) When chopping onions, put a teaspoon in your mouth. 2) Pound a banana into a paste: best hair conditioner ever. 3) Drink 4 drops of peppermint oil in a good sip of water against irritable bowel. 4) Lavender oil is reported to relax and ease insomnia. 5) If nauseous, sleep on your left side. Apparently, this relaxes the internal organs while sleeping on your right puts all your weight on them. And finally: 1) If allergic to peanuts: do not eat peanuts. 2) If you have an unwanted erection, just wait 40 years.
Final score:
15points
Gabby M 4 years ago
I concur !!! Admits to never hearing the first one though.
Load More Replies...
Gavin Winchester 4 years ago
Thanks for the lesson in pseudoscience. A life hack would be ignoring this persons tips
Joseph OReilly 4 years ago (edited)
"alright ___, it's your turn to present!" "Uh, yeah, can I have 40 years to prepare?"
#11
If you value your job, stay off twitter.
Final score:
15points
MrOwlAteMyMetalWorm. 4 years ago
I am not on any social media except BP and whatsapp .I feel like I have to be on them to enhance my networking skills because soon I'll be looking for a job in tech.How can I stay completely off social media then?
Gabby M 4 years ago
Are there no work related sites? SOCIAL media I didn't suggest you couldn't make a work related FB, Linkedin or other networking related forums & sites
Load More Replies... More Thinking Needed (Submission author) 4 years ago
All I know is that I never read a news story about somebody who got a job for something he or she wrote on Twitter.
Load More Replies... #12
Not really hacks, but: Do not buy plastics for essential home items--aim for more durable items that don't require frequent replacement. For instance, as plastic measuring cups and drinking cups, etc. have worn out over the years, I've replaced them with stainless steel, usually from a second-hand store. I didn't realize how much I spent on replacing basic things until I bought more durable items that never need replaced. I also avoid disposable mop heads, cleaning wipes, etc. They're expensive and I always run out at the worst time. Instead I use cleaning rags and a washable mop head.
Final score:
15points
Helen Haley 4 years ago
I really wish we could just buy soaps and other liquid items out of dispensers at the store, put them into stainless steel things we already own and just pay for what we are buying instead of paying for packaging. Ditto for a whole lot of things.
GoddessOdd 4 years ago
Some co-ops used to do that, but I think all the ones near me closed. Grocery stores need to make more of an effort. I have been arguing with mine, now that I get groceries delivered, because they seem to need to use as many plastic bags as humanly possible... I know they have boxes, why not put them all in a box? Far less wasteful all around. This weekend, I got two lemons, each in a plastic produce bag, then double bagged... four plastic bags for something that required none.
Load More Replies...
Donna Leske 4 years ago
I have had the same stainless measuring cups set by EKCO since 1972. They have been heavily used, not abused, and seem ready for another 49 years.
GoddessOdd 4 years ago
Absolutely. It is often cheaper to buy quality first, than to replace cheap. I also pay attention to anything bought specifically to throw away... paper towels, wipes, etc. Toilet paper and kitty litter are probably necessary, but the rest can be easily done away with by using old t shirts for cleaning rags, cloth napkins, etc.
#13
To peel a banana, snap its stub (not the tip), and just rip the skin away. That way, you won't need to use your nails. I learned this a few years ago and never went back. Mostly because I chew my nails away, so I always struggled to peel a banana. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Final score:
14points
Rannveig Ess 4 years ago
That's how monkeys eat them. Then you can hold the "stalk" like a handle, too! Taught to Hoomans by the Masters
PixxelDust 4 years ago
also if you're interested and willing to get your hands dirty, if you stick your pinky finger into the end of a peeled banana is splits into thirds. Not much point but it's still interesting.
Gavin Winchester 4 years ago
Wow, just wow. “If you’re unsure on how to peel a banana do it another way that’s also not the best”
#14
Drink lots of water, always follow your gut and do what makes you happy
Final score:
11points
#15
Set up a savings account and set your debit account up to automatically deposit an amount on your savings account the day you get your income.
Final score:
11points
#16
If your cat pukes on the carpet, it will be so much easier to clean up if you let it dry first.
Final score:
9points
GoddessOdd 4 years ago
I have a LOT of rescue cats, and I also was the housekeeper for a museum, so I can say... this can work both ways... anything messy, or likely to stain (if you feed cat food with artificial colors for example) should be cleaned up immediately. Hairballs can be easier to clean completely when dry, and they can be brushed out of the carpet. My best purchase ever? A small dollar store whisk broom and dust pan set. I got rid of the broom, and replaced it with a large plastic paint scraper. Scrape the mess into the dust pan and flush, then treat the stain with enzymatics.
Load More Replies... Mushroomlover 4 years ago
This is very true as cats don’t chew their food well and it often looks the same as it did before they ate it. I always do this and it cleans right up. I think I’ve only had to scrub the carpet twice afterward, usually a damp rag alone will do the trick.
Gavin Winchester 4 years ago
You seems like the kind of person who cried when they don’t get their rental bond back
Della Greymane (Submission author) 4 years ago
LOL I haven't rented in decades so I don't even remember.
Load More Replies... #17
Saving money on food: 1. Learn how to use what nature gives you (collect nuts, learn some edible plants...) 2. Join foodsharing 3. Plan your meals ahead with what you still have at home 4. Freeze, dry, conserve, ferment leftovers 5. Use space to grow kitchen herbs 6. Use apps like "Too good to go". 7. Shop as late as you can, usually the prices will be reduced for fresh fruits and vegetables short before they close.
Final score:
8points
GoddessOdd 4 years ago
I also keep the biggest ziploc bag I could find in the very front of my freezer. Any package that is opened but not finished goes in the bag, along with food that is approaching expiration. Whenever I open the freezer, I look in the bag first. I don't *have* to use what's in there, but I at least think about it. Maybe I can add the half bag of corn to the soup, or use the aging green beans in place of the asparagus I just bought? I've saved a lot of money and food just by keeping track of what I have.
Patti Vance 4 years ago
yes, yes, yes! and, this doesn't have to apply to only food. learn to recycle/reuse things for other purposes when you no longer need them or if they break. as for the food issue, just learn how to cook! when i go to the store i will sometimes peek into other baskets and it always disappoints me to see younger people purchasing prepackaged or quick fix packages when it is not healthy and most of those things can be thrown together if you know how to cook. lack of time? save and invest in a crock pot. some say an instant pot but, since i don't own one, i don't know how much i would use it.
#18
Learn to sew by hand, with a needle and thread. Practice by replacing buttons, fixing holes in your socks and pockets, hemming pants. Once you get into the habit of repairing your clothes, you will spend much less money on your wardrobe. Also there are many items you can make for yourself. The easiest things to make by hand are pillowcases, curtains, totes and placemats.
Final score:
8points
Deborah B 4 years ago
Learning how to sew on a button or fix a split seam will save you a lot in replacements or getting repairs done at the drycleaner. Making things from scratch will usually not save you money, due to the cost of materials, and the amount of time it will take - do it only because you love it. Instead, try looking at second-hand shops.
#19
Two main ones. 1) Take care of your finances and 2) remember some people out there are complete f uckwits; they walk amongst us.
Final score:
8points
#20
Text an X. No I don't mean text your toxic ex, don't do that. What I mean is go talk with a parent (guardian, close friend, relative, etc.) and set up a cop out system. If you are ever in a situation where you are uncomfortable or would like to leave, you text an X (or any other letter or symbol, preferably something easy to remember) to that person and they can call you with a reason why you need to come home right away. This has got me out of some places I didn't want to be and I'm much more comfortable going out with a back up plan.
Final score:
8points
#21
To cure hiccups: Fill a glass with water. Bend at the waist and put the "opposite" side of the glass up to your mouth. (your chin will be over the water, your nose over the edge) Bend as far as you can and, bending over, take 3 goodly sips. Stand back up. Hiccups gone.
Final score:
7points
lolitsfiona 4 years ago
a method that’s worked every time for me is holding your breath and swallowing 3 times!
Freya the Wanderer 4 years ago
One trick that works for me, which I learned as a child: Drink water for 10-15 seconds while holding your earlobe. Has always worked for me. Don't know why.
Rannveig Ess (Submission author) 4 years ago
Hmmm...I'll have to try that! Someone told me once that it's a matter of distracting yourself...it used to be you were told to scare someone (BOO!!!) and that'd stop their hiccups. I thought maybe the drinking-water-upside-down thing was a trick to make you focus hard on hoping not to get a nose full of water, and then choke and snot all over, so maybe that'd derail it. Maybe the earlobe thing is that, too. Either way, it sounds fun and even if it doesn't work Ill pass it on because it'd be funny watching people do that :)
Load More Replies... 
Gavin Winchester 4 years ago
Or you could learn how to reset your diaphragm. But what would I know, just a medical scientist who is tired of the useless “hacks” here
Rannveig Ess (Submission author) 4 years ago
or you could explain that to everyone instead of being insulting....
Load More Replies...
#22
Credit is like seat belts. It can save your life, but you don't want to use it. If you do, pay it off as your main priority. Paying interest is like walking uphill all the time.
Final score:
5points
Debby Hartinger 4 years ago
Use the snowball method from Dave Ramsey. Live as frugal as possible to put the most money possible on the principle. Make extra payments, etc. Once you own your car, use that money on your mortgage. It requires discipline and feels great to see the balance go down.
Load More Replies... #23
Put anything that needs to be ironed in the dryer with a wet washcloth for 10-15 minutes.
Final score:
5points
#24
use a scythe to mow your lawn. no gasoline, extremelly few maintenance, have you doing exercise, no sound, respect the insects (and hedgehogs), low carbon fabrication, less space required for storage. You can mow your lawn literally any size. I recommend putting the prize and buying a good scythe like austrian stuff. costs a bit more but will last 150 years, and pure delight. Oh, and last thing you don't need to be Marvellous Marvin to use this, at all also on another level. buying a big freezer (like 200L) can help you save money (sales), and time (you buy more at every trip) and one last for the road. loving your job is fundamental. if you don't like your job, as yourself what do i love. and focus onto it
Final score:
3points
John C 4 years ago
If you're looking for something between a gas mower and a scythe, try a "reel mower" - those are the push mowers many of us visualize being used in the 50s. I just switched to one this year, 2021, and have used it all season so far and LOVE IT. It's a whole different experience mowing with a reel mower; I can stop and weed as I go (don't have to restart the mower after letting go of the handle), listen to music, not subject my ears to harsh mower volume, get a little bit of exercise... I can't see myself going back.
jpaul (Submission author) 4 years ago
could be, but with the scythe more muscles are working (while not being hard)
Load More Replies...
Leigh C. 4 years ago
That last part I already do. It's not feasible these days to just quit a job and expect to be hired in time when people are going months with no interviews.
SilentBob731 4 years ago
Wow, you really are a special kind of douchebag. Also, glass houses with the critique of the writing style there. You aren't exactly Yeats yourself.
Load More Replies... #25
Be yourself! Don't upset your time and schedule being a people pleaser. It's okay to say no. Live in the moment and enjoy life and what it has to offer. Never give up on your dreams. Remember, its only a failure when you stop trying.
Final score:
3points
#26
I've since switched to dish soap in bar form (no plastic waste) but when I used liquid dish soap, instead of squeezing soap on the sponge or into a bowl of water, I'd hold the nozzle of the soap bottle in the stream of running water and gently squeeze so the soap gets instantly mixed into the water. Also kept the nozzle from getting gunked up.
Final score:
2points
Jill Tremblay 4 years ago
I wish Dawn would make a bar soap. I would use that instead to save on plastic.
John C (Submission author) 4 years ago
I've been getting my dish bar soap from Silver Falls Sustainability (not affiliated, just a happy customer). It works just as well as Dawn on grease (which was my primary concern; we cook almost daily in my house and have the dishes and pots and pans to show for it). Give it a try, I hope you like it! As a bonus, I REALLY like its understated scent - it's kinda like those aromatherapy products.
Load More Replies... John C (Submission author) 4 years ago
I get mine from Silver Falls Sustainability (as well as several other products). Not a paid advertisement, but reduction in plastic consumption is something I feel strongly about. Those bars are super concentrated so you just have to swipe your dish sponge/rag across it once or twice and you're good to go. Or you can run the water over the bar for a couple seconds if filling up a container of soapy water.
Load More Replies... #27
learn how to shop like a peasant and cook for a king.
Final score:
1point
All's Gravy 4 years ago
Contradiction. How many kings or even royalty have you dined with? Fois gras, grouse, beluga and Dom P. isn't often found in the "reduced" section of Aldi. Smug and out of touch.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
It's nonsense. Shopping like a peasant means that you only go for the bargains. Get 3, pay 1 kind of stuff. You can't cook a meal for a king with that kind of products.
Load More Replies...
#28
If an unpleasant memory bugs you, and something triggers it, such as a word or image, come up with a pleasant memory. Whenever the unpleasant memory comes up, jump to the pleasant one. This takes a while, but eventually the pleasant memory will overwrite the bad one.
Final score:
1point
Natalia Shoemark 4 years ago
I do that too... override my negative thought with a positive one, takes awhile but eventually it gets normal!
#29
You know that bar of Toblerone you like so much? Instead of snapping a piece off, try pushing 2 mounted pieces towards eachother with thumb and indexfinger. Works like a charm. Can't open a jar of jam (or whatever)? Try holding it upside down and tap the lid sideways onto a hard surface like the rim of the kitchen counter. A couple of times and on 2 or 3 opposite points along the rim with medium force. Turn right side up and should open much easier now. Works each time. Want to buy a pair of regular jeans or chinos but you can't try them on. Put the waistband around your neck like a measuring tape when still buttoned up. Can you make the side meet up? You've got the right size.
Final score:
1point
Argie Smith 4 years ago
Instead of cracking the glass or your granite counter tops, try hitting the lid of the jar with a steak or butter knife handle to get a jar to open.
purple turtle 4 years ago
Doesn’t work for pear shaped bottom heavy body types. They get stuck below the thighs
#30
Not really a hack but definitely an overlooked area. If you need to adjust the temperature setting of your oven and you have an older stove with the twist caps, take off the cap of the oven and turn it over. The settings are on the other side of the oven setting cap. You just need an oven thermometer and a screwdriver to loosen the screw that's holding the 2 pieces together on the cap. The plastic, removable cap on a blender lid is a measuring cup for alcoholic drinks. Wrap your hair in a soft, cotton t-shirt after you wash your hair, instead of a heavy, bulky, rough towel. Your neck and tendrils will thank you. Using a very small amount of laundry detergent, with about 1/2 cup of Borax, 1/2 cup of baking soda and vinegar added to the bleach compartment (so the clothes can get a thorough, clean rinse). It's cheaper and cleaner, jand you're helping your washer stay cleaner and odor-free. Including apartment, shared machines. If you don't have a rubber phone cover and you need your cellphone to stay in one place, flip over your mouse pad and lay your phone on it. If your an oil painter, that built up paint you get in the bottom of your paint thinner pot can be saved and used as a paint.
Final score:
0points
Dave van Es 4 years ago
One can also use a balloon as a phone cover. Simply blow it up to 25%, hold it closed with 2 fingers, press your phone in it, and slowly release the balloon. Instant phone cover
#31
FFS, why do life hack threads always bring out the weirdos? The vast majority of people posting their “hacks” are the reason everything comes with so many disclaimers now
Final score:
-3points
What do you think ?
Davis the Greatest 4 years ago
Keep a rotary phone around, they still operate in power outages.
Sam Yobado 4 years ago
All corded phones that don't get plugged into an outlet work typically, not just rotary. I believe it's because the minimal power used in the phone line is not on the same power main, and is backed up by phone providers generators.
Load More Replies...
Keeker Dee 4 years ago
Refuse delivery of panic attacks. Instead of getting scared, get mad and say f**k no, no!
HispanicBasterd 4 years ago
Use paper towels drizzled with olive oil to easily light charcoal without lighter fluid.
Davis the Greatest 4 years ago
Keep a rotary phone around, they still operate in power outages.
Sam Yobado 4 years ago
All corded phones that don't get plugged into an outlet work typically, not just rotary. I believe it's because the minimal power used in the phone line is not on the same power main, and is backed up by phone providers generators.
Load More Replies... Keeker Dee 4 years ago
Refuse delivery of panic attacks. Instead of getting scared, get mad and say f**k no, no!
HispanicBasterd 4 years ago
Use paper towels drizzled with olive oil to easily light charcoal without lighter fluid.
You May Like 50 Powerful Old Photos That Capture Emotion, Culture, And Everyday Life In The Past 53 Things People Never Took Seriously Until They Experienced Them Themselves These 2-Sentence Horror Stories Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
Indrė Lukošiūtė
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Inga Korolkovaite
Related on Bored Panda
