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" 
We all have those quirky tricks that actually make life easier, even if they sound a little weird at first. I want to hear yours—what’s your ultimate "don’t knock it til you try it" life hack?
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Actually talking, in person, to another human being without the use of technology. It's really amazing how much you can learn from that conversation. You can see the person's facial expressions and tone of voice, which eliminates ANY confusion on what they meant when they said something.
Too many people are relying on electronics for EVERYTHING and miscommunication is abundant.
Final score:
8points
MalayDragon 2 months ago
I partially agree with you... But for some people it's not that easy.
RELATED:
#2
Say I love you to your kids including the adult ones!
Final score:
7points
BeesEelsAndPups 2 months ago
You just reminded me to text my adult son. Say it to your parents too BTW. They need to hear it as much as you do.
#3
One of my favorite “don’t knock it til you try it” life hacks is taking a 5–10 minute walk right after eating. It sounds so simple that I used to dismiss it, but wow — it helps digestion, clears my head, and even sparks new ideas. I’ve solved more work problems on those little walks than staring at my screen for hours.
Sometimes the smallest, easiest changes make the biggest difference once you actually give them a shot. 🚶♀️✨
Final score:
5points
BeesEelsAndPups 2 months ago
This one is great. I used to work next to this 19th century cemetery, and I'd take walks there everyday after lunch. The scenery was lovely with old marble tombs and statuary. It was up on this really high hill with a view of the whole city, and it was peaceful. A great place to just think, and climbing that hill was good exercise.
#4
When everything is overwhelming or miserable, pet an animal. If there are no animals in your home, visit a friend with a pet or a shelter or a cat cafe. But find an animal who wants to be petted, and the toxins of life will start to drain away.
Final score:
3points
Auntriarch 2 months ago
I bought a raven plushie earlier this year, I sometimes pet it when I'm feeling low, it seems to help. I feel really daft for admitting this. It doesn't take big stuff away but if it takes the edge off I'm grateful.
#5
Say it out loud to another person who's willing to listen.
Failing that, stand in front of a mirror and say it out loud to yourself.
Failing that, write it down on paper then read it back to yourself.
There are a *lot* of bad things in my head (as well as a steel fragment from a grenade and a titanium plate over the hole it made on it's way in). One of the ways I learned to stop tearing myself apart in a downward spiral of intrusive thoughts, replaying memories that feel just as real now as they did at the time, getting trapped in my own head, and the destructive behaviour that goes hand in hand with that kind of thing was to express it.
It's so easy to start out with a negative thought or memory and let it go round and round and round in your head. With every lap it does, it gets bigger, more powerful, and more destructive - and without mindfulness you'll end up half a mile underwater before you even realise it's raining. Putting that thought out in the open makes it "real" though, which provides a grounding point and sometimes makes it a little bit easier to see things from a neutral or outside perspective rather than from the bottom of a pit of despair.
It's a process rather than an event. It doesn't have to be perfect, or fast, or hard work - baby steps are good, a single baby step is even better. This coping skill helped to bring me back right from the very edge, so maybe it'll help someone else too.
Final score:
3points
Birgit M 2 months ago (edited)
Thank you for posting this! I have OCD with horrible intrusive thoughts (in my mind everything is possible) and my therapist told me to write them all down in detail. I've never been able to do that because I felt like this might give these thoughts even more room. What you said about providing a grounding point makes a lot of sense and it's good to hear from someone who put this idea into practice. I'll give it another try now.
#6
When the going gets tough...Take a nap!
All my life when life hands me lemons, I go to sleep.
Of course the problems are this there when I wake up,
but at least I'm well rested to address the situation with a fresh perspective.
Final score:
3points
#7
For those of us with Major Depressive Disorder, find a routine that you know you can stick to. And then stick to it. Do it every day. It can be something small and simple. If you start to feel like you can't or don't want to do that thing anymore, that is a warning sign that you're slipping into a depressive state. Seek help before you're at the point where seeking help is impossible.
I make sure to always make my bed in the morning. And to always wash all the dishes before bed at night. They're little things, but I do them every day. When I wake up and don't have the energy to make the bed, or I'm just sitting on the couch and just can't bring myself to do those dishes, I call my therapist and my psychiatrist.
Also, tell your friends about this. It'll help them pick up on cues that you're struggling, when you can't just tell them because you may not know yourself.
Final score:
3points
Emilu 2 months ago
I don't have a psychiatrist or therapist on call, but I agree with you all the way (and would absolutely call psychological backup if I had it!). Feeling like you've achieved something, no matter how small, can make a massive difference. I remember when I was in the depths of my depression and something as simple as having a shower or getting the mail from the letterbox would make me hide in bed and cry because it was so overwhelming. They sound like such small tasks, but when you're convinced that you're a worthless piece of shit doing any small thing is better than nothing.
#8
Clove oil in your floor cleaner to repel crawly bugs from coming in your home.
Final score:
2points
BeesEelsAndPups 2 months ago
Oooh yes. I have a steam mop, and I add clove and peppermint oil to the water. Just a couple of drops. It also smells nice
#9
Foods from different cultures. I have found numerous favorites from South America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and especially Africa.
Final score:
2points
Emilu 2 months ago
Oh man... life would be so boring if we were limited to our own cuisine (Australia... for us, I don't even know what that would be. A meat pie? 😆). I'm proud of expanding my former 'meat and three veg' besties' palates to the extent that we could go overseas and they'd eat the local cuisine.
#10
The Pomodoro technique. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. This is a life saver if you have focus issues like yours truly.
Final score:
1point
#11
Controlled/focused breathing. Works wonders to help calm down, as someone who suffers from panic attacks, focused breathing has saved me countless times from having a full on attack. I apply it to my kids also when they're scared and/or crying I hold both their hands in mine have them look me in the eyes and help them to calm down. They then can easily and calmly explain what has happened to make them cry or scared etc.
Final score:
1point
#12
I'm habitually late, easily distracted I guess (ooh, look, a rubber chicken). I set all my clocks ahead by 10-15 min. Kitchen clock, alarm clock, microwave, oven, wrist watches, car clock, any I have control over. You'd think that you would just mentally add it back, but it works for me (usually... the family still lies and tells me "it starts at 5:00").
Final score:
0points
You May Like “I Can’t Believe Other People Don’t Do This”: 43 People Share Their Best Life Hacks 80 Fitness Tips To Start Forming Better Habits Simple Life Hacks You Might Wish You Always Knew
Jonas Žvilius
Neilas Šurkus
Žydrūnė Trukanavičiūtė
Related on Bored Panda
