We’ve all heard of “life hacks” – but how often do any of them actually work?
Despite the overwhelming piles of nonsense out there, there truly are still some tips that you should take to heart.
Like the ones you can find (where else?) on Reddit!
What is a lifehack that seems fake, but is a true lifesaver?
byu/rat-avec-london inAskReddit
Here are a few ways you can hack your life away.
1. The wood release
Every male should know this.
If you want to get rid of an awkward boner flex any muscle in your body maybe an arm. For a minute.
The blood will rush to that muscle and away from your d**k.
Crisis averted.
– [deleted user]
2. Girl, wash your face
Splash some water your face.
As a mammal, you have a diving instinct, so water on your face triggers a response: you wake up, there’s more oxygen to your brain, you feel better, plus your face is wet.
– phargle
3. Poop rocking
I saw a comment on one of these kinda threads that recommended gently rocking back and forth while pooping. I’ve never had any problems in the bathroom, but I happened to be sitting on the toilet when I read the comment so I decided to give it a test drive.
I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and effortless the whole experience was and I haven’t gone back to my old stationary technique since.
As a bonus, #1 and #2 now require the same amount of time in the bathroom!
– **S_LORD_666
4. Undo the funk
If you have funky armpits and need to fix them fast, use hand sanitiser.
I figured this out years ago when I remembered that the smell comes from bacteria reactions – which antibacterial hand gel kills stone dead.
Instant results and the medical smell lasts only a minute.
Don’t do this routinely though as it’s delicate skin.
– ihadanideaonce
5. The Heimlich
You can do the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.
Use a chair or countertop, press yourself against it(right under your rib cage), and press down hard.
Should force air up and dislodge a blockage.
– Djason_Unchaind
6. Breaking the ice
When it is icy or going through somewhere wet, always have both hands free to break any fall.
When working with a job you know has safety hazard, always be on the look out.
My coworker broke her wrist because someone forgot to put the pallet in the correction location.
Sometimes people are out to get you or maybe not even thinking of you (or your safety) so always got to have your own back.
– sweethomeall
7. Butt knuckle
Ever have a split butt-knuckle?
Some of us cold-climate people know about it.
Dry air+ tight clothing+ clothing layers=a split in the skin at the tailbone. A split butt-knuckle.
The cure?
Warm water bath with baking soda. Rinse. Pat dry (no rubbing) dry with a hair dryer. THEN apply a layer of Carmex.
Cured overnight.
– [deleted user]
8. Go in layers
Put your onion in the freezer for 10 minutes before chopping it.
It freezes the juices just enough to slow down the process of it turning in to a gas, giving you a few minutes to chop the onion without tears.
I learnt this tip from a kid’s science show years ago and I haven’t had to deal with onion tears since.
So many people don’t believe me, and then are genuinely surprised when it works.
– Lost_in_the_Library
9. The person you choose
From the amazing book ‘The Gift of Fear’ by Gavin DeBecker:
“A woman alone who needs assistance is actually far better off choosing someone and asking for help, as opposed to waiting for an unsolicited approach. The person you choose is nowhere near as likely to bring you hazard as is the person who chooses you.”
– DeeboComin
10. Sparkle and shine
Clean jewelry with dish soap, since other cleaning supplies might scratch it (like hand soap or anything that exfoliates) or chemically react with the metals (usually that’s harsh cleaning supplies) and dish soap is intended to clean glass and ceramic without scratching it and silverware without reacting with the metal, etc.
– mojomcm
11. Cool it, man
Run your wrists under cold water or rub an ice cube on your pulse points to cool down all over quickly when you get overheated.
It seems obvious but I didn’t realize it until last summer working in a warehouse with no ac.
– mannershmanners
12. Allergy blockers
During pollen season…rinse your hair before bed. Otherwise you’re just depositing pollen on your pillowcase every night and then rolling your face in it all night.
And then multiply that by how many nights you use the same pillowcase.
– blanketsmellslikeham
13. Sleep on it
Sleep on big decisions.
You think most clearly in the morning, and often after some time passes you realize you were about to make a big mistake.
– uniadminthrowaway
14. Settle that stomach
Eating candied ginger helps with nausea. Any ginger really, but candied ginger is much better tasting.
Edit: I see this really got people talking! Glad to see other remedies are helping, and the community giving each other tips. Thanks for the award and be excellent to each other! 2nd edit: Chronic nausea is a different animal and Ihope those suffering with it get medical help. Ginger isn’t a cure for all nausea,and lots of things can cause it, such as vertigo, which is an obnoxious thing to have and ginger won’t help. I have that, and it’s no fun. I use ginger for migraine nausea myself, which I also get.
– MisteeLoo
15. Count on it
Counting really slowly with the goal of reaching 150 is a decent way to fall asleep. If you have any thoughts during it just let them play out, and if you forget what number you’re on just go from what you last remember. If you make any major movements just start again.
The goal is to force your brain in to slowing down and not having any jerky motions or thoughts, and eventually reaching such a level of carelessness that you eventually fall asleep without realising. Helped me quite a few times, especially with rain sounds, hope it helps some of you too!
– Solacekia
Now go forth, and hack everything!
Got any other tips we should know?
Share them in the comments.
