30 Cool “Life Hacks” About Our Bodies

Let’s face it, we virtually know nothing about our bodies. I mean, we breathe, and sleep, and eat, and put it on repeat. But apparently, there’s some everyday magic we can do with our physique that we didn’t have a clue existed. Pull your seat closer.

You know how you're sitting in a movie theatre and out of nowhere, your nose is about to blast off like Elon Musk's SpaceX? There’s a trick for this. Or hiccups. There’s a simple hack to treat those little devils too. Because we can only take a limited amount of hiccups at a time, and every extra one is a threat to human dignity.

So scroll down below to pack yourself with some useful tips and tricks that may save your date, shield you from embarrassment, and simply make it pass.

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Instead of treading water and tiring yourself out float on your back by arching your spine and pushing your hips up toward the sky. Spread your limbs out and use small movements with your arms to stabilize. Contemplate life.

crdog , Leandro Riviello Report

Final score:

133points

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B 4 years ago

This one is really important and could save your life. Tested and it works, even for people who can't swim. Just hope for calm seas.

85points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies When you do pullups, try to imagine yourself pulling your elbows down, not pulling your body up. It's a mental trick that can make them feel easier, because it forces you to use the muscles in your back more.

FloralBison , Eric Astrauskas Report

Final score:

127points

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hispanic! at the disco 4 years ago

Although you're still going to be scammed in those "stay on the bar for two minutes and win 100 dollars!!" games

41points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Feeling depressed or just thoroughly upset? Have a snack containing the following:

--Dark chocolate (to raise endorphins)

--Blueberries (to raise serotonin)

--Green tea+ (which contains L-theanine that blocks stress receptors in your brain)

--Anything rich in B-vitamins like 5-Hour Energy, VitaminWater, or banana chips (as B-vitamins replenish energy that's sapped when you are depressed)

I've used this custom snack pack to great effect in the past, even coming back from being legitimately suicidal. I've had my mood turn around inside of 2 hours with this. I'm on a daily antidepressant now and am doing much better overall, but sometimes I still need this emotional bandaid fix.

+Hot or cold green tea will work, but for added benefit, holding a warm mug of hot tea sends signals to your brain to help your muscles relax, which you may be subconsciously tensing due to stress.

PianoManGidley , AlexanderStein Report

Final score:

122points

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hispanic! at the disco 4 years ago (edited)

Dark chocolate also helps you after a Dementor attack ;)

145points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Water should be the first thing you put into your body each day.

NateDawg24 , Roger Johnson Report

Final score:

121points

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Stimpy 4 years ago

Well, sometimes I like to put in a bit of oxygen first...

323points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Make pooping easier by elevating your knees and feet, so you're in a squatting position.

Squatty Potty Report

Final score:

113points

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Pittsburgh rare 4 years ago

...and remember to pull down your pants

466points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Squeezing your left thumb into your palm can help cut off your gag reflex.

Thought it was [bullcrap]. Tried it. Can brush my tongue nicely now

MaxwellSavageYork , jidesu Report

Final score:

110points

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Elsker 4 years ago

isn't this just a way of diverting your brains from gagging? still, if it works:)

32points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies When you are hot pour cold water over your wrists to cool your body off. The reason this remedy works is because your wrist and neck both contain pulse points, areas where you can feel your pulse because your blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin.

mojaksywa , star athena Report

Final score:

99points

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Dynein 4 years ago

Be careful to not use water that's too cold... your vessels contract quickly if it's too cold so you won't actually cool off that well. Best to use lukewarm water that your body doesn't register as *cold*... just less hot than your body. (Same goes for every other method of using liquids to cool off - lukewarm/slightly cold works better!). By the same token, wrapping your *wrists* (and neck) warm in winter can retain a lot of heat.

63points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you need to get up in the middle of the night keep one eye closed so that when you flip on the lights it stays attuned to night vision. That way you can still see in the dark with the other eye when you're done.

Davidglo , Alexander Krivitskiy Report

Final score:

94points

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Wubbleyew 4 years ago

Just pee in the dark. Bonus points for hitting the target

148points

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30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you're worried you're gonna throw up, you're mouth usually fills with saliva a bit beforehand because the contents of your stomach are harmful to the throat. It's a pretty good sign you're gonna toss them cookies.

myrtlemurrs , Trần Toàn Report

Final score:

93points

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No you didn't 4 years ago

I see, "easy body tricks that may come in handy" means reflexes. Yes, those may come in handy. Thank you.

78points

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#10

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you have a stuffed up nostril, lay on your side which is opposite to the nostril (e.g. If the left nostril is plugged, lay on your right side). Try tilting your head different ways and just lay there. Once you find the right head orientation, the pressure will relieve itself. It's orgasmic.

bigolmonkeyfarm , PublicDomainPictures Report

Final score:

88points

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Wubbleyew 4 years ago (edited)

But then the other one undoubtedly blocks up

181points

Daria B 4 years ago

True. But if you catch the right timing, and stand up, you may have them both unblocked. It may require blowing your nose though. Happened to me accidentally a few times. Jack pot!

12points

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Xavier Hathaway 1 week ago

so just blow your nose

0points

Cindy Langston 1 year ago

If that starts to happen lay on your back so it evens out. It works

0points

Thielen Nizzola 2 years ago

It does. It's like a cicle thing. One is blocked, than the other gets blocked and then you're free.

0points

Mike Rodrick 3 years ago

For me, it's always the same one.

0points

Pavlina G 4 years ago

That it does

0points

Mark CM 4 years ago

Try "probably". I "doubt" it would be 100% "undoubtedly".

-1point

Boudica 4 years ago

I think 'orgasmic' is quite a big claim to make, however good it feels to unblock a nostril!

8points

Blarrg 4 years ago

Useful, but I think "orgasmic" might be overselling.

3points

Mohammad Ammar 4 years ago

Everyday life with a deviated septum :(

2points

Mike Rodrick 11 months ago

Sounds like safe sex.

0points

DeeDee Porter 2 years ago

I've done this for years. Works great for allergies, if the other side stops up just roll over, you may have to change positions 2-3 times but it will clear.

0points

Patrick Quinn 2 years ago

been doing this for years. works 99% of the time

0points

Kimberly Holloway 2 years ago

Orgasmic? I don't think I'd go quite that far...

0points

ᏇᎯᎶ丶ℳαℒℯทα×͜×۝ঔৣ 3 years ago

OMG!!!IT WORKED!!!!!!!

0points

Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago

Unless you have a deviated septum and some loose sinus tissue. I have to lay on my left side to clear my left side nostril when I am trying to sleep.

0points

Mumof1 4 years ago

Try "lie" instead of "lay"

0points

Arlene Reber 4 years ago

I have to do this a lot but it works.

0points

Teresa 4 years ago

I feel you’re playing fast and loose with the word “orgasmic”.

0points

Martin John 4 years ago

I've found lightly massaging the areas above my nostrils (on either side) tends to brings a bit of relief.

0points

Kitty Fenerty 4 years ago

This does work.

0points

Lisa Chambers 4 years ago

Best to get that all under control by a saline cleansing of the sinuses and a regular dose of anti-histamine, if this is a daily thing.

0points

Eddie 4 years ago

^ apparently never had an orgasm.

0points

nala simba 4 years ago

Lay what? Eggs, tiles, etc. Should read "lie" on your side! Two different meanings!

0points

Ronnie Beaton 4 years ago

Or try standing on a chair.

0points

Heather Jerrie 4 years ago

Actually, your body automatically switches between nostrils, constricting one and opening the other. So this just happens automatically. It's called nasal cycling. The body is so amazing!

0points

Mark CM 4 years ago

I'd rather have a wank.

0points

Aimee Simmons 4 years ago

one side will always be closed. it's how it works. however, if you have inflamed sinuses, they both can be restricted, which makes us feel like we can't breathe when the one that is normally closed is doing it's thing, and the one that is open isn't as open as it needs to be.

0points

Joel Emmett 4 years ago

Rinse your nasal passages with some saline.

0points

ispeak catanese 4 years ago

If this is what it takes to have an orgasm... Hats off to you.

0points

Vockua Vockuah 4 years ago

"lie" on your side, not "lay". Ye Gods.

0points

Stannous Flouride 4 years ago

Actually there are two acupressure points, one on the flat space adjacent to your nose and the other just in from the little notch in the bone above your eye socket, that work much better. To find them feel for the most sensitive spot. Then press with the tip of your finger as hard as you can for as long as you can stand it. Usually 15-20 seconds is enough. It lasts 2-3 hours.

0points

CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago

Have... you ever had an orgasm?

0points

Sian Edwards 4 years ago

Unless you have a nasal polyp behind your septum which just slides across and blocks the nostril depending on what side you turn!

0points

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#11

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Tiptoe (toe-heel walk) every time you aren't wearing shoes, improves balance and +1 stealth. Also good way to workout those calves.

crdog , Alexis Report

Final score:

78points

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Martha Meyer 4 years ago

I don't wear shoes when I'm home. That would be very weird to do all the time.

93points

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#12

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Lie on your left side to help prevent bedtime heartburn after you eat a big meal

DieterRobbins Report

Final score:

77points

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Scott 4 years ago

Your stomach is on the left side. Laying on this side stops the acid flowing back to the aesophagus thus reducing heartburn.

85points

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#13

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you get some form of exercise every day, your mind and body will feel better. Lifting 3-4 times a week and biking to work/school every day has completely changed who I am over the course of a year and a half. Don't give up on yourself.

CoupleScrewsLoose , Jonathan Borba Report

Final score:

77points

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Martha Meyer 4 years ago

People really underestimate how important this is for mental well being. Humans are made for walking about 20 km a day actually and not exercising at all is like keeping a bird in a cage all the time.

58points

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#14

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you are experiencing a panic attack or you are anxious enough to elevate your heart rate, you can hold a cold water bottle to your face between your nose and cheekbone and hold your breath for 30 seconds to have your body relax itself.

LanarLikker , Fernando @cferdo Report

Final score:

72points

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Jo Choto 4 years ago

I'll stick to rolling around on the floor, thanks.

127points

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#15

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you feel a sneeze coming but it fails to emerge (super frustrating), look at a bright light and it'll come. Works for me almost every time.

Raisinization , Pexels Report

Final score:

71points

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ThreeOfAKind 4 years ago

Actually only 18-35% of people can induce sneezing by looking at light. It's still really useful to those that can though!

107points

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#16

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Rolling around and stretching on the floor for 5-10 minutes helps to relieve a huge amount of body aches/soreness for me. It really relaxes your body and loosens it up.

Sumit316 , Adam McGuffie Report

Final score:

67points

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Jo Choto 4 years ago

Rolling around on the floor is my answer to most of my problems.

162points

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#17

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you're writing a test and are having trouble thinking/remembering an answer, adjust your position - somehow this helps you think differently

im_paul_n_thats_all , tjevans Report

Final score:

60points

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Karen Johnston 4 years ago

Also works with crying babies. If you're holding one on the left shoulder, and you move him or her to the right, sometimes it soothes them. My theory is their clothing is rubbing on them somewhere that is making them uncomfortable. I also found with a really cranky baby, change their clothes and that can help.

58points

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#18

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies When you get a brain freeze, press and hold your tongue up to the roof of your mouth.

congerdesign Report

Final score:

57points

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Jo Choto 4 years ago

I've never had a brain freeze.

64points

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#19

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies More a gltich than a hack, but if you position yourself in the door frame (or something similar) with your arms hanging down and push both your arms against the frame with all your force and keep doing that for about 30 seconds and step away while completely relaxing your arms your arms will raise themselves upwards while you are relaxing your arms.

Adolf-____-Hitler , Salim Virji Report

Final score:

57points

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Daenarys 4 years ago

I show this to my 6th grade students during our body systems unit in biology every year. They think it's hilarious.

59points

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#20

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you have somewhat of a double chin or you want your jawline to be more defined in a picture, put your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

crdog , Mike Oliva Report

Final score:

47points

POST

Monday 4 years ago

Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth when you smile for a picture also keeps your eyes open wider

33points

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#21

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Drain congested sinuses by alternating between pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth, then pressing a finger between your eyebrows

Brittany Colette Report

Final score:

42points

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Kathy Baylis 4 years ago

Or you could just blow your nose and take your allergy meds.

47points

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#22

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies To quickly cure your hiccups: Deeply inhale, hold it, swallow twice, then exhale through your nose.

RobinHiggins Report

Final score:

40points

POST

Wolfowl 4 years ago (edited)

I drink water from the opposite rim of the glass until the hiccups are gone.

40points

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#23

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies To hear someone talking next to you in a loud room, lightly pull back on the little flaps on both your ears — then push them in.

parispictures Report

Final score:

33points

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Wolfowl 4 years ago

But how to you mute all sound entirely?

30points

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#24

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you're wearing wet swim trunks, wrap a towel tightly around your waist, and pull it tight around your knees as well, so that your knees are touching each other. Now squat as low as you can, you should feel the towel constrict even tighter. Your swim trunks should now be totally dry, and you can go straight inside and sit on the couch without getting yelled at by mom for leaving a big wet mark.

saunter-o-dimm , .Martin. Report

Final score:

31points

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Cat Nip Gal 4 years ago

SERIOUSLY!? I have to try this the next time I go swimming.

41points

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#25

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies To calm down when you're feeling extremely nervous, put your thumb in your mouth, close your lips, and try to blow out air, letting your cheeks puff up.

JESHOOTS-com Report

Final score:

29points

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Wubbleyew 4 years ago

The final step is to look at yourself in the mirror while doing this. You'll look so ridiculous you won't be able to not laugh at yourself

104points

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#26

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies When you accidentally burn your tongue on hot coffee or tea, swish with very cold water (but don't suck on ice)

Hayes Potter Report

Final score:

28points

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Marcus Fleming 4 years ago

Good advice. But 'accidentally'? Do some people burn their tongue on purpose? Am I missing out on something?

62points

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#27

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies To ensure you never miss contact in a high-five, watch the other person's elbow.

ghostoftheuniverse , Tyler Nix Report

Final score:

28points

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Marcus Fleming 4 years ago

This could go wildly wrong. I recommend holding your hand hi and still. Let the hi-fiver to the swing. Take five.

7points

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#28

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Guys: when shaving over your Adam's apple, swallow as you swipe down to avoid getting nicked.

crdog , Supply Report

Final score:

27points

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WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago

But what if you have to swipe up because of the way your hair grows?

16points

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#29

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Stop a sneeze in its tracks by pressing down on the area right above your upper lip.

Mojpe Report

Final score:

25points

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Hans 4 years ago

This is a good trick, but in general, we sneeze with a purpose. Thus, if there is no danger of "hitting" anyone, sneezing makes sense!

54points

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#30

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Stop a nosebleed by leaning your head forward a little, then pinching your nose in a specific spot for five minutes.

Harvard Health Blog , Marco Verch Report

Final score:

16points

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Wubbleyew 4 years ago (edited)

'a specific spot' well that's like saying to save yourself from a snake bite, eat a certain leaf.

171points

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#31

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If your lower back often feels tight, try lifting yourself in any location where you can dangle your legs. Relax your back and let the weight of your legs stretch out your back. The corner formed by two counters in a kitchen is a very common place that works.

_Apostate_ , Toa Heftiba Report

Final score:

12points

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Elsker 4 years ago

one works great for me, (thought it was some yoga pose but can't find a link to share) Stand straight, with your bum against a door or wall, and just carefully bend down and hold for a moment

4points

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#32

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Chew gum to stop that earworm song that's stuck in your head.

Hunter Newton Report

Final score:

11points

POST

Anton Swanepoel 4 years ago

Another method is to play the ending of the song in your mind. Apparently this tells the DJ in your head that the song is finished now.

20points

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#33

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies This one is specifically for women: if you feel lower abdominal pain so severe that it seems like it might be appendicitis, try lying down in different positions to feel whether you can minimize the pain.

If the pain has varying intensities with different body positions it probably isn't appendicitis even if it's right quadrant pain. Still go see a doctor promptly; ask for an ultrasound. It's more likely ovarian cyst torsion.

Learned this from my gynecologist.

doublestitch , derneuemann Report

Final score:

11points

POST

Tor Rolf Strøm 4 years ago

You havent been to the doctor in how many years!? Nah, I just read bored panda.

4points

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#34

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Improve your lung capacity by trying to swim the entire length of the pool underwater on one deep breath.

I've been working on this at the large pool at the gym, and the extra breathing capacity has proved beneficial in a variety of ways - including stamina.

Back2Bach , Mohammed Kuraish Report

Final score:

10points

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Tor Rolf Strøm 4 years ago

Wow, who knew! If you practice holding your breath, your lung capacity will improve?! Damn!

6points

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#35

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Not sure if it's a hack but if you want to straighten your posture place your body comfortably against a wall, lift your arms up, side raise all the way up, keep repeating for a couple of minutes, when you take a step forward your posture will be improved for a bit. Keep repeating for better results

Golan_1002 , Joseph Rosales Report

Final score:

10points

POST

Marcus Fleming 4 years ago

For the timing, sing, 'I Believe I Can Fly'.

7points

#36

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies If you need to pee but don't have to, push into your belly button with your finger. Kinda wiggle it around as you push. This will give you the sensation to pee.

luxanderson , zeevveez Report

Final score:

9points

POST

Marcus Fleming 4 years ago

Hang on. Are we in a Kindergarten?

13points

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#37

30 Cool "Life Hacks" About Our Bodies Next time you leave a club or concert and your ears are ringing and you're having trouble hearing quieter noises, cover your ears with your palms with your fingers wrapped around the back of your head. Then use your first and middle fingers on each hand to sort of flick the back of your head a bunch of times. The ringing should mostly go away and your hearing will come back for a while.

pappy_van_sprinkle , Counselling Report

Final score:

8points

POST

WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago

Use earplugs before going in. The ringing of your ears is a sign that they have suffered damage according to my hearing care professional. She also said that in the Netherlands more than 75% of people to the age of 20 already have some kind of hearing loss. It's caused by the noise in concerts and clubs, but also because of headphones that are playing music too loud.

19points

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30 Cool “Life Hacks” About Our Bodies

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