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30 Times People Tried Out “Stupid” Life Hacks And Realized They Were Actually Pretty Useful
We humans are strange creatures. Sometimes we have this ill-advised notion that we know better than everyone else and can dismiss things without knowing much about them. But luckily, we're also open to learning and growing, even if it requires admitting that we don't have all the answers. So Reddit user 730throwaway made a post on the platform, asking others to share the life hacks they thought were nonsense, but tried and found to be surprisingly effective. From self-care to productivity, if it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid!
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#1
Taking a stupid little walk for my stupid mental health. It made me feel better.
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#2
Pretending that people with road rage or driving crazy have diarrhea and are just trying to get to a toilet before they c**p themselves.
Lene 1 month ago
I do this! I even tell the kids "oh, look! There is someone who may be in a hurry because they are about to poop. Haha!" And the kids laugh and try to come up with other reasons the driver is in a hurry. The most wild one is that he just had a call informing him that his house is burning down. Lol.
#3
Moved to another state and wanted to attend the state university, you had to live in state for a year before they would consider you a resident.
The tuition was a lot more for non-residents. I read the fine print and it said if you own a business you would be considered a resident immediately. I got a business license for my new business, Green Thumbs Landscaping company, mowed my neighbors' lawns and saved a ton.
Huddo's sister 1 month ago
It astounds me how much Americans pay for college and still choose to move interstate to attend, spending even more money! In Australia, most universities have fewer 'dorms' and are usually used by international students or students whose family lives in the country/regionally. Most locals will rent a share house or stay living with their parents until they finish uni, and that's even with courses costing less and many people eligible for HECCS/fee help. I don't think anyone in my year at high school went interstate for uni.
#4
You can train your pets to remind you to take your medications.
If you give your cat/dog a treat at the same time every day, they will not let you forget that it's "treat time". Keep your medications near their treat cupboard so you both get your "treats" at the same time.
#5
Hospital in our town charges ridiculous parking fees. Having to stay for a week can easily cost you hundreds of €. When you donate blood at that hospital, they'll not only give you a decent Käsebrot and a Coke but they'll also exchange your parking ticket for one that's already paid/validated.
So after staying with my wife for 10 days when our no.1 son was born, i simply donated blood and picked up my free parking card instead of bankrupting our young family.
#6
My wife and I had to move in with her parents for a bit around the time my first child was born and they drove me insane. They are your typical heavily involved Nigerian Grandparents. Was seeing a therapist and she suggested I convert "judgement" into "curiosity". As in don't be quick to get angry about things they do like having an opinion about every possible thing particularly around our baby. But instead Try to think about where this behaviour comes from. Turns out my Mother in Law is f*****g amazing and we couldn't have done baby and unexpected twins without her. Her love and care for our children is unconditional and she doesn't do it out of obligation. She considers them her kids and it's her job. Pretty lucky in that regard.
#7
I kill people with kindness who hate me. It makes them furious.
#8
Started telling myself “it is what it is” on situations I have no control over and it’s done wonders for my stress level.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 month ago
I hate that turn of phrase because I've seen too many people use it as a cop out when they damn well have control over the situation. NO DON! You are just a lazy sack of shite!
#9
We had an issue with wasps in our yard. My wife read something about wasps being deterred by fake nests and made some using brown paper bags. It seemed utterly comical that wasps would collectively look at a poorly contrived fake nest and think to themselves, “I don’t want any of that smoke with those wasps.”
This year there’s no wasps.
Huddo's sister 1 month ago
Plants like wormwood, mint, eucalyptus and lemongrass (among others) deter wasps and other insects.
#10
I used to jokingly put myself down until the day I realized I had started believing it. I immediately started telling myself, "wait, f**k you, you're not an idiot, you're actually smart" or whatever I had immediately started insulting myself with. It works. I regained my confidence.
#11
Just go ahead and put a trash can in each room. Seriously. Lifesaver.
#12
These may sound silly but feel like game changers to me:
1. brushing my long and easily tangled hair BEFORE getting in the shower makes post shower hair stuff so much easier.
2. keeping appropriate cleaning supplies in each room they'll be used in makes it much easier for quick tidying and thus less need for major awful cleaning later.
3. if you want to curb impulse shopping online, make a wishlist page where you save everything you want to buy. Pick one day of the week where you're 'allowed' to purchase things. By the time you get to that day, you don't want half the stuff on the wishlist anymore. (my day is Monday!).
#13
Some amount of blind confidence goes a long way. Having an “I’ll figure it out” attitude will get you really far.
Stephanie Did It 1 month ago
My favorite answer to any question is not "I don't know," instead it's "Let's find out." When I did IT support and customer service, that answer never failed to please clients, especially when I followed through with an answer or at least an explanation. It also made them more patient with the wait.
#14
I was trying to be more positive in general. So I began small, simply complementing every Ford Transit van I drive past. A dozen times a day I’d say to my self, “huh, nice Ford Transit”. I picked that car because of a Jeremy Clarkson Top Gear joke years ago. Since then I’ve found my self quicker to compliment others and finding more positivity in the mundane.
#15
I used to get ingrown toenails over and over. Doc would remove and promise they wouldn’t come back, but they always did. Until I was at a family Xmas gathering and talking to a distant uncle I hadn’t seen in years. I was telling him my situation. He told me the clip a little “V” into the the center of my big toenail and I wouldn’t get anymore ingrowns.
It f****n worked. Tried it and haven’t had one for over 25 years.
My best guess on why it works is that the nail spends is growing energy on filling in the “V” instead of growing down into the side of my toes.
Hopefully a smartypants can tell me the actual reason it works.
UncleJohn3000 1 month ago
The notch helps flatten out the curve of the nail by relieving tension in the curve, thereby raising the corners?
#16
For college students:If you are in a big class, sit where the prof can see your face clearly. Look interested when they lecture, and respond when appropriate. Visit them during office hours. Be genuinely interested. This brings amazing benefits!
The prof is spending their time and energy trying to engage with their students, and in most cases, they get nothing back. It's exhausting and frustrating. By becoming known to them, and responding to their efforts, they will think of you when any perks become available. During college, I got to assist one professor in her lab, and became a TA in 4 courses. I got excused for a final, got a paid part time department job, and got a terrific internship.
Try this. It's worth your time. HTH.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 month ago
My genetics prof has admitted if you are actively participating you may get those extra points to bring you up, say, from a C to a B.
GalPalAl 1 month ago
When I was in college and was required to attend a dull class, teacher suggested the same. I made the effort to highlight what was covered in class lecture, responded to questions, and got a passing grade in the class. Am also glad to know it was appreciated by instructor. Win win.
Michael Largey 1 month ago (edited)
This is all very true. Plus, make a positive impression the first week, and you've got it made. Being wrong about you never occurs to them later.
Bartlet for World Domination 1 month ago
This, definitely. I never did the work until the last minute, but I was very present during lectures and got amazing opportunities for years.
Robin Childers 1 month ago
That does work. I engaged with my geography professor and got an A on a paper I turned in late, no points deducted.
Mary Kelly 1 month ago
100%...you don't have to even sit in the front...seen it work on boths sides of the fence
Galen Thompson 1 month ago
I got an upper division English final grade in college changed from a B to an A. Only because I went round her office and asked. She said come tomorrow for a short oral exam and we'll see. Best choice I ever made. Same goes for job interviews...circle back around with a thank you note asking for interview improvement tips and find yourself at the top of their pile of interviewees.
Hey! 1 month ago
My husband gives a total of 25% points if you participate and he has a list of how and how much points you get. Participating in class is one but there is also going through the online details of the course, answering simple questions about yourself, etc. It's a communication in crisis class.
RaisedByCats 1 month ago
One of mine also spotted that I didn't have a copy of a textbook and had to share. When I told him I couldn't afford it, he bought me one (he was loaded, he'd made a fortune in .com and retired to lecturing)
Data1001 1 month ago
Anyone who's been in the business world knows (or should know) this same general technique of making yourself seen, and being interested. Even if you don't care, often the appearance of caring will reap benefits for you that otherwise wouldn't have come your way. As an introvert, it was a rude awakening in my first real job when I realized that by not playing the corporate game and acting like I was super happy to be working there, I nearly got myself fired, simply by being introverted and keeping to myself.
BookFanatic 1 month ago
100% can confirm. I sat up front, participated, made eye contact, etc in one of my last college classes I needed to graduate. Then I (11:00) misunderstood the starting time (8:00) for the final exam. Professor called me and flat out said "usually I would assume a student just blew it off, but I know you. Come to my office and you can sit the final there." Phew.
R.A. Haley 1 month ago (edited)
I had this work with a magician at an office party. Nobody paid him any attention except my wife and I, we honestly liked it and were enthusiastic. He ended up doing his whole show just for us, it was cool. People like to be appreciated.
Manana Man 1 month ago
I used to sit up front just to force myself to pay attention. I'm not going to daydream or fall asleep with the prof staring right down at me.
#17
Dogs attacking the vacuum? Turn it off, put the vacuum in the middle of the room in front of the dogs, and scold the vacuum. Yell "NO. BAD. NO NO NO" while pointing. It really works.
cromulo:
We did the opposite. Ran the vacuum and called it a Good Boy and gave it treats. Dogs have no problem with it now.
#18
When someone you like or respect does something confusingly infuriating, imagine the most-favorable-to-them possible explanation, and pretend that's true. Wait until you know more before getting reflexively angry.
#19
If you always put your keys in the same place, you won’t lose them.
#20
If you feel like you hate everybody, eat something. If you feel like everyone hates you, get some sleep.
Will Cable 1 month ago
Somedays it would seem I need to learn how to eat while I'm sleeping then.
#21
If you push a razor on the surface of a pair of jeans 10-15 times (opposite way you would use it to shave) it sharpens the blade and you can keep using it. You just have to run it under really hot water to sterilize and clean it after. I haven’t bought a replacement cartridge for my Mach 3 in months, and I shave my head 4-5 times a week.
Bartlet for World Domination 1 month ago
I'd like to know how often he replaces the pair of jeans.
#22
When you’re trying to remember someone’s name, think of a stupid mnemonic. Even if it doesn’t make sense. I once met a guy named Lance, and I remembered he was Lance with the pants, even though there was nothing remarkable about his pants.
Regina Holt 1 month ago
I wore purple every day. I'd tell people my name was easy. It's Regina, Latin for queen, purple is a royal color. People liked that. But then during Covid when I never went out, and wasn't going anywhere, I realized wearng purple was an OCD thing. I don't wear purple every day anymore.
#23
Seeing happiness as a practice, rather than a destination.
#24
Putting a kitchen towel with a small squirt of dish soap and water in an oily container. Shake it for 30-45 seconds and comes out fresh and oil gone.
For a guy who’s worked in kitchen forever and an Asian upbringing, a life hack that totally rocked my jimmies and others when I show them.
#25
Done playing at the beach and ready to go home? Apply baby powder or corn starch to any sandy skin and it brushes off much easier! We keep a travel size baby powder in the trunk of the car for this purpose :).
Jessica Rabbit 1 month ago
I have used this hack and passed it onto my daughters. Now anytime we leave a sandy play area, they ask for baby powder to clean up.
#26
Playing sleep meditations ( michael sealey is a good one) a few times a week before I go to bed.
My inner voice went from critical to loving, I have confidence. I started college ( at 51). I started therapy, my house is clean and orderly.
I have some pretty brutal PTSD from a 30 year abusive marriage and it was an unbelievable game changer.
Disgruntled Pelican 1 month ago
I will definitely be trying this. My inner voice has...not been very nice....lately.
#27
In the morning while showering or getting dressed think about the things you are grateful for. It will help you start the day with a better mindset. No guarantee it will last, but it helps to start.
#28
Once I got drunk and fell into my bathroom door ripping the hinges out. The next day a friend of mine recommended filling the holes with chopsticks and screw it back in and it worked.
#29
Leave the exhaust on for like 10mins after you are done showering. The mould build up reduces drastically.
#30
Forgot to lock your car as you walked away?
Out of distance for the blipper to engage the lock button?
Hold it to the side of your head and click.
Your car will lock/unlock.
What do you think ?
Guess Undheit 1 month ago
Tilt the glass or cup while filling it with beer or soda (from a bottle, can or fountain), don't let liquid drop into liquid. When it pours down the side, it doesn't foam up.
Stephanie Did It 1 month ago (edited)
Thank your feet for their hard work by massaging them with a towel after shower or bath, which also exfoliates them and feels wonderful. Then rub in lotion, Vaseline or oil and really work it in. It only takes a couple minutes and it will make you feel SO relaxed afterward. You'll sleep better, too, and your feet will stay soft. Dollar Tree sells bottles of a light Vitamin E oil for $1.25 USD.
Red_panda 1 month ago
Not life changing, but for me made a huge difference. Put your laundry basket in the place you throw your dirty clothes. I notices my clothes were always on the floor and never in the basket, but they were on the floor in the same place. So I put my basket there, and now my clothes end up in the basket. It's amazing how something so small like not having g dirty clothes on your floor can help you have a better day.
Guess Undheit 1 month ago
Tilt the glass or cup while filling it with beer or soda (from a bottle, can or fountain), don't let liquid drop into liquid. When it pours down the side, it doesn't foam up.
Stephanie Did It 1 month ago (edited)
Thank your feet for their hard work by massaging them with a towel after shower or bath, which also exfoliates them and feels wonderful. Then rub in lotion, Vaseline or oil and really work it in. It only takes a couple minutes and it will make you feel SO relaxed afterward. You'll sleep better, too, and your feet will stay soft. Dollar Tree sells bottles of a light Vitamin E oil for $1.25 USD.
Red_panda 1 month ago
Not life changing, but for me made a huge difference. Put your laundry basket in the place you throw your dirty clothes. I notices my clothes were always on the floor and never in the basket, but they were on the floor in the same place. So I put my basket there, and now my clothes end up in the basket. It's amazing how something so small like not having g dirty clothes on your floor can help you have a better day.
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