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20 Psychological Tips & Tricks To Make Life Easier

Trista July 31, 2018

Life is a battle that people are required to fight every single day. But luckily, the fight is worth it. Most people don’t live simply to survive. You struggle to work and save money to support yourself, your family, and hopefully, also have fun. So, wouldn’t it be nice to learn some psychological tips and tricks to make your life easier?

When life becomes hard, you may hurt so that one day you can love again. You may even experience pain, but then you heal and learn from it. Life is a difficult journey for most, yet it is a great one. Some things can make it easier, however. The internet generation has playfully dubbed these tricks “life hacks.” They are small tricks that improve your quality of life a little bit at a time—these range from utterly useless to surprisingly helpful. Although you can use trial and error to sift through the lot, you probably lack the time to do that.

In today’s busy lives, people want things to be easier, and they want them now. After all, who has the energy to spend on useless tasks that will produce no notable changes at all? The good news is, many others have already tested these life hacks for you. And not only that, most people have been more than willing to share their life hack experiences. This list has gathered the top psychological tips and tricks to make your life easier. Read on to learn some little things that could bring you significant benefits. Try one or several hacks this week to see how your life changes. You may be quite surprised at the outcome.

20. Bring Music To The Gym

Like most people, you probably strive to be your best self and live your best life. One way to do this is to go to the gym. To be fit, you may read articles, hire a personal trainer, buy fitness products and drink protein shakes. The journey may be long, but if you stick to it enough, it works. Granted, a six-pack does not magically appear after a few sit-ups. But after spending at least a few months at the gym and eating well, there is a sudden shift in your body. One day, you look in the mirror, and things seem a bit tighter.

You may notice those little lines that hint at muscle definition. Your pants start to feel looser. That five-kilometer run that would have destroyed you three months ago is not that hard anymore. There is no shortcut when it comes to building muscle and increasing strength. However, did you know listening to music at the gym can help you lift weights that are as much as 15 percent heavier? That’s because music distracts you from the pain and effort, making the entire process easier. Bring your favorite tunes along, and you may feel like working out a bit longer.

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19. Eat A Banana A Day

You’ve heard the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” There may be truth to this old saying, so if it is working for you, go ahead and munch that apple every day. Nevertheless, why not throw a banana in there too? Bananas offer a range of health benefits. They also contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber slows down digestion, so eating a banana for breakfast will help you feel full longer. Bananas are perfect for days when a balanced lunch may not happen. Studies have also shown that fiber can reduce the incidence of heart disease. Bananas also contain lots of vitamins and minerals.

The functions of these vitamins may vary, but all are essential to the body’s proper functioning. The potassium content in bananas is by far the most beneficial, and bananas are a great natural source. Potassium can aid in the regulation of your heartbeat and lower blood pressure. A lesser-known name for bananas is the “Fruit of Happiness,” but this is not due to their cheerful yellow color. A banana in the morning can boost your mood and repel negative emotions. Bananas are versatile. Add them to cereal, slice them on toast, make a smoothie, or even a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

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18. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

August 13 is International Lefthanders Day. It may seem like a rather odd day to observe “Lefties,” but there is a valid reason. The world is not built for left-handed people. It is not entirely surprising when you consider that only 12 percent of the population is left-handed. Not only are lefties a minority, but they are more prone to specific physical ailments than “Righties.” Left Handed people are more likely to suffer from insomnia, migraines, and allergies. Due to their right brain dominance, lefties are also prone to alcoholism. That is because the right hemisphere of the brain is less tolerant to alcohol. They generally live a decade shorter than right-handed people and even tend to hit puberty later.

It is not an easy life for left-handed people. It’s no wonder they get an entire day to celebrate their uniqueness. While you cannot change the dominance of your hand, it could serve you to shift the scales a bit. That applies to both left and right-handed people. A distinction of the hand is determined early in a child’s development. The key thing here is to try. Everyone should aim to be reasonably skilled at using both hands. Take small steps at the beginning, like brushing your teeth or stirring your coffee with your non-dominant hand. Performing these tasks will rewire your brain. It creates new neurological connections that may help you achieve a variety of activities.

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17. Drink Green Tea Before Bed

Most people can’t wake up in the morning without a cup of coffee. It has become so ingrained in western society that there is almost a whole culture around coffee. There was a time when some people tried to besmirch coffee drinking as they claimed coffee was bad for your health. Thankfully, studies have proven them wrong. Research reveals coffee can boost cardiovascular health. Scores of people now feel absolutely no guilt or shame when consuming their daily cup of joe. However, this is presuming their coffee cups are not full of sugar and cream. Coffee may give you the kick in the morning, but there are other beverages available. One of the healthiest drinks on the market is green tea. This liquid is so stocked with health benefits it may even be more medicinal than recreational.

People in China have consumed green tea for centuries precisely for this reason. Green tea may even prevent certain types of cancers. Although more research is necessary, preliminary results indicate coffee may aid in preventing certain types of cancer. It also may reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, as well as elevated cholesterol levels. These are things most people want to avoid, but there is another exciting benefit of green tea. Green tea boosts metabolism, helping people to shed a few extra pounds. To receive this effect of green tea, you need to drink a few cups throughout the day. One of the most essential cups to consume is the one in the evening just before bed. It can increase the number of calories you burn while you sleep.

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16. Grab an Afternoon Nap

Everyone knows that you can’t go without sleep. You can survive longer without food than without sleep. Getting in the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep these days is no easy task in any case. Modern life is simply too demanding. There are jobs, kids, and all the other daily activities that take up your precious hours every week. Waking up after getting only five hours of sleep is a torturous task. Your head is foggy, your limbs are weak, and going about your day seems almost impossible. While insufficient sleep may damage your mood, it can also have some significant consequences on your health. These effects can cause varying degrees of damage to different organ systems.

One of the most notable complications is a weakened immune system. It means that a person is not only groggy, but they are also prone to infection. Nobody needs that, so it is imperative to get the correct amount of sleep. There is a limit, in any case. Research shows that getting too much sleep can also decrease the immune system. This limit exists around the nine-hour mark. Anything equal to or more than this is too much sleep. There is another sleep routine that is beneficial to your well-being. Children need their afternoon naps, but as it turns out, so do adults. Having a little snooze in the afternoon could boost your memory and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

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15. Increase Memory Recall Time

If only everyone was blessed with a photographic memory. School would be easier, and you would never forget to buy milk on the way home or pick the kids up from school. If you’re like everyone else, you tend to forget things. After all, humans are forgetful beings. There is a common notion that people with good memories are more intelligent. While these people may test better academically, regurgitating information doesn’t guarantee that they understand parroting. For this reason, people are always on the lookout for new and improved memory techniques. A popular method is the memory palace technique. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you may have heard of it.

The belief of once you have mastered this art, you will be able to memorize an enormous amount of information in a short time. However, it does take some time to master it. However, if you don’t have the time or energy to devote to Sherlock’s method, there are other ways to increase your memory capacity and recall. One way is using simple repetition. By repeating something a few times for a few days and writing it down, you can boost the consolidation process. Mnemonics are also quite effective if you are trying to memorize a list. These techniques all require forethought and preparation. It is unhelpful if you have to remember something on the spot. Here’s another method: Fist clenching. Some people clench their fists when memorizing facts. With fist-clenching, you increase the activity in your brain, which aids in the memory recall process.

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14. Shop the Top Shelves

Only 30 years ago, students could afford college and live a relatively comfortable lifestyle, just by working a minimum wage job. That was partly because tuition fees were not so exorbitant, but it was also because the cost of living was less expensive. Now into the 21st century, things have become exceedingly more costly. People do not make ends meet as easily as in the past. Furthermore, if the skyrocketing cost of living weren’t bad enough, there is also a global recession most people must deal with. Times are tough, so people are more stressed out than they have ever been. Even households with two working individuals have difficulty covering their costs each month. Since the necessities are barely affordable, luxuries are a thing of the past.

One of the solutions to this fiscal crisis is to reduce spending. Nevertheless, how can you cut back without feeling it? One way is to practice mindful shopping. It means buying less and looking for the lowest price before making a purchase. Advertising firms are aware of the need to purchase products at the best possible prices, so they take advantage of that. Stores advertise their specials in big, bold letters to direct consumers to the product they are trying to sell. Although they may offer reasonable prices, is it the wisest purchase? The next time you shop, direct your eyes to the top shelf. That is where the real bargains are because this is where stores place their most inexpensive products.

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13. Eat Slower

No one likes dieting. The food people usually eat on a diet is dry and flavorless. The deprivation makes you want to break into a fast food store to devour every single French fry you can. Not only is diet food uninspiring, but there is also not enough of it. Although diets are claiming you won’t feel hungry or offer healthy alternatives, they are still restrictive. Moreover, in most cases, people gain all the weight back they worked so hard to lose. The only real way to lose weight and keep it off is to change your lifestyle. That includes exercising and changing your eating patterns. As with everything, moderation is the key when it comes to eating. Cutting out entire food groups may work for a while, but people tend to go on a binge as soon as the cravings start.

The most effective way to go about weight loss is to make small changes. Go for a walk or a jog in the morning, decrease your daily sugar intake and buy whole grain instead of white bread. Eat dinner a few hours earlier and order a side salad instead of fries. You can also bake or grill meats and vegetables instead of frying them. The key to weight loss success and a healthier lifestyle is being mindful of when and what you eat. Put your fork down and take a few extra seconds to chew your food. By eating slower, you will enjoy it more, so you will eat less. Try it for a month, and you may notice you’ll drop a few pounds.

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12. Stop Bugs From Ruining Your Vacation

Is there anything better than a tropical getaway? Everyone needs a holiday now and again. Downtime is a welcome change from the daily rat race. It also reminds you why you are working. Indeed, one of the main reasons people stick it out at their jobs is so they can travel the world. The memories you can make on holiday last a lifetime. It is these stories you can tell your friends for years to come. It is here where people learn more about themselves and forge family bonds. People return from holidays tanned, rested, relaxed, and ready for the next few months.

If you are lucky enough to visit a tropical destination, you also probably got a few itchy red bumps. Mosquitoes are prevalent in warm climates. In fact, they inhabit most parts of the world. You know the drill: it all starts with that faint buzzing. It sounds far away, and in those first few seconds, you hope it is not a mosquito. Nevertheless, as it gets closer, you realize it is a mosquito coming for you. Once the bugger has drawn blood and gone on its way, you are left with a devilishly itchy bump. Instead of scratching it, apply a hot spoon to the bite. However, be careful not to burn your skin. The spoon should be hot, but not enough to cause a burn. A warm spoon stops the chemical reaction, relieving the itch.

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11. Give Your Location First When You Call 911

Everyone must call 911 at least once in their lives, and this is being conservative. Emergencies and accidents happen. It is a simple fact of life. When unfortunate things occur, the first thing to do is to place a phone call to emergency services. Emergency personnel dedicates their lives to helping people. They train for many years and put their lives in danger every single day. When a person is in an awful car accident, the police, ambulance, and fire department respond first. They assess the damage done to the people and the vehicles. Once they do this, they ensure everyone receives medical attention. Emergency personnel handle everything from accidents to fires and from floods to mass murders.

Many of these events are unavoidable. Emergency workers must have the tools to deal with these situations like CPR, first aid, and self-defense training. While these skills are specialized, there is one general rule always to follow. In these situations, there must always be someone who can keep a level head and call 911. Once you have emergency services on the line, the first thing you need to relay is your location. That is critical if you faint or have to drop or interrupt your call. If emergency services have your area, they can send out aid, even if they don’t have the full story.

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10. Eat Watermelon To Feel Desired

Physical love is vital in a relationship. While this intimate act forms an integral part of the human experience, people have only started to talk about it in the last few years. Even at the start of the new millennium, making love was still a taboo topic. It was something confined to the bedroom and only discussed by the individuals involved. While society has come far in this area, some are still incredibly uncomfortable talking about making love. Making love is coming up because people are trying to make the entire experience more enjoyable for both men and women. It is not a prize that men get at the end of the race, and it is entirely natural for women to have urges.

That is where the crux of the matter lies. A woman’s desires are what was taboo. Men could talk about love all they wanted, but women were considered trashy if they brought it up. That is still the case, even in these modern times. Nevertheless, making love can be a challenge for both genders. One of the embarrassments for men and women is the lack of desire. Stress, obligations, and the crazy pace of life have sapped people’s libido away these days. However, watermelon can help. Watermelon has a positive effect on the blood vessels, opening up circulation to heighten sexual desire. Not only that, watermelon is inexpensive, plentiful, and low in calories, too. And finally, watermelon provides nutrients and hydrates the body, also.

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9. Connect With Your Kids

Every single human being on this planet has the urge to procreate. It may be stronger in some, but it is still there. But it is in your DNA. It is how the human race has survived. Children are necessary to ensure the survival of the species, yet some don’t like them. People with children generally respond to this dislike by saying others will understand when they have children. However, how do you deal with the whining, screaming, and general demands? How do you make it through the day when you have no idea how to deal with kids, let alone communicate with them?

Apparently, the winning formula is to treat kids like drowsy adults. It is something most people are familiar with. Imagine being up all night unable to sleep. The next day, you seem to move in slow motion. Everything seems to take an extra effort. Dealing with kids is where that experience comes in handy. So, the next time you are among children, pretend you are dealing with someone who has had a sleepless night. Speak slowly and use small sentences. Kids are still learning their conversational skills, so keep it simple. They are also unsteady on their feet at a young age so give them a hand. Kids also tend to wander off, so make sure you watch them always.

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8. Make Your Candles Last Longer

Is the romance gone? Gone are the days when gentlemen would court their loves or knights would ask their darling for a token before they charged off into battle. These days, a person is lucky if they get a phone call. Text messages have replaced sweetly worded letters. Kisses and hand-holding have been pushed aside by emojis. Instead of observing a man’s actions to see if he cares, most women check to see if he replied quickly enough or if he liked the latest picture on Instagram. That is not a time for romance, but why should you be the rule? Why not be the exception and bring the romance back. Relationships have become increasingly shorter. Apps like Tinder and Plenty of Fish have made it easy to meet the next person.

People don’t take the time to get to know each other. Furthermore, if you are in a relationship, then chances are, you don’t make enough time for each other. Here’s a thought: set aside an evening for a little bit of romance. Everyone deserves to love and to feel wanted. By dedicating your time to your partner, you will remind them how much you love them. Pick out some music, cook up their favorite meal, or order from their favorite restaurant. Moreover, don’t forget to light the candles. However, you can make the romance last longer by placing your candles in the freezer for a few hours before you burn them.

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7. Use Music To Feel Happy and Relaxed

How dull would the world be without music? Trends may rise and fall. However, there is one thing that will remain constant: people love music. Gone are the days when there was just one radio or record player in the house. Most people now have some sort of music device in every room. You can carry our music around and listen to it no matter where we go. There is no need to take a guitar when camping because you can bring a Bluetooth speaker. Music will always be a part of life, but there will also always be the question of taste.

People do not like the same music. It is as simple as that. The argument as to which genre is superior will rage for centuries. However, music will survive. The festivals, concerts, and even the gigs at those smoky dive bars will continue to draw music fans. Parents may shake their heads in concern when they hear the new brand of devil’s music their children enjoy. Nevertheless, maybe these same people should step back for a second and consider this little piece of information. When a person listens to the music they enjoy at loud volumes, they feel happier. Music has the power to boost one’s mood. It can even relax the listener and make them feel a sensation of calmness.

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6. Write Out Your Cares

We all suffer from stress and anxiety from time to time. It’s inevitable in today’s hectic world. Most of us also tend to struggle with what to do when these painful thoughts occur. Vent to a friend? Schedule a therapy appointment? While the therapy appointment may be ideal if you can afford it, there is also a simple, inexpensive remedy for stress and anxious thoughts that can easily be done at home. Creative people who are in touch with their emotions have been practicing this for decades, so give it a shot! The next time you feel anxious or stressed, write those feelings on paper.

It can be as simple as a sticky note or as elaborate as a fancy, customized bullet journal, but the only thing that truly matters is physically writing out what is ailing your mind. The act of physically writing out one’s cares can be incredibly cathartic in and of itself, and seeing the stresses in black and white (or whatever color ink you prefer) on the page can lead to them seem much smaller and more manageable. Keep your written-out thoughts dated and organized, and check back on them occasionally to see if any of the worries are persistent and need to be addressed further.

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5. Limit Your Choices

One of the most fun things about being an adult is that sometimes your options can feel endless. You have the time, ability, and hopefully finances to do many of the things your heart would desire, within reason. However, that very openness of opportunity can sometimes lead to being struck with indecision. Using board game terms, this is called analysis paralysis, when the weight of having countless options causes you to freeze up and be unable to make any decision. For people with a long list of books to read, Netflix series to watch, or hobbies to practice, the number of choices can prevent anything from getting done at all.

If you routinely find yourself paralyzed by the tyranny of choice from among your many interests or options, limiting the number of items you can choose from to a small, manageable number can make all the difference. Parents often do this with children for school-day outfits, giving only two or three appropriate choices so the child can have a say and not get overwhelmed. This concept still definitely can apply to adults, and whittling down a list of video games you’d like to play or things you’d like to draw to a manageable list of three to five can help you from becoming overwhelmed and just scrolling Facebook all day instead.

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4. Mind Your Posture

If you’re having a tough day at work and feel like the weight of the world is dragging you down, it’s easy to slouch down into a posture that matches the weight on your mind. Unfortunately, bad posture can exacerbate a bad emotional state by causing back pain, decreasing blood flow, and more. Over time, poor posture, especially at work, can cause long-term spinal problems and chronic back and joint pain. Always slouching can also lead to a self-fulfilling cycle of feeling burdened and run-down. An easy way to perk yourself up throughout the day is to remind yourself to check in on your posture and fix it up.

Try making a schedule to check in with yourself on your posture every so often, be it every half hour or just once after lunch. The timing doesn’t matter, so choose whatever you know you can maintain and turn into a routine habit—trying sitting up comfortably straight and lowering your shoulders. Tensed-up, high shoulders are a common cause of tension headaches from computer use. Set your feet flat on the floor directly under your knees, and get a raiser if you can’t reach. Make sure your keyboard is at a comfortable height and your wrists aren’t flexed up or down. Try maintaining that upright, confident posture for at least a few minutes.

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3. Always Ask Questions

Most people are reasonably good at talking about themselves and their interests. Where many of us have some shortcomings is engaging with other people about their interests. One of the best changes you can make to be more likable and engaging is to develop the skill of asking good questions in a conversation. Everyone can do the usual “so where do you work” sort of chit-chat, but asking a fun, exciting question that lets someone brag a little or talk about themselves and their interests is a great way to make someone feel unique and valued. Asking questions also allows you to get to know others better.

Asking questions can also be a valuable skill in job interviews and beyond. Many people neglect to ask any meaningful questions at the end of a job interview, making a candidate seem unprepared or uninterested in the position. To set yourself apart, you can ask questions about how the place you’re applying for came to be open, how the company’s growth is going. More to show that you’re interested in the company and already thinking about how you would integrate yourself into the role. People who ask thoughtful, engaging questions in meetings also tend to stand out, as most people zone out and don’t participate.

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2. Make Wednesday Fun

While Mondays likely have the worst reputation, thanks in part to songs like “Manic Monday” and Office Space’s “case of the Mondays,” it isn’t the only challenging day of the week. Wednesday, or hump day, is another challenge since you have already been working for a couple of days and still have a couple left before the weekend’s relaxation. Wednesday can be a real burn-out day, and Wednesday night, in particular, can feel like a chore since you’re still so far from the weekend. If you find yourself feeling down on Wednesdays, try planning something fun for your Wednesdays to make hump day a day to look forward to.

Maybe you’ll decide to treat yourself to a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks breakfast on the way to work on Wednesday. Perhaps a date night with your spouse sounds in order, or a craft and wine night with your friends. A nice, hot bath with a good book might be perfect for some. Whatever the routine, as long as you make sure you always have something fun and relaxing penciled in for Wednesdays, it can make sure your week seems much shorter and more enjoyable. Having a little something to look forward to mid-week can provide much motivation to fight those mid-week blues.

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1. Decode Your Friend’s Body Language

It is a question people often ask themselves: Do they like me, or are they just being nice? You may spend hours mulling over this question with your friends. You may also consult every piece of literature, take quizzes and devour all the how-to guides out there. However, it’s not that complicated. If your friends or co-workers like you, it will be obvious. Why waste your emotions on people who were just not that into you? If you are like most people, you want signs to be sure one way or the other. Body language may be your best bet for figuring this out.

There are no golden rules on these things, but body language may provide a few answers to someone’s emotional state. When you’re talking to someone, and they cross their arms or legs, they are shutting you off or even feeling defensive. They are not in an open frame of mind and possibly don’t like you. If a person adopts an open, relaxed and welcoming pose, they are receptive to you and probably like you. Hopefully, these 20 psychological tips and tricks to make your life easier will help. Try one a day for a month and see if your life has changed for the better.

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