In a world where we are constantly working on tasks and striving for perfection, mastering the art of psychological hacks for everyday life can give us an edge. The use of simple psychological principles will improve your productivity, enhance your relationships, and make everyday tasks easier.
From hacks to improve your focus and dedication to strategies for effective communication and task management, psychology offers a treasure trove of hacks that will help you navigate through the challenges and opportunities of everyday living.
1. Use silence as a tool in verbal arguments
People tend to get uncomfortable in a silent environment and end up filling it with nervous rambling. If you ever find yourself in a verbal argument, and someone is being rude to you and you’re not sure how to get the upper hand. Be silent, just don’t say anything.
The other person will get easily agitated by your silence, which will make them ramble or even yell, which will make them look worse in the process. You on the other hand will come out looking like the mature and composed one, and they will most likely feel really silly once they’ve calmed down.
2. The blind must be enjoying their laughing sessions
When you are in a group of people who all know each other, like friends or colleagues, pay attention to who they look at when all of you are laughing. If someone is telling a funny story or a joke, people tend to automatically make eye contact with whomever they feel the closest to.
But bear in mind that the opposite is also true. If everyone is laughing and you notice no one is making eye contact with you, chances are you’re the least popular of the group.
3. Look into my eyes, I need a different answer
When you ask someone a question and don’t like or understand their answer. look into their eyes and just pause instead of asking more questions. This will make the person feel a little pressurized, and they will then be compelled to explain or elaborate on whatever they just said.
We humans are highly sensitive to even the most subtle social cues, and prolonged eye contact. In this kind of situation, you subconsciously communicate to the other person that you’re not happy with their answer without you having to say a word.
4. Give yourself fewer choices when struggling to make a decision
An individual thinks they can make better decisions when they have as many options as possible, but research has proven the opposite is true. Too many options overwhelm and paralyze us, which makes the task of decision-making miserable.
So whenever you’re trying to decide things, be it big or small, give yourself fewer options, and a limited time to decide. This will help you stay proactive in life, instead of stuck in perpetual indecisiveness.
5. How to master your first date
The most common advice for a good first date is pretty useless “Be yourself”. Not only is it vague, it’s hard to completely be yourself with those nerves getting in the way. But, there are more practical steps you can take to increase the chances of your date liking you.
A psychological phenomenon known as “Misattribution of arousal” means that people mislabel what’s getting them excited. So if you pick an exciting activity for a date, like an escape room or theme park, the excitement of the activity will rub off on your date’s impression of you.
6. Helping someone to reflect on their rudeness
If someone starts yelling at you, and you need them to stop immediately, just cut them off by saying “Hey, I think you have something stuck in your teeth”. This will make them stop abruptly and feel super self-conscious and awkward instead of feeling angry. It will also most likely mean they excuse themselves to go find a mirror.
This trick should be used as a last resource, as it’s better to handle a situation like this with mature, calm communication.
7. I need your help
People enjoy the feeling of being needed and hate the feeling of guilt. This can be used as an advantage, by being mindful of how you phrase asking for a favor. Instead of just saying “Can you do this?”, start by saying “I need your help”.
This makes the request more personal, and using the word “Help” reduces the likelihood of them saying no. The more personal approach makes them feel needed, and denying giving help to someone is guilt-inducing.
8. How to have a confident vibe at any party
This is a great tip for all the introverts out there. If you find mingling at parties super awkward, you also look uncomfortable and insecure. This will decrease the chance of people approaching you and you enjoying the party.
One way to look more open, friendly, and confident in a situation like this, is to ensure you’re not holding your drink up by your chest. Instead, try to casually hold it down by your hip. Works like a charm!
9. It’s the open-minded way
It’s easier said than done to be open-minded, and most of us aren’t as accepting of different opinions as we’d think we are. But faking the acceptance works as a charm.
In other words, when discussing a topic with someone, you start to think their opinion is insane. Try to pretend as an open-minded and accepting person, instead of becoming defensive or openly showing how stupid you think they are. If you appear to be sincerely considering their opinion as valid, they are more likely to be open to your point of view, and might even start agreeing with you.
10. Why don’t we play a game, it’s called “Stare at my lips”.
We’re not suggesting you should intently stare at someone’s lips, that will make anyone feel uncomfortable. But a few glances once in a while, and letting them see you’re doing it, is a good way to signal your interest while on a date.
This is great when you’re trying to gauge someone’s interest back on a first date, as touching someone’s arm or hand might feel a little too forward. If you catch them glancing back at your lips, you can be pretty sure the feeling is mutual.
11. Let me just sit beside you and then we can talk it out
If you’re about to meet someone who has a bit of a temper and discussions with them tend to get heated – sit right next to them. This feels counterintuitive, as you probably want to run and hide, or at least sit as far away as possible. But sitting close to them will work to your advantage.
Proximity is intimidating, even to the seemingly most confident and intimidating people. It will make them less likely to raise their voice or take out their bad temper on you.
12. Remember that time when I slipped when I was about to give my presentation?
Whenever you feel mortified that you slipped and fell right in front of your high school crush, or had the entire class laugh at some word you mispronounced, this hack is a lifesaver.
Stop yourself from reliving and cringing over what happened years ago, by trying to remember something embarrassing someone else did. Most likely you can’t. So that means no one remembers your past blunders, everyone is too busy overthinking their blunders.
13. Remember people’s names to become more popular
People have a deep need to feel loved, and even though we can’t love everyone, there are some ways through which we can make people around us feel special.
Make a habit of quickly memorizing people’s names when you’re at a new job or in a new group of people. Then frequently use their names in conversation. Saying to your colleague “Hey David, want to go get lunch?” will make them feel instantaneously special and you will be more special to them in return.
14. True lies
If you need to lie about something, an easy way to make the lie more trustworthy is by adding a small embarrassing detail about yourself. Subconsciously people won’t think anyone would lie about something embarrassing or negative about themselves, so it makes the lie seem like it’s the truth.
The opposite is also true. If you’re exaggerating, or perhaps boasting about something awesome you did, it’s very likely to be met with suspicion as to how true it is.
15. What is the title? I can’t see it.
A joke becomes unfunny if it is repeated or explained too many times. You can use this to your advantage if someone is making a joke about you, or at your expense, and you’re not enjoying it.
Just keep saying “What? I don’t get it” to make them repeat what they said over and over again. Very quickly any laughter will die down, and the person telling the joke will be the one looking silly instead of you.
16. Chew away the stress
Our brain is wired to think we’re safe when we’re eating, and also, food is comforting. So, chewing gum will trick your brain to calm down a little. This is a perfect trick to calm your nerves before a test, job interview, or date.
But, make sure you have studied properly, or all the gum in the world won’t save you from failing. And make sure to take the gum out before that job interview, or you’re not gonna make a great impression.
17. Quit the game
A narcissist who regards you as a threat will utilize a predictable playbook to take you down. This includes tactics like gaslighting to make you doubt your reality, smears to damage your reputation, isolation to cut off your support network, criticism to undermine your confidence and intimidation.
By identifying these strategies, you can protect yourself from manipulation. Stay grounded in your perceptions, maintain connections with trusted friends and family, and don't let unfounded criticism shake your self-esteem. Remember, these actions are a reflection of their insecurities and not your self-worth.
18. Gotta note his color code
Whenever you’re introduced to a new person, take note of their eye color while shaking their hand. This is not because you care about remembering the color.
It’s a clever way to achieve the perfect amount of eye contact, more than the quick, random glance people usually give, but less than what you give during deep conversations with friends. This optimal length of eye contact makes you seem more friendly and confident.
19. Never say “I’m sorry” when working in customer service
Working in customer service usually involves dealing with a lot of angry and frustrated people, who take the frustration of the product out on you. Many people automatically apologize to the customer, even though it’s not their fault, and this is not the best approach.
Instead, say things like “I understand this is frustrating, thank you so much for your patience”. This moves focus from the problem and compliments the caller, something that should help appease them.
20. The intense stares
We’re not saying it’s a good thing to try to intimidate someone. But, if you’re in a situation where you should be, their forehead is a good place to start. It makes people very uncomfortable, as it makes them worry they have some dirt there or something, and it’s also very belittling.
This works whether you’re taller or shorter than the other person. But please use this trick with caution. As intimidating as it is, it could also provoke the person and escalate the situation.
21. Always practice your handshakes
Interestingly enough, people subconsciously link cold hands with mistrust and suspicious behavior. So if you’re in an important business meeting and want to make a good impression, make sure your hands are warm before shaking hands with the other participants. Also, make sure they are dry.
Cold or shaky hands will make you seem both nervous and less trustworthy, which is not exactly what you want to communicate in your career or personal life either for that matter.
22. Look at this train staring right at us
Most of us walk quickly when we’re in a hurry, and also constantly mumble “Excuse me” left and right to get people to move. But, polite as that is, it’s not the best way to ensure people get out of your way.
Instead, hold your head high and set your gaze straight ahead, as if no one exists in your line of sight. Before you know it, people will make sure to get out of your way.
23. Hey, let me ask you a random question
We have no idea why this works, but just try it for yourself. If you’re about to play rock, paper, scissors with someone and want to increase your odds of winning, ask them a random question right before you start.
This tends to throw them off, they forget to focus on the game and are more likely to choose scissors, again we don’t know how or why. Since you know this will happen, you can strategically pick rocks to win.
24. The sharing trick
If you’re in the middle of a conversation with someone, as you’re talking, hand them an object, and they will take it from you and not even notice it. The opposite is also true, hold out your hand, and they will hand you whatever it is they’re holding.
A split second after they take, or give you, the object they will realize what they just did and be completely dumbfounded. A good way to get a good laugh, for both of you.
25. Human Mirror
Make sure to be subtle and careful with this one, or it will turn into a charade and they will call you out or think you're a creepy weirdo. But body mirroring, when done subtly enough, subconsciously makes the other person feel as if you’re someone familiar who can be trusted.
This hack is especially useful when you work in sales or in any profession where you need to gain people’s trust to close deals.
26. May the feet be with you
When you’re having a conversation with someone, glance at their feet. If they’re facing you, then they want to be there and are engaged in the conversation. But, if the feet are turned away to the side, the person’s mind is miles away, and they just want to get out of there.
This isn’t necessarily because they don’t like you, or the topic of conversation. But it means they don’t have the time or desire to be having it at that moment.
27. The bliss of ignorance
People who interrupt you, especially in a work setting, often do so as a bully tactic, to assert their dominance, and make you feel insecure. The best way to stand your ground is to neither stop talking nor raise your voice.
Instead, just continue talking at the same tone of voice and pace as you were before, completely ignoring their attempt to shut you down. That will make them feel awkward, as they’re being ignored, which will end up shutting them up pretty quickly.
28. Ignoring to be ignored
Let’s say you go out to the store by your house to buy milk, wearing your ugliest sweatpants and no makeup. And then to your horror, you notice your crush is in the store. Don’t panic, don’t look at them, don’t even glance.
Just completely ignore them, and most likely they won’t notice you as long as you don’t walk right in front of them. We subconsciously notice if someone is looking in our direction, and look back. So not looking at someone is the best way to avoid drawing their attention to your presence.
29. The Agreement of our opinions
Nodding while explaining your idea or opinion on something, will increase the probability of the other person agreeing and going along with what you said. This is because we subconsciously associate nodding with facts.
Now, don’t overdo this, and aggressively nod your head up and down as you’re talking. It has to be more subtle, and for example only around the main point of each statement, sort of like a verbal underlining of the key selling arguments.
30. Don’t let the emotions get the best of you
Whenever things get heated during an argument or in a situation, we tend to make it worse by letting our emotions get the best of our behavior. The way to actually de-escalate conflicts and even solve them is by improving one’s ability to regulate your emotions.
This is easier said than done, but try to be more aware of your automatic behaviors, such as lashing out or getting defensive. Instead, try taking a deep breath, truly listen to the other person, don’t take it personally whatever they say, and think carefully before you speak.
31. Borrowing a pen and striking an impression
We’ve all had a classmate or colleague who randomly has a bad liking for us, for no apparent reason. If you want to change that, to make working together more pleasant, just ask to borrow something small and significant, like a pen.
They will give it to you because social norms dictate it’s rude to say no, and it will trick their brain into thinking you’re not so bad after all. This impression is then further improved when you give the pen back, definitely don’t forget this part!
32. Oops…. Dropped my keys
If you find yourself talking with someone who just won’t let you get a single word in, try dropping something that won’t break, like keys. It will break their train of thought and make them pause for at least a second, which is long enough for you to take control of the conversation and say what you want.
This achieves your goal without awkwardly trying to talk over the other person until they stop, or even worse, tell them they need to let you talk.
33. Can “Heavy Metal” be considered for study sessions?
Scientific studies have proved that simultaneously listening to classical music while studying, or any music without lyrics, improves your academic results. It seems as if our memory works better when attached to an experience or mood, and melodies can offer that connection.
Music with lyrics, on the other hand, can be very distracting as your brain will almost inevitably pay attention to the words, and you might even start singing along in your head or out loud.
34. You got hit by the “Flinch”
Whether you’re negotiating the salary for a new job or the price of a second-hand car you’re interested in buying, flinch whenever you hear the first offer.
This will immediately signal to the other person’s subconscious that you’re appalled by the terrible offer, which is likely to make them adjust the price or salary offer to something better. Saying “That’s a terrible offer!” instead, won’t work as well. That reads as overt criticism to the other person’s conscious mind, which is likely to cause a defensive response.
35. The color effect
Colors such as purple and blue have a calming effect, so they are good choices for a bedroom or therapist’s office. Warmer colors on the other hand, like orange, yellow, and red, are more aggressive and communicate stronger feelings.
So wearing a bold yellow dress to a date can make you seem more warm and passionate. They also trigger hunger, so make sure to include these colors in the interior design if you’re opening a restaurant!
36. Whisper to make someone else whisper
This is a funny yet innocent way to manipulate someone into whispering to you. No matter the situation or topic, if you lean in and whisper something to someone, they will mimic your behavior and whisper back automatically.
This gets extra hilarious if you whisper something completely random, like “Do you prefer Italian food or French?”, and they will whisper their answer to you. Just don’t do this with your boss, or in an inappropriate setting.
37. The greater influence of journaling
Life can be stressful at times. Problems, real and imagined, can cause us a lot of anxiety or stress, which then negatively influences our everyday lives. It might sound cliche, but writing down your worried thoughts and feelings does have a better impact on your life.
It doesn’t even have to be a long, ambitious journal entry where you pour your heart out. Just dotting down a few sentences about what’s currently weighing on your mind, will help your brain let go of those worries for a while, so you can focus on other things.
38. Strong posture as the confidence booster
Something as simple as good posture can drastically improve every aspect of your life, both in the personal and the professional realm. When you consciously remind yourself to straighten up and hold your head a little higher, you exude more confidence and remind yourself to also be more confident.
This is called a power language. It affects the impression people get of you, from bosses to potential romantic partners, increasing your chances of more professional and personal success.
39. Using Pavlovian conditioning to find out who likes you
Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist, and he’s known for discovering what’s called classical or Pavlovian conditioning. It essentially means learning through association. For example, as Pavlov did, ringing a bell and giving a dog a treat will make it associate the bell with treats.
You can use this to figure out if someone likes you. Smile or compliment them every time they say or do a certain thing. If they like you and want that smile or compliment, they will subconsciously start saying or doing that thing more often.
40. I want you to read this, because….
Whenever you ask someone for something you want, try including the word “Because” in your request. This little word has a strong psychological effect on our brains.
Our brain is wired to want to make sense of things, and the word “Because” makes it think there is an objective, solid reason behind what you’re requesting, and therefore the person is more likely to do it. This works even if there is no good reason, and you’re just lazily trying to get someone else to run your errands.
41. Rephrasing the words to gain their trust
People want to be heard and feel validated. When they get that need met by you, they will like and respect you more. So, one easy way to make someone feel validated is to simply rephrase what they say back to them. This proves to them you truly listened and took in what they said.
Everybody likes someone who pays enough attention to remember what they said. People with great social skills do this a lot, and people with great social skills have more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
Now that we've covered the best psychology hacks that work, let's move on to the random hacks that will give you a better sense of how to use everyday items.
We’re shocked to find out that items like grocery carts, deodorant, and more have some pretty crazy hidden features.