69 votes

What are some accidental life hacks you've stumbled into?

Recently my wife was complaining how her phone has been getting overzealous when flagging incoming phone spam, and as a result she's missed some important calls. It made me think about how easy it is for me to avoid spam calls, despite using a 3rd party dialer on my phone without any kind of spam ID features.

It's because around 15 years ago when Google started letting you pick your own phone number through Google Voice, I (for various reasons) needed to change my phone number. I ended up choosing one with what I thought was a really cool area code, and I've ported that number to every new provider I've swapped to so it's stuck with me since then. It turns out that all the spam callers, bless their hearts, like to spoof incoming phone numbers with the same area code as the number they're dialing. It means whenever I see a call coming from the same area code as my number it's ~100% guaranteed to be spam, and if I see a call coming from the same area code that I actually live in it's ~100% guaranteed to be something actually important (doctor, pharmacy, kids' school, something like that). It wasn't my intent when picking the number (I just wanted the cool area code), but it turned out to also be the perfect spam call ID system. (At least so long as I never move to the place that matches my area code.)

So I'm curious if anyone else has similar stories, where you did something for one reason but it turned out to actually be awesome for an entirely different, unexpected reason?

95 comments

  1. [4]
    heh
    Link
    I found my most impactful lifehack of the last few years in a tildes post - a book called “stop reading the news” by Rolf dobelli. It got me to clearly see the time I was wasting and the damage...

    I found my most impactful lifehack of the last few years in a tildes post - a book called “stop reading the news” by Rolf dobelli.

    It got me to clearly see the time I was wasting and the damage that I was doing by reading the news. I now have a lot more time, my Internet usage is much more focused and necessary, I’m happier overall and sleeping better etc. Honestly a life changing book.

    33 votes
    1. [2]
      Hobofarmer
      Link Parent
      Ugh I've been thinking of doing this just because my stress lately is through the roof. Thing is I hate feeling disconnected and looking like a dolt for not knowing recent events.

      Ugh I've been thinking of doing this just because my stress lately is through the roof. Thing is I hate feeling disconnected and looking like a dolt for not knowing recent events.

      6 votes
      1. DrEvergreen
        Link Parent
        I like https://www.newsminimalist.com/ for its summary of news, and minimalist presentation. Checking headlines without the tabloid fear mongering is okay for me. A high school teacher way back in...

        I like https://www.newsminimalist.com/ for its summary of news, and minimalist presentation. Checking headlines without the tabloid fear mongering is okay for me.

        A high school teacher way back in my younger years taught us a valuable lesson about how the brain operates. She presented it much better than me, but in essence our brains can't differentiate between hearing about the same event 5 times from potentially different presenters and sources throughout the day, and 5 different events. Times however many topics per newscast/paper.

        We also can't quite wrap our heads around the fact that it is being presented over and over because it is novel and stands out.

        So we hear something over and over throughout the day, and our bodies take this as a sign of it being very common and happening all the time. For everything.

        Conciously reminding ourselves that it's the same news story from earlier, and it wouldn't be making headlines if it was commonplace can be helpful. As can reducing the number of times you check up on events per day.

        I used to live with someone that would put on every newscast all day long. There weren't any 24/7 channels where I live back then, but by the gods it just made tensions run high even the 4 times per day it was on. '

        I like keeping track of local events by going to a cafe or the library and flipping through an actual paper newspaper now and again. And then use minimalist summaries for somewhat keeping up with the world, but rarely.

        It is my firm belief that I am much better at stepping up in the moment whenever something is happening right infront of me (accidents, whatever) precicely because I am not so chronically overwhelmed by "the state of the world" - so the extra adrenaline actually differs from my everyday state. I am actually able to not freeze up and ignore it. More than once, I've been the only one to step in when somene has a sudden accident of some kind. Despite many onlookers.

        I attribute this to not being in a state of permament shock.

        12 votes
    2. GoingMerry
      Link Parent
      I gave up news in 2020 and was much happier for it. I realized then that every time I picked up my phone I was enraged. Deleted Reddit and social media from my phone, stopped reading news sites,...

      I gave up news in 2020 and was much happier for it. I realized then that every time
      I picked up my phone I was enraged. Deleted Reddit and social media from my phone, stopped reading news sites, and my life was better for it.

      4 votes
  2. [14]
    kfwyre
    Link
    Stuff sitting around = clutter. That same exact stuff sitting around in containers = organized. I stumbled into this perception hack, and now I use it everywhere. I got little trays for my...

    Stuff sitting around = clutter.

    That same exact stuff sitting around in containers = organized.

    I stumbled into this perception hack, and now I use it everywhere. I got little trays for my nighstand where I throw my keys, wallet, ring, lip balm, comb, etc. Before they were just sitting out and kind of... there. Now they look like they actually belong there.

    There's an added benefit too: if things have containers, it's more obvious when something's not in its place. If I leave my keys somewhere else in the house, it's clear as day that they're not where they should be when I go to bed.

    Before, without the containers, I probably wouldn't have noticed until the morning, which would then result in me uselessly trying to find them in my groggy post-wake-up state.

    24 votes
    1. [11]
      DefinitelyNotAFae
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Clear containers - stuff is still visible for the ADHD folks who lack object permanence. Note: As long as your ADHDer is older than about 9-12 months, they almost certainly have the formal...

      Clear containers - stuff is still visible for the ADHD folks who lack object permanence.

      Note: As long as your ADHDer is older than about 9-12 months, they almost certainly have the formal definition of object permanence. My casual use here refers to a lighthearted ADHDer way to reference the memory/attention issues that many of us experience.

      For example, I have to use my Tile to find my keys every morning, even if they're hanging on the hook by the door. They're usually not there so when they are that really throws me. Your mileage may vary.

      The tip is quite useful for many people who will eat the food directly in front of them and forget the food they like and really do want to eat despite it being out of line of sight, or will forget the yarn they want to knit with because it's in a solid tub instead of visible.

      if this life hack is not applicable to you, please feel free to discard.

      21 votes
      1. [2]
        Habituallytired
        Link Parent
        I feel called out, but this is so true.

        I feel called out, but this is so true.

        8 votes
        1. DefinitelyNotAFae
          Link Parent
          Explaining to my partner that while I could do without the thing I lost 3 years ago by putting in a drawer and the entire drawer becoming invisible to me until we moved... I really liked that...

          Explaining to my partner that while I could do without the thing I lost 3 years ago by putting in a drawer and the entire drawer becoming invisible to me until we moved... I really liked that thing and I want it! He doesn't get me, but he's learned.

          7 votes
      2. [2]
        IgnisAvem
        Link Parent
        Also lots of tiny bins so rubbish can be put in a bin and all the bins complied when taking the rubbish out. I’ve put a bin wherever rubbish collects

        Also lots of tiny bins so rubbish can be put in a bin and all the bins complied when taking the rubbish out. I’ve put a bin wherever rubbish collects

        3 votes
        1. DefinitelyNotAFae
          Link Parent
          I need large trash cans because tiny bins, though used, become invisible for about a month after they're full. Emptying them is difficult. Idk why. But yeah find what works!

          I need large trash cans because tiny bins, though used, become invisible for about a month after they're full. Emptying them is difficult. Idk why.

          But yeah find what works!

          3 votes
      3. [2]
        Baeocystin
        Link Parent
        I removed the doors on my kitchen pantry. No, I don't care that other people who are not me and don't live in my house find it weird, or cluttery. It makes working in the kitchen so much easier I...

        I removed the doors on my kitchen pantry. No, I don't care that other people who are not me and don't live in my house find it weird, or cluttery. It makes working in the kitchen so much easier I regret not doing it sooner.

        3 votes
        1. DefinitelyNotAFae
          Link Parent
          YES! I wish I had a pantry actually from a storage angle but we have some open wire shelves in the kitchen and the stuff in a cabinet is dead to me. I have muffin mix, I love muffins! I will not...

          YES!
          I wish I had a pantry actually from a storage angle but we have some open wire shelves in the kitchen and the stuff in a cabinet is dead to me. I have muffin mix, I love muffins! I will not remember I have muffin mix later.

          Adapting stuff to your needs even if it's "odd" is just one of the best life hacks there is. Fuck normalcy, long live accessibility!

          3 votes
      4. [4]
        steezyaspie
        Link Parent
        People with ADHD do not lack object permanence. Is this a joke? If not, this is incredibly insulting, and you should know better as someone who ostensibly works in mental health.

        the ADHD folks who lack object permanence.

        People with ADHD do not lack object permanence. Is this a joke?

        If not, this is incredibly insulting, and you should know better as someone who ostensibly works in mental health.

        1. DefinitelyNotAFae
          (edited )
          Link Parent
          I have ADHD, it is a light hearted way many ADHD folks reference the way that many of us leave things lying around in doom piles and a bit of a mess, but can still find the things if they're where...

          People with ADHD do not lack object permanence. Is this a joke?

          If not, this is incredibly insulting, and you should know better as someone who ostensibly works in mental health.

          I have ADHD, it is a light hearted way many ADHD folks reference the way that many of us leave things lying around in doom piles and a bit of a mess, but can still find the things if they're where we left them. But if those same things are put away out of sight, we often forget where they are or even that they exist.

          And of course this is not always the same, I can sometimes lose my keys in plain sight and remember where I put something 3 years ago, but I've lost more things after putting them "somewhere safe" than I ever have in a precarious pile or bin of junk on the counter. (One work credit card a year for four years! All somewhere safe)

          People with ADHD over 9-12 months old ish obviously are aware that objects continue to exist when out of sight, they simply may forget about a specific object's existence. It's more of a working memory/attention thing, but it's also an ADHDer thing to reference.

          This person uses "If I don't see it my brain deletes it."

          Since object permanence is a thing gained in infancy, it's not even like a reasonable real "accusation", and I've never had anyone get upset before. I'll add a note to include clarity so no one else is confused and accuses me of lying.

          Which, speaking of, I don't "ostensibly" work in mental health, I have a Master's in the field and have been doing social work and mental health work for 15 years. You can take issue with what I say and not accuse me of lying.

          20 votes
        2. Lapbunny
          Link Parent
          Pretty sure it's a joke. Gonna be honest, I also say I have a lack of object permanence when I talk about my ADHD and how I completely forget about a first task if I'm not holding a related object...

          Pretty sure it's a joke. Gonna be honest, I also say I have a lack of object permanence when I talk about my ADHD and how I completely forget about a first task if I'm not holding a related object after getting distracted by completing a second task. It's light-hearted and gets the point across quick. Hell, my therapist picked it up as shorthand to ask about my symptoms.

          8 votes
        3. Weldawadyathink
          Link Parent
          As u/DefinitelyNotAFae said, it’s a common thing that ADHD people online say. I personally find it just as potentially insulting as you do. In the end it’s the ADHD community insulting ourselves,...

          As u/DefinitelyNotAFae said, it’s a common thing that ADHD people online say. I personally find it just as potentially insulting as you do. In the end it’s the ADHD community insulting ourselves, so I try not to get too worked up about it.

          The “object permanence” symptom of ADHD is forgetting it exists. Actual lack of object permanence is thinking it ceases to exist when not visible. Object permanence is an effect of consciousness, ADHD is a failing of working memory.

          I don’t use the object permanence language myself, and I try to discourage others from using it when I can.

          4 votes
    2. thecodejanitor
      Link Parent
      I recently saw this described in the context of desire paths. Basically, a lot of clutter is just from putting stuff where it makes the most sense to us (but doesn't have organization). So add...

      I recently saw this described in the context of desire paths. Basically, a lot of clutter is just from putting stuff where it makes the most sense to us (but doesn't have organization). So add organization to those spots.

      6 votes
    3. Akir
      Link Parent
      The two people I live with have this same notion. It just means a bunch of boxes filled with stuff nobody ever uses that take up literally all of the space in the house. Some stuff should just be...

      The two people I live with have this same notion.

      It just means a bunch of boxes filled with stuff nobody ever uses that take up literally all of the space in the house.

      Some stuff should just be let go of, folks. Marie Kondo that stuff.

      3 votes
  3. [9]
    shadow
    Link
    Back when I had a commute, I stumbled upon using those little travel flossers to floss my teeth every weekday morning. I found this much more regular than using the string floss at night.

    Back when I had a commute, I stumbled upon using those little travel flossers to floss my teeth every weekday morning.

    I found this much more regular than using the string floss at night.

    18 votes
    1. [6]
      snake_case
      Link Parent
      Is this why I always find those things in the parking lot? Hahaha

      Is this why I always find those things in the parking lot? Hahaha

      5 votes
      1. [5]
        shadow
        Link Parent
        Maybe, but that's definitely a bummer! I always toss mine in the trash somewhere.

        Maybe, but that's definitely a bummer! I always toss mine in the trash somewhere.

        3 votes
        1. [3]
          gianni
          Link Parent
          They actually make biodegradable flossers, the handles are made out of cornstarch. I switched to these and now have bloody gums completely guilt-free!

          They actually make biodegradable flossers, the handles are made out of cornstarch. I switched to these and now have bloody gums completely guilt-free!

          3 votes
          1. [2]
            Weldawadyathink
            Link Parent
            Just a heads up, those are made from a plastic called PLA, and they aren’t very biodegradable or compostable. Here is a good article about the issue. It is 3d printing focused because PLA is...

            Just a heads up, those are made from a plastic called PLA, and they aren’t very biodegradable or compostable. Here is a good article about the issue. It is 3d printing focused because PLA is common in 3d printing, but it is accurate for all PLA. They biodegrade in around 80 years, which is way too long to group them together with other biodegradable things. They can be composted on a reasonable timeframe, but only with very specific compost conditions. The article mentions that only 5% of the 1000 composters in Germany were able to compost bio plastics. I don’t have specific numbers, but the USA is not any better. It is still way better than oil based plastics, but you should consider using a refillable flosser or plain floss instead.

            4 votes
            1. gianni
              Link Parent
              Wow I had no idea—thank you for sharing!

              Wow I had no idea—thank you for sharing!

        2. snake_case
          Link Parent
          I think they just fall out of peoples cars. Like if you’ve got trash in the passenger area then your kid rides with you or something then when the kid opens the door the trash goes everywhere. Ive...

          I think they just fall out of peoples cars. Like if you’ve got trash in the passenger area then your kid rides with you or something then when the kid opens the door the trash goes everywhere.

          Ive witnessed this happening a few times, not specifically with flossers but like random fast food garbage. Its always amusing. Some people are just a mess but I guess they apparently manage to floss? Lol

          1 vote
    2. [2]
      PigeonDubois
      Link Parent
      Do you mean, like on a train or something? Or while driving?

      Do you mean, like on a train or something? Or while driving?

      1 vote
      1. shadow
        Link Parent
        While driving, yes. Easy enough to use in one hand while cruising or stopped at a light. Can just leave in between teeth when needing to use both hands for some quick maneuver.

        While driving, yes. Easy enough to use in one hand while cruising or stopped at a light. Can just leave in between teeth when needing to use both hands for some quick maneuver.

        3 votes
  4. [6]
    Wolf_359
    Link
    Hot shower for itchy sunburn. Hop in a cool shower and slowly turn up the temp, taking a second to adjust each time. Slowly work your way up to the hottest temperature you can stand. When you get...

    Hot shower for itchy sunburn.

    Hop in a cool shower and slowly turn up the temp, taking a second to adjust each time. Slowly work your way up to the hottest temperature you can stand. When you get out, you will have 8 hours of no itching.

    I've only had sunburn once and it itched horribly. This hack was my savior.

    18 votes
    1. [5]
      kfwyre
      Link Parent
      Additional sunburn hack: Buy an actual aloe vera plant. Cut off a leaf, slice it open vertically, slather the goop on you. Repeat as necessary. Plant the aloe plant and take care of it if you...

      Additional sunburn hack:

      Buy an actual aloe vera plant. Cut off a leaf, slice it open vertically, slather the goop on you. Repeat as necessary. Plant the aloe plant and take care of it if you suburn often so you always have some on hand (though it's certainly better to change your habits to avoid sunburns in the first place).

      For additional comfort, you can put the leaf in the freezer for a bit to get it cold before applying.

      This works well because whatever it is that helps sunburn in aloe vera degrades over time, so the over-the-counter stuff that has aloe in it is mostly marketing. Getting it fresh from the plant is ideal and does wonders.

      10 votes
      1. [3]
        Zorind
        Link Parent
        Unfortunately doesn’t work if you have a latex allergy. I mean, I guess it might work. But depending on the severity of the latex allergy, it might stop the itching forever. (I married someone...

        Unfortunately doesn’t work if you have a latex allergy.

        I mean, I guess it might work. But depending on the severity of the latex allergy, it might stop the itching forever.

        (I married someone with a Latex allergy, and now have to use much less effective sunburn treatments. Now I just have to try harder to avoid sunburns.)

        8 votes
        1. [2]
          kfwyre
          Link Parent
          Huh. TIL that aloe has latex in it! I don’t have a latex allergy, but I do have many others so I always appreciate allergy forewarnings. Plus, I’d expect this particular one isn’t exactly common...

          Huh. TIL that aloe has latex in it!

          I don’t have a latex allergy, but I do have many others so I always appreciate allergy forewarnings. Plus, I’d expect this particular one isn’t exactly common knowledge, so it’s all the more important to share.

          Thanks!

          9 votes
          1. DefinitelyNotAFae
            Link Parent
            Banana and Avocado sensitivity/allergies are also comorbid with latex! There are similar compounds in the peels iirc

            Banana and Avocado sensitivity/allergies are also comorbid with latex! There are similar compounds in the peels iirc

            6 votes
      2. vagueallusion
        Link Parent
        I like to keep aloe vera gel (92% aloe) in my fridge. I usually just use it on hot skin. If I have a legit burn I use emergency burn cream.

        I like to keep aloe vera gel (92% aloe) in my fridge. I usually just use it on hot skin.
        If I have a legit burn I use emergency burn cream.

        5 votes
  5. [5]
    Habituallytired
    Link
    Chronic illness peeps might get this one, but keep your own records of all of your medical appointments and medications, and potentially a list of different "oddball" treatments you've tried in a...

    Chronic illness peeps might get this one, but keep your own records of all of your medical appointments and medications, and potentially a list of different "oddball" treatments you've tried in a binder. Take the binder with you to any doctor's appointment, especially with new doctors, so you can pull out your information and let them know what you've tried. You can even keep a section on research you've done into your symptoms if you get sick, especially if they're printed out published studies. The physical binder will let doctors understand that you're not just making things up to get the good drugs or "it's just anxiety" if you ever have a more serious or persistent illness. Plus the physical copies are great if you ever have to switch insurance or move and go to new providers whose systems don't speak to the old provider's systems (moving countries, states, even cities sometimes, and if you're in the US, switching from an HMO to a PPO, espeically Kaiser).

    It's annoying to have to keep this information printed out, and keep it up to date, but it's worth it. I've been listened to a lot more now that I carry my big binder to medical appointments with new providers.

    16 votes
    1. [2]
      deathinactthree
      Link Parent
      This is a lesson I really had to learn the hard way. I have a chronic condition (autoimmune disease) and moving between various doctors and specialists, especially when my insurance tends to...

      This is a lesson I really had to learn the hard way. I have a chronic condition (autoimmune disease) and moving between various doctors and specialists, especially when my insurance tends to change every few years, means having the same conversations over and over again. It's not just the doctors' questions about my chronic pain symptoms--I myself have been asked questions like "did you already have X test done" and I can neither immediately remember whether I had it, nor if so what the results were.

      I was pretty lackadaisical about it for a long time because I thought everything records-wise going back about 10 years, when I first started seeking diagnosis and treatment for this condition, was being "kept in MyChart". Not realizing until too late that every hospital system has their own, non-interactive version of it, and that also it's not at all unusual for some information to simply never be logged in it.

      Now I keep everything in a physical folder in my filing cabinet arranged in chronological order. Yes, it's a bit of a pain in the butt to maintain, but the pain it avoids (sometimes very literally!) in the future is worth it.

      4 votes
      1. Habituallytired
        Link Parent
        Hopefully it's also helping you keep your medical care on track!

        Hopefully it's also helping you keep your medical care on track!

        1 vote
    2. [2]
      pridefulofbeing
      Link Parent
      Love this! Is there a good template or tool that a new person could be prompted and complete and keep updated? I would totally share this with clients.

      Love this! Is there a good template or tool that a new person could be prompted and complete and keep updated? I would totally share this with clients.

      1 vote
      1. Habituallytired
        Link Parent
        Sadly no. I'm lucky a lot of my doctors use Epic, so I can print off the pages from my patient portal.

        Sadly no. I'm lucky a lot of my doctors use Epic, so I can print off the pages from my patient portal.

        1 vote
  6. [5]
    SloMoMonday
    Link
    Sequencing my keys. The last place I was staying involved a frankly insane number of doors and gates to get through my front door. And my wife and I would turn it into a game as training for the...
    • Sequencing my keys.
      The last place I was staying involved a frankly insane number of doors and gates to get through my front door. And my wife and I would turn it into a game as training for the day we would be chased by a serial killer. As a little advantage, I rearranged my key-ring to the order that I'd use doors and started to win reliably. Figured it is a very reasonable thing that I wasn't doing and applied it every set of keys I have. But people still get really shocked that I can "memorize" large sets of keys so it doesn't look like the done thing for most people.

    • Jeopardy Passwords
      Don't mind sharing since I stopped doing this a while back. But when sites started enforcing special characters and min lengths, I figured brute force algos would first just run through the known passwords and just put the special characters or 123 at the end. Because that's what a lot of people still do. So I started turning passwords into entire questions or statements. Even if someone had wandering eyes, its pretty hard to keep track of 15 - 25 characters typed at speed.

    • Grouping tasks
      This is something I stumbled into recently. I got a little pot plant for my office. And I kept forgetting to water it. So I put it next to my meds and mini water cooler. So I have to do the one thing twice a day and I use the same cup of water for the plant. and then I put up a little to do list that I check in the morning and update in the evening. And I also use the same spot to store my keys, wallet and notebooks. So I don't forget to take them in the morning and I have to put them back before bed. I'm trying to incorporate these little task stations in the workshop and at the office, but the one in my home office has really smoothed things out in the mornings/evenings.

    15 votes
    1. [3]
      saturnV
      Link Parent
      the "jeopardy passwords" is a very good idea, it's pretty much the recommended thing second to using random gibberish and a password manager. It was popularised by this xkcd and is sometimes...

      the "jeopardy passwords" is a very good idea, it's pretty much the recommended thing second to using random gibberish and a password manager. It was popularised by this xkcd and is sometimes called diceware

      8 votes
      1. [2]
        CptBluebear
        Link Parent
        CorrectHorseBatteryStaple, just to be clear, is not a good password. For various reasons actually, but mostly because four dictionary words are also not very difficult to brute force. Ironically,...

        CorrectHorseBatteryStaple, just to be clear, is not a good password. For various reasons actually, but mostly because four dictionary words are also not very difficult to brute force. Ironically, by writing about secure passwords in this format they made it less secure too.

        Phrasing your password like a question or statement is secure, until you run into character limits (which makes the site less secure, not necessarily the password) or more so by reusing it and having it leaked.
        It's rather difficult to remember a different password sentence for every website.

        That said, it's leagues better than Jesus123 or hunter2.

        6 votes
    2. Habituallytired
      Link Parent
      "Task Batching" is what I call it. it works well for me too. Going out in to the kitchen to get water? Better take this plate and mug from breakfast with me. Going to the office to put away the...

      "Task Batching" is what I call it. it works well for me too. Going out in to the kitchen to get water? Better take this plate and mug from breakfast with me. Going to the office to put away the sticker printer? great! I can grab my next knitting /art/embroidery project from there. Getting into the shower? Throw some comet into the toilet while I'm showering then lightly scrub and flush while I'm sitting in the bathroom with the blowdryer on my hair (I have a small bathroom). or when I'm sewing, I do all my fabric ironing for the future at one time, or cur multiple fabrics if I'm making multiples of the same pattern, and then I do all my pinning for each fabric before I go to the machine.

      1 vote
  7. [3]
    Foreigner
    Link
    This one is more funny than actually useful because I don't really use google anymore. If you add "fucking" to the search query it won't spit out the AI summary, nor ads or sponsored/promoted...

    This one is more funny than actually useful because I don't really use google anymore. If you add "fucking" to the search query it won't spit out the AI summary, nor ads or sponsored/promoted links. Fair warning of course you might get some porn results.

    15 votes
    1. [2]
      DrEvergreen
      Link Parent
      Well, what do you know. You just helped me avoid all the irrellevant ads when trying to find local alternatives for something I'd like to buy in an actual store nearby. With actual people telling...

      Well, what do you know. You just helped me avoid all the irrellevant ads when trying to find local alternatives for something I'd like to buy in an actual store nearby. With actual people telling me what I want to know.

      3 votes
      1. Foreigner
        Link Parent
        Amazing :) I'm glad it was useful!!

        Amazing :) I'm glad it was useful!!

        2 votes
  8. [17]
    elight
    Link
    NSAIDs when depressed. Emotions are often felt in the body. Depression feels like hell. At least you can immediately treat the physical discomfort, providing some relief.

    NSAIDs when depressed.

    Emotions are often felt in the body. Depression feels like hell. At least you can immediately treat the physical discomfort, providing some relief.

    14 votes
    1. [3]
      Kale
      Link Parent
      On this note, anti-histamines for anxiety. The sedative effects chill out the fight or flight in your body and offer relief. I highly recommend not overusing this, though.

      On this note, anti-histamines for anxiety.
      The sedative effects chill out the fight or flight in your body and offer relief. I highly recommend not overusing this, though.

      8 votes
      1. [2]
        moocow1452
        Link Parent
        Caution: Different medications may work differently for different people. Prescription Claritin puts me out, while Zyrtec sends me up a wall.

        Caution: Different medications may work differently for different people. Prescription Claritin puts me out, while Zyrtec sends me up a wall.

        8 votes
        1. Kale
          (edited )
          Link Parent
          FANTASTIC point. Do not try this for the first time during a panic attack without knowing how it effects you. Also, take one that is known for drowsiness and not for functioning during day hours.

          FANTASTIC point. Do not try this for the first time during a panic attack without knowing how it effects you. Also, take one that is known for drowsiness and not for functioning during day hours.

          6 votes
    2. [10]
      snake_case
      Link Parent
      I find vitamin d gummies work as well, but not immediately, only after a few days of taking one every day in the morning

      I find vitamin d gummies work as well, but not immediately, only after a few days of taking one every day in the morning

      5 votes
      1. [9]
        elight
        Link Parent
        I take Vit D daily. No joy.

        I take Vit D daily. No joy.

        4 votes
        1. [8]
          snake_case
          Link Parent
          Its just a quick easy thing to try, not a cure all. Sorry you’re still stuck at the bottom, I know what thats like. Wish I could help you.

          Its just a quick easy thing to try, not a cure all. Sorry you’re still stuck at the bottom, I know what thats like. Wish I could help you.

          4 votes
          1. [7]
            DefinitelyNotAFae
            Link Parent
            It can help if there's a deficiency but there's no real evidence it helps at all if there isn't one AFAIK. Worth adding as a caveat because nothing kills a mood than "the thing they said would...

            It can help if there's a deficiency but there's no real evidence it helps at all if there isn't one AFAIK. Worth adding as a caveat because nothing kills a mood than "the thing they said would help, didn't."

            Which reminds me, mood or not, it's January and I'm probably due.

            9 votes
            1. [6]
              snake_case
              Link Parent
              Yeah and most people have a deficiency. I think its possible that a lot of people who don’t normally have a deficiency may have one just during the winter, and if their yearly checkup happens to...

              Yeah and most people have a deficiency.

              I think its possible that a lot of people who don’t normally have a deficiency may have one just during the winter, and if their yearly checkup happens to be during the summer they’d never know.

              Its such an easy thing to try, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t. A daily vitamin is the most easy form of self care, easier than brushing your teeth.

              4 votes
              1. [3]
                DefinitelyNotAFae
                Link Parent
                The reasons people are willing, and not willing, to try (anything) vary for a lot of reasons. It's why giving mental health and medical recommendations should always be done with care and with...

                The reasons people are willing, and not willing, to try (anything) vary for a lot of reasons. It's why giving mental health and medical recommendations should always be done with care and with encouragement to seek professional guidance. It's really easy to do harm while intending to help, especially when you don't know the people on the other side of the screen.

                5 votes
                1. [2]
                  snake_case
                  Link Parent
                  Its a daily vitamin during the winter lol

                  Its a daily vitamin during the winter lol

                  2 votes
                  1. DefinitelyNotAFae
                    Link Parent
                    I know you're not taking it seriously. But I'm genuinely serious and speaking as a professional it's very important to be careful about medical and mental health suggestions.

                    I know you're not taking it seriously. But I'm genuinely serious and speaking as a professional it's very important to be careful about medical and mental health suggestions.

                    6 votes
              2. [2]
                elight
                Link Parent
                Indeed. And I see that reliably every time I get an (overpriced) Vit D blood screen. My recent screen showed a massive deficiency. So 4000IU a day it is.

                Indeed. And I see that reliably every time I get an (overpriced) Vit D blood screen. My recent screen showed a massive deficiency. So 4000IU a day it is.

                1. snake_case
                  (edited )
                  Link Parent
                  I take about 1000IU most days, less in the summer and more in the winter. They say its more bioavailable when obtained from food rather than pill, and gummies are fun so I take it in gummy form...

                  I take about 1000IU most days, less in the summer and more in the winter.

                  They say its more bioavailable when obtained from food rather than pill, and gummies are fun so I take it in gummy form alongside my morning cup of coffee. Don’t know how effective that routine actually is but the once a year I get it checked Im always within normal levels.

                  Theres a whole life story to how I reached that routine of course, I used to take more and that was too much during the summer and I have trouble sticking to routines and I live in a warmer climate etc etc but you get the point

    3. [3]
      Promonk
      Link Parent
      That said, be very careful with NSAIDs, particularly if you're on regular antidepressant medications or have gastrointestinal problems. Overuse of NSAIDs can lead to ulcerations of the GI tract,...

      That said, be very careful with NSAIDs, particularly if you're on regular antidepressant medications or have gastrointestinal problems. Overuse of NSAIDs can lead to ulcerations of the GI tract, and are known to interfere with the function of some antidepressants and a host of other drug types.

      4 votes
      1. [2]
        elight
        Link Parent
        For that matter, I've read gastroenteroligists generally say not to ever take them. Trade-offs.

        For that matter, I've read gastroenteroligists generally say not to ever take them.

        Trade-offs.

        1. Promonk
          Link Parent
          I learned the hard way when I had gallstones. When all was said and done my last endoscopy showed six separate ulcers owing to all the ibuprofen and Toradol I was given to manage the pain....

          I learned the hard way when I had gallstones. When all was said and done my last endoscopy showed six separate ulcers owing to all the ibuprofen and Toradol I was given to manage the pain. Thankfully, they all seem to have healed up.

          2 votes
  9. [10]
    xk3
    (edited )
    Link
    Motion and light sensitive night lights I have them in every room in my house and they are very handy at night or even just for dark rooms. They work very instantly and reliably, when jumping out...

    Motion and light sensitive night lights

    I have them in every room in my house and they are very handy at night or even just for dark rooms. They work very instantly and reliably, when jumping out of bed and walking to the toilet in the middle of the night I don't need to turn on any light switch.

    I got 4 of them for $10 (three years ago, Emotionlite Motion Sensor Light) and it's probably the best $10 that I ever spent.

    Cowboy boots

    I feel like I've always dreaded needing to go out in the snow. One of the big reasons was that it is time consuming to tie up shoes / boots.

    Last year I got a pair of Eddie Bauer zipper boots to try and solve this problem but they turned out to be even worse. They were both difficult to zip up and easy to unzip so they would always unzip themselves after walking a bit outside.

    But a couple weeks ago I thought about what the ideal boot would be like... something tall that I could still slip my feet in and out of and I discovered cowboy boots! LOL!

    Sometimes you need to think "from first principles" and build up a generic idea for what the solution should look like.

    Cowboy boots are actually pretty comfy and are a great winter boot! I would not have set out to buy them without inventing them first myself per se because I had preconceived notions of what a cowboy boot is and what it is good or not good for and what kind of people wear them, etc. But everyone can wear them--not just cowboys and rednecks.

    Breaking down large tasks to be incremental and then taking small bites every day

    This one is a neat concept but actually doing it takes diligence and successfully implementing a system into your daily schedule.

    Figuring out the right integration point can turn a monotonous Sisyphus rock into something that is fun and creative. I'm not perfect at this but I feel like some of my proudest accomplishments were only possible because I found the strategy.

    For example, my goal was to add my whole home folder into Git but there was really several hundreds a lot of configuration files and folders and it seemed like an impossible task.

    However, I automated the process. I put the list of all the files in .gitignore and then once per day a script would run sed -i '$ d' .gitignore to remove the last line of the gitignore file so that I would need to investigate that configuration and determine which action I should take: add to the home folder repo, add back into .gitignore (at the top of the file), add to .git/info/exclude, git update-index --skip-worktree, etc.

    The trick is to split up large tasks and integrate the tasks at manageable intervals.

    13 votes
    1. [7]
      ThrowdoBaggins
      Link Parent
      I recently re-stumbled across a meme where the poster was discussing how invasive species have particular traits that do well in their own environment, but then put them somewhere with the right...

      Cowboy boots

      I recently re-stumbled across a meme where the poster was discussing how invasive species have particular traits that do well in their own environment, but then put them somewhere with the right kind of change and suddenly they get out of control because they’re (accidentally) so incredibly well suited to the new environment.

      They then mentioned one time seeing a bunch of people miserably trudging through snow when they spotted a cowboy who was having no trouble at all. They described how cowboy boots are great in snow, and wide brimmed hats keep the snow off you, and a poncho keeps you warm, and that little neck scarf/bandana thingy that you pull up in your face to avoid breathing dust also keeps your face warm in wintery weather.

      So yeah, cowboys as an invasive species seem well equipped to deal with snowy weather, and I think you’ve spotted that with your quest for boots.

      24 votes
      1. Notcoffeetable
        Link Parent
        Not to detract from your point too much but I’d argue the cowboy attire developed because of the time they spent outdoors in snow during the winter. Cowboy country goes up into Alberta and...

        Not to detract from your point too much but I’d argue the cowboy attire developed because of the time they spent outdoors in snow during the winter. Cowboy country goes up into Alberta and Saskatchewan.

        10 votes
      2. [5]
        tanglisha
        Link Parent
        This is a hilarious take, but I can’t imagine how leather boots could possibly key your feet warm in really cold weather. Obviously good socks would play a part, but don’t the boots allow a lot of...

        This is a hilarious take, but I can’t imagine how leather boots could possibly key your feet warm in really cold weather. Obviously good socks would play a part, but don’t the boots allow a lot of the cold to pass right through?

        My partner has a pair of real cowboy boots, purchased outside of Austin. I just checked them, the leather isn’t any thicker than what makes up some of my good dress boots, which are not adequate in a hard freeze.

        4 votes
        1. Sodliddesu
          Link Parent
          Socks. Most good boots for walking are made for you to add socks to. Leather keeps out the wind and water, your socks keep your feet warm. There's a difference between the boots you wear to the...
          1. Socks. Most good boots for walking are made for you to add socks to. Leather keeps out the wind and water, your socks keep your feet warm.

          2. There's a difference between the boots you wear to the hoe down and the boots you wear to the barn. You might have a nice pair of boots but they might not be a 'working' pair of boots.

          9 votes
        2. [2]
          irren_echo
          Link Parent
          In my experience it's more about the sole than the rest of the shoe. Idk what cowboy boots are soled with, but dress shoe soles are usually trash, and my thick soled/weather resistant (leather)...

          In my experience it's more about the sole than the rest of the shoe. Idk what cowboy boots are soled with, but dress shoe soles are usually trash, and my thick soled/weather resistant (leather) boots are great year round.

          3 votes
          1. tanglisha
            Link Parent
            They’re soled with more leather. Maybe it’s that there are. a lot of layers to that or something.

            They’re soled with more leather. Maybe it’s that there are. a lot of layers to that or something.

        3. Notcoffeetable
          (edited )
          Link Parent
          Austin is where they wouldn’t have experienced much snow. A good work boot though is going to be much thicker with a thick sole which also helps with insulating you from the cold ground.

          Austin is where they wouldn’t have experienced much snow. A good work boot though is going to be much thicker with a thick sole which also helps with insulating you from the cold ground.

          1 vote
    2. vagueallusion
      Link Parent
      I use cheap little motion LED lights in my closets and cupboards. I have some really deep cupboards and it's nice to just reach in and magically see!

      I use cheap little motion LED lights in my closets and cupboards. I have some really deep cupboards and it's nice to just reach in and magically see!

      2 votes
    3. joeglen
      Link Parent
      I bought Muckmaster boots when I was doing farm work. They are warm and waterproof and also fairly breathable. They slip on and stay on well so they've been a great all-purpose all-weather boot....

      I bought Muckmaster boots when I was doing farm work. They are warm and waterproof and also fairly breathable. They slip on and stay on well so they've been a great all-purpose all-weather boot. Not having to deal with laces is wonderful

      2 votes
  10. disk
    Link
    I used to fidget with a strong magnet around some of my tools, and ended up magnetising the tip of a long-ish metal tool by accident. Turns out it's super useful for reaching tight spots...

    I used to fidget with a strong magnet around some of my tools, and ended up magnetising the tip of a long-ish metal tool by accident. Turns out it's super useful for reaching tight spots behind/under workbenches, and inside engine bays. Naturally, you can buy a telescopic pen with a magnetic tip for that exact purpose, but in a pinch, you can absolutely magnetise the tip of one of your tools temporarily.

    Sodium bicarbonate + boiling water works surprisingly well for removing burnt sugar from the bottom of pans. I added it as I was trying essentially every ingredient in my cupboard, and it worked better than all of them.

    Your phone camera is better at capturing aurora borealis than the naked eye is, especially if you mess with the exposure. I pointed my phone at the sky once, to take a picture of the pitch black darkness when there were supposed to be some lights in my area, and turns out I could pick up a faint light display, ever so slightly better than my own eyes could.

    13 votes
  11. [10]
    BashCrandiboot
    Link
    I don't know if a ~$200 purchase counts as a lifehack, but this one comes in two parts. I like to cook, but I have two problems: My kitchen is small. It's really more like an appliance hallway. I...

    I don't know if a ~$200 purchase counts as a lifehack, but this one comes in two parts.

    I like to cook, but I have two problems:

    1. My kitchen is small. It's really more like an appliance hallway.
    2. I hate doing dishes.

    So I bought a steel griddle the size of my entire stovetop. You set it straight on the burners.

    I cook eggs, hashbrowns, and fried salami every morning. No dirty pans, I just wipe the griddle off when I'm done.

    It came with a wooden cutting board cover, so when it's not in use, we have extra counter space.

    It does require some extra upkeep, but having been a line cook for a majority of my formative years, it's basically second nature.

    And since I'm only cooking a couple meals a day vs. hundreds like a restaurant would, it is 1000x easier to keep clean.

    If you have a gas stovetop and cook frequently, I definitely recommend. If you have an electric stove, you can still use one, but you need special spacers to keep it directly off the burners, and I can't speak to how well the heat transfers in that scenario.

    12 votes
    1. [6]
      elight
      Link Parent
      Accidentally learned that not keeping metal conductive surfaces off of electric cooktops results in electrical fires. I am that guy. Fortunately, it was a small fire easily controlled. And here I...

      Accidentally learned that not keeping metal conductive surfaces off of electric cooktops results in electrical fires.

      I am that guy.

      Fortunately, it was a small fire easily controlled.

      And here I am, allegedly two standard deviations+ above the median. 🤦🏻‍♂️

      7 votes
      1. [3]
        tanglisha
        Link Parent
        Can you please explain this? I am new to electric stoves and currently have a non induction glass top stove.

        Can you please explain this? I am new to electric stoves and currently have a non induction glass top stove.

        1 vote
        1. [2]
          elight
          Link Parent
          You're safe with glass. This was an old stove where the electric coils are exposed.

          You're safe with glass. This was an old stove where the electric coils are exposed.

          2 votes
          1. tanglisha
            Link Parent
            Oh, that sounds really bad.

            Oh, that sounds really bad.

            2 votes
      2. [2]
        PigeonDubois
        Link Parent
        You mean you short circuited your stovetop somehow from the outside? That doesn't sound like it should be possible. Was it a resistive heating stove, or induction?

        You mean you short circuited your stovetop somehow from the outside? That doesn't sound like it should be possible. Was it a resistive heating stove, or induction?

        1 vote
        1. elight
          Link Parent
          Resistive. Old school. And exactly what happened.

          Resistive. Old school. And exactly what happened.

          1 vote
    2. [3]
      Hobofarmer
      Link Parent
      Please tell me more. I can't wait to explain to my wife why we need this.

      Please tell me more. I can't wait to explain to my wife why we need this.

      3 votes
      1. [2]
        BashCrandiboot
        (edited )
        Link Parent
        Gladly! Here's a picture I absconded from the internet If you get one, it will look like this for approximately 30 seconds because you'll need to season it by lathering it with oil and heating it...

        Gladly! Here's a picture I absconded from the internet

        If you get one, it will look like this for approximately 30 seconds because you'll need to season it by lathering it with oil and heating it up. Then cook something greasy and plentiful on it, perhaps your favorite cured meat. Make sure you have the drip tray underneath the holes in the front or you will make a huge mess.

        For everyday use, keep a big squeeze bottle of oil nearby, and even bigger squeeze bottle of water. Use the water to de-glaze any shit stuck to the griddle, but as long as you let it heat up properly before cooking and use enough oil, most stuff won't stick too bad.

        I also recommend getting a bench knife, as well as a proper set of metal spatulas (think the long kind that hibachi chefs use).

        If you've never used a commercial griddle before, I definitely recommend watching some youtube videos just for upkeep purposes. It's not hard work, but it's not necessarily intuitive either. For me, a typical cook looks like this:

        1. Turn on burners and let it warm up. Flick some water onto the surface. When it sizzles, you're good to go.
        2. Squeeze some oil or butter where I'll be cooking.
        3. Throw a slab of whatever on there. (Fry an egg, make a grilled cheese, cook a chicken breast, saute some veggies, whatever you want.
        4. Cook it.
        5. Plate it.
        6. Turn off burners. Spray water on dirty areas to de-glaze. Use the bench knife to make sure water gets everything.
          6b. If I cook a lot, I'll scrape any remnant onto a sheet pan that I'll then just rinse into the garbage disposal, or into the garbage once it's cooled, but normally I can just wipe everything up with some paper towel.
        7. Write my name in oil on the griddle, and then use a paper towel to spread the oil and coat the whole thing.
        8. Eat.

        It takes a bit to cool down. Your kitchen will smell like a restaurant for a bit, but it doesn't linger.

        Another downside: you really shouldn't use pots on it, especially for something intensive like boiling water for pasta. So it can occasionally be a pain to lug it off the stovetop so you can use your cookware. But like I said, mine came with a wooden cutting board that covers it, so even if you move it to the counter, you're not losing counter space.

        The cutting board is a great investment on its own. If you don't have a huge one already, you will never go back, but that, too, requires some maintenence, but if you mainly use it for fresh veggies, and have a separate plastic one for meats, it will help a lot!

        This definitely is not a comprehensive write up, so do a bit of research before you purchase (you might like a half-sized one for example).

        And of course, you can always come find me again if you have questions!

        6 votes
        1. DrEvergreen
          Link Parent
          Ooh, putting this on the mental list over someday-purchases! I've worked with one of those professionally. The ability to just wipe it down, roughly getting rid of bits of food and grease, then...

          Ooh, putting this on the mental list over someday-purchases! I've worked with one of those professionally. The ability to just wipe it down, roughly getting rid of bits of food and grease, then cranking the heat and pouring hot water on it to loosen the rest... So, so much easier to clean than delicate non-stick pans and burnt food inbetween stovetop burners at home.

          I had no idea this existed. Thank you for sharing!

          1 vote
  12. fefellama
    Link
    I've discovered the same thing that you did, OP. Moved away from my home city about 6 years ago, but I still have that city's area code (let's call it 123). But this new area's area code is...

    I've discovered the same thing that you did, OP. Moved away from my home city about 6 years ago, but I still have that city's area code (let's call it 123). But this new area's area code is something else (say 456). So pretty much all of my spam calls come from 123. Anybody with a 123 number that I need to talk to I already have saved on my phone, so I can pretty safely ignore any calls from a 123 area code. But every now and then I'll get a 456 area code phone call, and I'll answer those because usually it's a local pharmacy or doctor's office or dog groomer or other such businesses nearby that I actually am waiting to hear from. Only one or two times in these 6 years have I gotten a spam call from that new (to me) 456 area code, and usually those are just local organizations soliciting donations.

    9 votes
  13. [4]
    DynamoSunshirt
    Link
    Inbox zero: to keep my email organized, I use 'unread' to indicate TODO items. And I remove the 'unread' from every other piece of mail ASAP. Makes it very very easy to tell when there's something...

    Inbox zero: to keep my email organized, I use 'unread' to indicate TODO items. And I remove the 'unread' from every other piece of mail ASAP. Makes it very very easy to tell when there's something new to deal with. And if you're thinking that you get too much mail to implement this... for the love of god, hit 'unsubscribe' on all of your advertising spam. Then you can use email for communication again!

    If you have a long-running TODO item that you don't want to leave unread for too long, I tend to open it in a separate window (double click on the titlebar in macOS) or I document it in Obsidian, my personal wiki and notetaking software and then mark it read in my email.

    8 votes
    1. [2]
      CptBluebear
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Isn't inbox zero not just making everything read but then also moving it to another folder so you end up with, well, zero remaining emails? That's how I understood it anyway. Edit: rereading this,...

      Isn't inbox zero not just making everything read but then also moving it to another folder so you end up with, well, zero remaining emails? That's how I understood it anyway.

      Edit: rereading this, and it makes me sound snarky. Not intended.

      5 votes
      1. DynamoSunshirt
        Link Parent
        That is one interpretation! And no worries, I had forgotten about that definition. IMO emails are small enough that I prefer to leave them all in my inbox basically forever; a year of email...

        That is one interpretation! And no worries, I had forgotten about that definition. IMO emails are small enough that I prefer to leave them all in my inbox basically forever; a year of email storage typically takes less space than a hundred photos. I make a backup of my inbox every couple of years, and it would be nice to automate that. But my inbox zero style doesn't require me to hide away all of the read emails. Just marking them read is fine by me :-)

        3 votes
    2. semsevfor
      Link Parent
      Similarly, but different because I can't stand notifications, so I need all emails to be read when I've looked at them. I just keep a resolved folder and throw everything in there that I don't...

      Similarly, but different because I can't stand notifications, so I need all emails to be read when I've looked at them. I just keep a resolved folder and throw everything in there that I don't need anymore. What's in my inbox is my To do list. But everything is read so there's no notification.

  14. [2]
    lou
    Link
    I never had any issues with saying "no". I barely think that is a life hack, but the reality is that to some people it is. The ability to say "no" in a polite, respectful, and firm fashion saves...

    I never had any issues with saying "no". I barely think that is a life hack, but the reality is that to some people it is. The ability to say "no" in a polite, respectful, and firm fashion saves me from many useless conversations and terrible situations. No is a perfectly valid response to a request. Don't allow yourself to be bullied into a "yes" you do not wish to give, and don't waste your precious time in a verbal tug of war just because you're trying to deny something without hurting anyone's feelings. A polite "no" does not hurt anyone's feelings. If someone says otherwise, you are being manipulated.

    7 votes
    1. sparksbet
      Link Parent
      An old therapist of mine recommended a book called "If I Say No, I Feel Guilty", and while it's definitely a bit retro in style I think the advice in there is really good.

      An old therapist of mine recommended a book called "If I Say No, I Feel Guilty", and while it's definitely a bit retro in style I think the advice in there is really good.

      5 votes
  15. Not_Enough_Gravitas
    Link
    Got poison ivy? Run it under the hottest water you can tolerate. The itching will stop for a few hours.

    Got poison ivy? Run it under the hottest water you can tolerate. The itching will stop for a few hours.

    6 votes
  16. [2]
    Fiachra
    Link
    I avoid having millions of tabs open on my phone browser by using incognito mode every time I have to google something. That 'close incognito tabs' reminder button that pops up keeps my browser...

    I avoid having millions of tabs open on my phone browser by using incognito mode every time I have to google something. That 'close incognito tabs' reminder button that pops up keeps my browser situation spick and span.

    6 votes
    1. DrEvergreen
      Link Parent
      On the topic of tabs open; I recently realised that my phone's facebook app keeps its own browsertabs open whenever I've clicked a link and surfed "from the app". I had 100 tabs open in that...

      On the topic of tabs open; I recently realised that my phone's facebook app keeps its own browsertabs open whenever I've clicked a link and surfed "from the app". I had 100 tabs open in that internal browser. Likely maxed out.

      I had no idea the app used its own internal browser that kept every clicked link as a tab.

      2 votes
  17. moocow1452
    Link
    When you’re using a dishwasher, don’t rinse all the utensils before they go in. If one is visibly covered in butter or jam or whatever, then you can tell at a glance if the machine has been run...

    When you’re using a dishwasher, don’t rinse all the utensils before they go in. If one is visibly covered in butter or jam or whatever, then you can tell at a glance if the machine has been run even if you or another person run the machine without setting the clean or dirty indicator.

    3 votes