There are a lot of things our bodies can do that can make our lives so much easier – and you’re about to learn it all. From relieving stress to making peeing at night easier, check out the most useful ‘body hacks’ you probably never knew about in the gallery below!
We, humans, are kind of weird at times: we can train our bodies to lift heavy weights or run incredible distances, yet sometimes we manage to fall while walking on an even surface or mistake left and right five times a day. But even despite all of the weirdness, our bodies are capable of some pretty amazing things that never cease to surprise us. You will wish you knew this list of 25 “body hacks” sooner.
1. A mental trick
When you do pullups, try to imagine yourself pulling your elbows down, not pulling your body up. It’s a mental trick that can make them feel easier because it forces you to use the muscles in your back more.
2. Float on your back
Instead of treading water and tiring yourself out float on your back by arching your spine and pushing your hips up toward the sky. Spread your limbs out and use small movements with your arms to stabilize. Contemplate life.
3. Cut off your gag reflex
Squeezing your left thumb into your palm can help cut off your gag reflex.
Thought it was [bullcrap]. Tried it. Can brush my tongue nicely now
4. Treat stuffed up a nostril
If you have a stuffed up nostril, lay on your side which is opposite to the nostril (e.g. If the left nostril is plugged, lay on your right side). Try tilting your head in different ways and just lay there. Once you find the right head orientation, the pressure will relieve itself. It’s orgasmic.
5. Make cool your body
When you are hot pour cold water over your wrists to cool your body off. The reason this remedy works is because your wrist and neck both contain pulse points, areas where you can feel your pulse because your blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin.
6. Wake up in the middle
If you need to get up in the middle of the night keep one eye closed so that when you flip on the lights it stays attuned to night vision. That way you can still see in the dark with the other eye when you’re done.
7. Fix your emotional
Feeling depressed or just thoroughly upset? Have a snack containing the following:
–Dark chocolate (to raise endorphins)
–Blueberries (to raise serotonin)
–Green tea+ (which contains L-theanine that blocks stress receptors in your brain)
–Anything rich in B-vitamins like 5-Hour Energy, VitaminWater, or banana chips (as B-vitamins replenish energy that’s sapped when you are depressed)
8. Prevent throw up
If you’re worried you’re gonna throw up, you’re mouth usually fills with saliva a bit beforehand because the contents of your stomach are harmful to the throat. It’s a pretty good sign you’re gonna toss them cookies.
9. Improve balance
Tiptoe (toe-heel walk) every time you aren’t wearing shoes, improves balance and +1 stealth. Also a good way to work out those calves.
10. Relax
If you are experiencing a panic attack or you are anxious enough to elevate your heart rate, you can hold a cold water bottle to your face between your nose and cheekbone and hold your breath for 30 seconds to have your body relax.
11. Prevent heartburn
Lie on your left side to help prevent bedtime heartburn after you eat a big meal
12. Reduce body aches
Rolling around and stretching on the floor for 5-10 minutes helps to relieve a huge amount of body aches/soreness for me. It really relaxes your body and loosens it up.
13. Make your mind better
If you get some form of exercise every day, your mind and body will feel better. Lifting 3-4 times a week and biking to work/school every day has completely changed who I am over the course of a year and a half. Don’t give up on yourself.
14. Change your mind
If you’re writing a test and are having trouble thinking/remembering an answer, adjust your position – somehow this helps you think differently.
15. Cure hiccups
To quickly cure your hiccups: Deeply inhale, hold it, swallow twice, then exhale through your nose.
16. Prevent nosebleed
Stop a nosebleed by leaning your head forward a little, then pinching your nose in a specific spot for five minutes.
17. Stop a sneeze
Stop a sneeze in its tracks by pressing down on the area right above your upper lip.
