More on body and mind

Drink water through a straw when consuming sugary or acidic beverages to cut down on contact with teeth.

Using a straw helps keep juice or soda from passing over teeth, saving enamel from acid wear and staining, and preventing tannins from touching front teeth.

4 people, independently

Keep your phone away from you during meals.

One person found it helped them enjoy food more and pay attention to flavors and textures.

one person who lived it

Visit a dentist one or two times annually to spot problems early.

Finding issues sooner may avoid costly procedures down the line.

3 people, independently

Brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and save on dental costs.

Flossing prevents avoidable cavities between teeth; daily routine can prevent decay and save thousands of dollars and years of discomfort.

3 people, independently

Swish water in your mouth following consumption of sweet or acidic items to clear debris and balance acidity.

Water dilutes sugars, washes away damaging agents, aids enamel recovery, and restores normal pH levels more quickly than saliva alone.

5 people, independently

Use a menstrual cup to avoid the odor of old blood that can occur with pads and tampons.

Pads and tampons hold collected blood that creates a smell; cups prevent this accumulation.

one person who lived it

Consider dental tourism to reduce costs, as extensive dental work can cost less abroad (e.g., $10,000 in Thailand versus $50,000 in America).

5 people, independently

Try liquid chlorophyll supplements daily.

people report it neutralizes internal body odor and acts as a natural deodorizer

3 people, independently

Clean your teeth with a brush at least twice daily and use floss once per day.

4 people, independently

Use a tongue scraper to remove buildup from the tongue.

Residue on the tongue contributes to bad breath and oral hygiene issues; scraping removes this 'ick'.

3 people, independently

Try dried cilantro if you are sensitive to the soapy taste of fresh cilantro.

Drying removes the enzyme that causes the specific flavor.

one person who lived it

Seek a second opinion when a dentist suggests major procedures like crowns, root canals, or numerous fillings. Be particularly cautious if the office uses a Cerac machine or if a new dentist reports many cavities.

3 people, independently

Choose lower-calorie Ensure shakes if you find higher-calorie versions too sweet or saccharine.

The lower-calorie option allows the actual flavor (like chocolate) to come through rather than tasting like artificial sweetener.

one person who lived it

Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee, wine, alcohol, or other acidic beverages.

This reduces the risk of staining and prevents enamel wear.

3 people, independently

Add a bit of lemon to water if you do not like the taste of plain water.

3 people, independently

Use inexpensive shooting glasses as an alternative to blue-light blocking gaming glasses.

They reportedly perform the same function.

one person who lived it

Use circular motions above the gum line to gently clean both the tooth surface and the gums.

3 people, independently

Drink club soda to quell cravings.

The carbonic acid provides flavor and the carbonation satisfies the urge.

one person who lived it

Stay alert to your posture and fix it whenever you catch yourself slouching.

Eventually it will become second nature.

3 people, independently

Channel anger into physical effort at the gym to release tension productively.

It is a simple solution that allows for release from built-up anger and changes you when you cannot change the situation.

5 people, independently

Raise your monitor so the center is at or slightly below eye level to encourage sitting up straight and prevent slouching.

Looking down causes slouching; looking slightly down covers eyes to prevent drying out; raising it stops hunching and may reduce headaches.

4 people, independently

Exhale fully and hold your breath while attempting to urinate in public to relax the urethral sphincter.

CO2 buildup from holding your breath relaxes the muscles, allowing you to pee.

3 people, independently

Practice CPR regularly to keep your skills sharp and maintain muscle memory.

Skills tend to fade over time, and performing CPR incorrectly from memory could potentially make the situation worse.

3 people, independently

Allow yourself to weep when necessary, disregarding social norms that view it as a sign of frailty.

Weeping alleviates bodily and psychological tension, acting as an effective outlet.

4 people, independently

• Allow yourself to cry and release emotions as a necessary form of decompression.4

While seated or standing, roll the soles of your feet over a lacrosse or tennis ball to massage and relieve discomfort.

It functions as a small-scale massage.

3 people, independently

Release anger by walking, running, or boxing on a punch bag.

Boxing provides satisfaction through externalization of emotion; bag-work beats lifting for some.

3 people, independently

Flex leg muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves) hard and continuously.

The increased blood demand draws blood supply away from the erection.

4 people, independently

Train full-body involvement rather than seeking surface-level calm to prevent your brain from running old panic scripts on autopilot under pressure.

Surface-level calm won't hold when pressure hits.

one person who lived it

Practice safety razor technique on your legs before attempting the bikini line.

Legs are easier to manage while learning pressure and angle; mistakes there are less severe than in the bikini area.

one person who lived it

Recline with your hand resting on your upper abdomen, just under the ribs. Concentrate on the movement of your hand as you take slow, deep breaths.

3 people, independently

• Practice diaphragmatic breathing by placing a hand above your heart and another under your ribs; notice which hand moves further and aim to breathe from your stomach area so it rises and falls instead of your chest.3

Release difficult emotions through physical exertion, such as lifting weights or running.

3 people, independently

Focus on relaxing specific facial muscles, especially the forehead and shoulders, to release unexpected tension.

You may be surprised by how tense your facial muscles are without realizing it.

3 people, independently

Deliberately lower your shoulders to ease upper-body tension.

Tension often causes hunching; relaxing this area provides quick relief.

4 people, independently

Perform a short stretching routine, such as Molding Mobility, for 5-10 minutes upon waking.

3 people, independently

If you struggle with self-image, make faces in the mirror and flex all facial muscles to become familiar with what you look like in different emotional states.

one person who lived it

Do dynamic stretching before exercise and static stretching after.

3 people, independently

Tilt your head slightly backwards to ease breathing.

This opens up the nostrils.

one person who lived it

Stay active while standing during the day; frequently change your foot position and avoid remaining stationary to maintain blood flow.

Standing still is no healthier than sitting; movement promotes circulation and comfort.

3 people, independently

Pinch your nose and exhale to pressurize your ears for 5-10 seconds, or as long as you feel comfortable.

3 people, independently

Use masturbation or sexual intercourse to briefly relieve nasal blockage.

Orgasms provide temporary relief from congestion.

4 people, independently

To halt a sneeze, pinch the nose tip, press the junction of bone and cartilage, or place a finger on the septum between nostrils.

4 people, independently

Clear your nose with care to avoid triggering extra inflammation and mucus buildup.

Forceful blowing increases swelling and results in greater congestion.

3 people, independently

Remove the headset periodically before it becomes annoying to let circulation return to pressured areas of the ear.

It allows blood circulation back into parts of the ear under pressure.

one person who lived it

Consume wasabi or horseradish to decrease swelling in the nasal passages.

Wasabi and horseradish are good at decreasing swelling in nasal passages.

one person who lived it

Adopt the linguistic frame of 'I have sadness' instead of 'I am sad.'

This prevents emotions from defining your being as an entity; if you let them define you, you give them power over your mind.

one person who lived it

Do not let fear of driving make you drive more dangerously.

Fear can make your driving scarier for others.

one person who lived it

Uncover the vulnerable feelings, such as sadness or hurt, that anger is shielding, to move past the anger.

4 people, independently

Root for the antagonist during a horror movie to shift your perspective from victim to observer.

Projecting yourself into the position of advantage reduces the feeling of being scared.

3 people, independently

Be aware that compliments on weight loss can trigger or worsen eating disorders.

Such comments reinforce disordered behaviors and motivate continued starvation.

3 people, independently

Draft a post or note when angry to help the anger subside as you explain what happened.

The act of explaining the situation can cause anger to die down.

one person who lived it

Recognize that procrastination may be an attempt to maintain control by delaying action until you feel ready.

It helps when you feel you have little control in other areas of life.

one person who lived it

• Recognize that procrastination may be a way to order failure and maintain control, driven by fear rather than laziness.1

Redirect your fear away from dying itself toward the dread of suffering and diminished life quality.

One individual realized they feared pain and loss of function more than death.

3 people, independently

Feeling shame or embarrassment about past actions often indicates personal growth.

10 people, independently

If people treat you condescendingly, consider whether you are acting like a know-it-all trying to show off your intelligence.

People may react by putting you in your place if they find your behavior annoying.

one person who lived it

Create a persona version of yourself that takes risks if you struggle with confidence.

One person found this helpful when struggling with confidence by creating a character who would take all the risks.

one person who lived it

Record all your emotions regarding a specific event to aid in processing it.

Writing things down assists in identifying what you are actually feeling.

3 people, independently

Keep in mind that people who are bothered by what you do aren't important, while those who are important don't get bothered.

7 people, independently

Release resentment since it damages only you while the target remains oblivious.

Nurturing anger is akin to ingesting poison hoping the other party dies.

4 people, independently

Realize that most people are self-centered and focused on their own problems, so they likely do not dwell on your embarrassing moments.

3 people, independently

If you struggle with negative comments, reframe them by thinking that getting used to not feeling bad now will help you become a person who is resilient to such comments in the future.

It makes dealing with negative comments easier.

one person who lived it

Understand that saying negative things about a third person subconsciously associates those negative feelings with you in the listener's mind.

This ruins your image.

one person who lived it

Reject attempts by others to diminish your pain by asserting their circumstances are more severe.

Ranking the severity of issues allows only one individual to voice distress; external hardships do not negate your personal experience.

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Question why you cut down on yourself or believe your needs are less important than others'.

one person who lived it

When dealing with upset customers who are speaking rapidly, write down their key complaints on a clipboard to demonstrate that you are listening.

It shows genuine interest and helps de-escalate the situation.

one person who lived it

Identify the identity story you must give up to improve, recognizing this as the real block rather than just effort or external scaffolds.

External reasons are only a scaffold; the true obstacle is often the cost to your identity and the personal narrative you have to abandon.

one person who lived it

Understand that fear of solitude is often fear of one's own darkness, which surfaces when social personas are absent.

Social engagement pushes inner vices out of awareness, but isolation allows them to rise to the surface.

one person who lived it

Accept that changing your voice volume feels awkward at first and practice at home until it becomes natural.

Whispering mid-conversation is more awkward than the initial feeling of adjusting your volume.

one person who lived it

When someone is venting, listen and empathize to offer connection rather than offering solutions or telling them what to do.

People generally don't like being told what to do in informal settings and often seek connection rather than a solution.

one person who lived it

Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to others' highlight reels of traveling, personal records, and startup launches, as this neglects your own life and drains energy needed for self-improvement.

Comparing your behind-the-scenes footage with their highlight reel makes you feel like you are falling behind while you neglect your own life.

one person who lived it

If you feel ignored by a friend who suddenly texts you about unrelated topics, recognize that your lack of interest may be a natural result of dampening your feelings during the period of silence.

The lack of response had an effect on you, resulting in uninterest.

one person who lived it

Distinguish between introversion (drained by social situations, recharged by solitude) and social anxiety (fear of social situations).

3 people, independently

Avoid trying to get a blind person's attention by shouting in loud environments.

Background noise can overload their auditory sense, making verbal cues ineffective.

one person who lived it

Wait for your emotional response to simmer down before reacting to internet interactions.

Emotions are driven by hormonal responses evolved for life-or-death situations, which rarely occur online; maturing involves holding your reaction until these hormones settle.

one person who lived it

Recognize that anger at someone may reflect a trait of yourself that you aren't proud of or bring up unpleasant memories.

one person who lived it

Recognize that an ex's ultimatum may be a way to seek 'justice' or punish those they feel caused their pain, rather than a logical request.

one person who lived it

Forgive internally while walking away from the person and ending the relationship, as forgiveness does not require returning to previous patterns or maintaining contact.

3 people, independently

Be aware that excessive gentleness can be exploited by malicious people or fail to meet leadership expectations for confidence.

Malicious people may take advantage of it, and leaders are often expected to show assertiveness.

one person who lived it

If almost everyone around you is irritating, consider that you might be wrong, in a bad mood, or attracting terrible people.

one person who lived it

Ask yourself what you fear would happen if you accepted yourself as you are, and whether you appreciate your negative emotions.

one person who lived it

Understand that a person's deep insecurity may cause them to feel anger toward your vulnerability.

This reaction stems from counter-transference linked to their own insecurity.

one person who lived it

One approach that helped: if you dislike someone without a clear reason, consider that they may remind you of yourself; figuring this out often leads to liking them.

one person who lived it

Generate a complex password for Facebook using a built-in tool, delete it from autofill so you do not know it, and rely on account recovery only if necessary; the friction of recovery steps may deter logging in due to laziness.

The effort required for account recovery creates enough friction to prevent casual use.

one person who lived it

Read Psychology Today article 'If You Want to Succeed, Don't Tell Anyone'.

Provides scientific backing for keeping goals secret.

one person who lived it

• Read Berkeley Science Review article 'When Telling Others About Your Goals Compromises Them'.1

Do not invalidate people's struggles because you have experienced worse things.

3 people, independently

Recognize that intense emotional reactions often stem from past, unresolved injuries rather than the current situation alone.

The phrase 'if I'm hysterical, it's historical' suggests current situations trigger past family-of-origin injuries.

one person who lived it

Recognize that internal dialogue evolved as a survival mechanism against danger.

Silencing it allows access to deep focus but removes protective alertness needed for dangerous situations.

one person who lived it

Understand that 'stereotype incongruity' causes tension when your personality deviates from expectations associated with your gender, age, or race.

Behavior that doesn't align with demographic stereotypes challenges those expectations, leading to discomfort.

one person who lived it

When feeling disrespected by a delayed reply, distract your mind with positive affirmations like 'I'm a happy positive person' instead of trying to negate the negative feeling directly.

Directly negating the feeling (e.g., saying 'I'm not disrespected') is ineffective.

one person who lived it

Understand that passive avoidance, lethargy, or half-hearted effort when asked to do something may be an attempt to feel agency by saying 'no'.

one person who lived it

Recognize that you may be procrastinating because you are afraid of facing yourself.

one person who lived it

Accept that realizing your own role in negative patterns is a truth your bruised ego resists, but acknowledging it is essential for healing.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge that extroverts can suffer from social anxiety, particularly in unfamiliar situations or when meeting new people.

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Recognize that people may stop responding after deep conversations due to embarrassment or shame about having shared intimate parts of themselves.

one person who lived it

Identify the specific skills, beliefs, and motivations that constitute your internal process for action when you feel motivated.

one person who lived it

Explore why you feel compelled to babble personal information, considering whether it stems from discomfort with silence or struggling with something personal.

one person who lived it

View insecurity as noticing what you admire in others; take stock of specific traits you admire in successful family members, such as style or conversational ability.

one person who lived it

Interact with adults as equals in work or education environments to realize they also struggle with responsibility and do not have all the answers, reducing intimidation about learning new things.

one person who lived it

Bring chapstick and lotion to combat dry hospital air.

Hospitals often have dry air that causes discomfort.

3 people, independently

Change pillowcases every night or cover pillows with a fresh towel daily to reduce acne.

This prevents rubbing last night's face oils onto your skin.

7 people, independently

Place luggage in the bathtub or on a tiled floor immediately upon entering a hotel room and do not open it until checks are made; avoid setting luggage on beds or upholstered couches.

This prevents getting bedbugs or fleas on your luggage.

5 people, independently

Ask to borrow heavy-duty soap from workplace showers, as it is a stronger cleaner than gym soap.

It is much stronger than what you'll find at a gym.

one person who lived it

Wash your armpits with shampoo instead of soap or shower gel.

One person found that shampoo removes odor better than other cleansers.

one person who lived it

Avoid pungent foods like garlic, spicy curries, and asparagus, as they can make sweat smell bad.

These foods tend to influence body odor.

one person who lived it

Take front and side photos of yourself naked or in underwear every month to track physical changes that scales might miss.

Photos reveal changes that are otherwise invisible.

one person who lived it

Use a Feppo mattress vacuum monthly to remove fine dust and allergens.

It can noticeably improve how the room smells and make breathing feel clearer at night.

one person who lived it

use a tiny dab of soap to clean soda cans

too much makes it hard to rinse off the residue

one person who lived it

If you have long hair, skip washing it and just rinse your body for a quick shower.

There is no need to get the hair wet.

one person who lived it

Grow herbs instead of flowers so you can trim and eat them.

They grow back after being trimmed.

one person who lived it

Drink plenty of water and eat fruits, vegetables, and lean meats while avoiding junk food to improve body odor.

Diet is important for body odor.

one person who lived it

Shave immediately after showering or using hot water to soften hairs and open pores.

Hot water softens whiskers, opens pores, and reduces ingrown hairs.

3 people, independently

wash your hands after touching a woman's genitals

to maintain hygiene

one person who lived it

wash your hands after leaving a grocery store

stores can be very dirty and leave residue on fingertips

one person who lived it

Wet paper before using it as a toilet paper substitute to prevent scratching.

It works better and avoids pointy-scratchy bleeding.

one person who lived it

If you are unable to shower regularly, use cold-brewed coffee to freshen up your underarms instead of baby wipes.

One person found it worked much better than baby wipes for killing body odor while living outside.

one person who lived it

If you get spiderwebs on your body, immediately remove your clothes (turning them inside out) and take a shower.

To ensure there are no spiders on you.

one person who lived it

Wear short sleeves or loose clothing that can be easily removed to allow quick access to the upper arm for vaccination.

It makes the process faster and avoids issues with tight sleeves that cannot be rolled up high enough.

3 people, independently

Use shave butter for body shaving to reduce tugging and irritation.

It provides slip that helps prevent tugging in sensitive areas like the bikini line.

one person who lived it

Use leaves as a toilet paper substitute if other options are unavailable.

Leaves work pretty well.

one person who lived it

If you are laid off, preserve cash by making only minimum payments on credit cards until you secure steady income.

Cash preservation is the primary concern until finding another job.

one person who lived it

Change your bed sheets and covers as part of your cleaning routine.

3 people, independently

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

to prevent spreading illness

one person who lived it

Replace clothes that have been stored in poor conditions or worn repeatedly without washing if they seem beyond redemption.

They may hold permanent odors from moldering or body odor exposure.

one person who lived it

Wash the sock or fabric container thoroughly before filling it with grains.

3 people, independently

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, when feeling sick.

4 people, independently

Rub white distilled vinegar on mosquito bites to relieve itching.

4 people, independently

Limit dwelling on trivial matters to five minutes if they won't matter in five years.

3 people, independently

Occasionally drive your vehicle in complete silence, with no music or distractions, to listen for unusual mechanical noises.

Silence helps identify strange noises early, potentially saving time and money by catching issues before they worsen.

12 people, independently

Skip purchasing unhealthy items so they never enter your home where they could be consumed.

Without them in the house, consumption is impossible; this demands discipline only during the brief shopping trip.

3 people, independently

Play the track that is looping in your mind until it concludes.

A persistent mental loop may indicate your brain requires resolution for an incomplete musical piece.

3 people, independently

Adopt the mindset that you 'have to' do something even when you don't want to, rather than relying on the desire to do it.

Discipline outworks willpower.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge intrusive or negative thoughts and let them pass without fighting them.

Viewing thoughts like weather saves energy and attention that would otherwise be spent resisting.

3 people, independently

Treat negative thoughts as if they are on trial by asking for evidence and looking for holes in their logic.

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• Catch negative self-talk as it happens instead of letting it slide by without challenge.3
• Take command of your mental processes rather than allowing them to dictate your actions.3

Do not postpone one-minute tasks, as delaying signals to your brain that the task is difficult and builds aversion.

Postponing unconsciously signals difficulty, making it harder to start later.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge intrusive thoughts as mere brain chatter or annoying radio commercials, then consciously refocus your attention elsewhere without engaging them.

If you don't engage them, they go away after some time.

3 people, independently

Visualize locking intrusive thoughts in a box or turning over your pillow to leave them behind to help your mind relax at night.

This visualization helps the mind relax.

one person who lived it

Count to ten before speaking; if the remark is still timely and appropriate, say it, otherwise suppress it.

To control impulses during an outburst.

one person who lived it

Play the full track from beginning to end to provide mental resolution and halt the repetition.

Completing the audio gives the psyche a sense of finish, preventing it from constantly resurfacing.

4 people, independently

Replace the word 'but' with 'and' in your self-talk to make your internal narrative more present-focused and less contradictory.

It shifts focus from past regrets ('should've, could've, would've') to the current reality ('was'), making the mindset more 'now' rather than 'then'.

one person who lived it

Visualize the track's conclusion or skip ahead in your mind to allow it to complete.

3 people, independently

Satisfy the desire to acquire by seeking free or cheap items or building things, which provides the same dopamine hit as buying.

The brain responds similarly to finding free/discount items or building things as it does to purchasing them.

one person who lived it

Practice coveting specific items or foods by asking yourself why you need to do it now, building a habit of questioning immediate consumption.

It is a good habit to build for delaying gratification.

one person who lived it

Pause to ask whose rhythm you are moving at to ensure you are acting deliberately rather than responding to external stimuli.

Autopilot is usually someone else's pace or priorities running in the background; starting at your own rhythm makes actions more deliberate.

one person who lived it

Avoid people and places that trigger cravings until they become easier to manage.

3 people, independently

Sit in silence without music, notifications, or distractions to allow yourself the space to think.

Daily life is filled with constant distractions that prevent genuine self-reflection.

one person who lived it

Measure your progress by how quickly you realize you are carried away in thought, rather than by how long you go without intrusive thoughts.

one person who lived it

If you feel lazy, recognize it may be 'ambition paralysis': your brain panics and refuses to act because it cannot fulfill all your urgent self-images at once.

one person who lived it

• If you want to do something but cannot, recognize that laziness likely does not exist; it is probably executive dysfunction or a need for rest.1

Stop simmering in negativity and actively reshape your thoughts to change your outlook on life.

3 people, independently

• Keep your thoughts positive and grateful daily. When negativity arises, spot it immediately and replace it with better thinking.4

Recognize that constantly shifting passions and an inability to commit may prevent you from accomplishing anything meaningful, even if you learn everything about a topic briefly.

One person reported getting nothing meaningful done because they couldn't commit, losing interest in new passions after a few weeks.

one person who lived it

Recognize that you overpay for current indulgences because you overestimate their stability.

one person who lived it

Recognize that automatically reaching for soda without thinking is a nervous system comfort loop rather than hunger.

one person who lived it

Try boxing as a way to lose weight.

It is effective and fun.

one person who lived it

Begin with one tiny cleaning job, such as tidying your bed, to generate drive for further actions.

Small choices build inertia; once moving, stopping is difficult, simplifying subsequent duties. Minor dopamine hits from these small victories aid in tackling larger projects.

7 people, independently

• Break big tasks into small ones and focus on completing the first one.7

If you want to improve physical performance, set a goal of adding just one repetition per training session.

This allows you to finish the workout with a sense of success rather than failure.

one person who lived it

If you and your partner struggle with feelings of inadequacy or confusion about mixed signals, try scheduling sex twice a week.

One couple reported this eliminated those negative feelings, though they noted spontaneity was lost.

one person who lived it

Spend a few minutes daily, either upon waking or before sleeping, listing items you appreciate.

It helps direct attention toward the positive parts of your life.

3 people, independently

If you do not feel like working out, get into your workout gear and sit on your bench reading a magazine instead of doing something else.

This ensures the designated time remains strictly for exercise preparation.

one person who lived it

If you use an Apple Watch, set your daily move goal to 50% of the recommended default (15 minutes instead of 30) to ensure you meet it every day.

Missing even this reduced target can make you feel like a failure, so keeping the bar low helps guarantee daily physical activity.

one person who lived it

Try Tratak practice and meditation if you want to increase focus.

It worked for one person.

one person who lived it

Adopt new hobbies or habits to replace the ones you are quitting and keep yourself busy.

7 people, independently

• Use physical activities like walking, running, or jumping rope as substitutes for smoking.4
• Take up activities like swimming, boxing, or doing something new and enjoyable to set your mind off track.3
• Replace doomscrolling time with physical activities like working out, eating healthy, learning new skills, or finding a new hobby.3

If standard blockers fail, try a physical hardware blocker that requires you to walk to another room to scan a code to unlock apps.

The physical act of getting up and walking creates friction that makes you pause and rethink your usage.

one person who lived it

Eat pistachios in the shell to force yourself to work for each bite and prevent rapid consumption.

3 people, independently

Treat difficult tasks and self-care routines, such as waking up early or exercising to exhaustion, as acts of devotion to your true self to help you persist through pain.

Knowing the effort is for the sake of the true self you love deeply helps you persist even when excruciating.

one person who lived it

If you want to add purpose to your walks, try a daily scavenger hunt with an accountability partner where you text each other items to find and photograph the next day.

The competitive edge can be a strong motivator and gives the walk a purpose.

one person who lived it

Start slowly by setting simple daily goals, such as waking up one hour earlier than usual or reading one page a day.

5 people, independently

• Complete one minor task daily, like making your bed or brushing your teeth.3
• Begin with nearly undetectable positive habits during the day to cultivate discipline.3

To avoid thinking about pending work when you wake up, start your day with a light beginner yoga session from YouTube followed immediately by a 20-minute walk.

so you don't think about pending work and chores

one person who lived it

Wake up earlier to enjoy a quiet morning routine, such as having coffee or listening to a podcast, to reduce stress.

Starting the day positively without rushing improves mood; being well-rested may reduce the need for medication for some.

one person who lived it

Replace substance use with healthy habits like going to the gym, reading, fishing, or finding supportive friends.

3 people, independently

Find a hobby or activity that excites you or gives you something to look forward to.

6 people, independently

Incorporate squat jumps into your exercise routine to add explosive power movements.

Squats build muscle and improve balance; squat jumps take this further by adding explosive power.

one person who lived it

Link medication intake to a consistent daily habit like brushing teeth or feeding a pet; if you did the habit, you likely took the meds.

4 people, independently

Multiply numbers or solve manageable arithmetic problems in your head to distract yourself.

4 people, independently

Track the total volume of your workouts rather than subjective feelings like stamina.

Volume is a metric you can directly control, whereas you cannot directly control your stamina.

one person who lived it

Divide large tasks into small, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

9 people, independently

Walk for 20-30 minutes each morning prior to beginning your workday.

3 people, independently

• Take up daily physical activity, even for short durations like 10 minutes.4

Treat alcohol abstinence as a temporary reward system: quit drinking entirely until you reach specific fitness goals like target weight and strength.

Using the restriction as motivation can help you get there faster.

one person who lived it

Pre-prepare nutritious meals in advance so you can simply microwave them when you are tired from work.

3 people, independently

One person reported that committing to just one single exercise often leads to continuing the workout even if they didn't feel like it initially.

one person who lived it

Exercise vigorously to wear yourself out and quiet your brain.

3 people, independently

Act first, expecting motivation to arrive only after you have started.

one person who lived it

Focus on maintaining balanced eating, regular physical activity, and steady sleep patterns.

4 people, independently

• Maintain physical and mental health via consistent workouts, enough rest, good habits, and mindfulness practices.3

Start exercising regularly, choosing any activity such as yoga, football, or walking.

3 people, independently

Switch legs halfway through the routine or alternate between mornings and evenings.

3 people, independently

Incorporate ten minutes of meditation into your daily routine.

3 people, independently

Mix up your walking routes to keep the activity interesting.

3 people, independently

Read or listen to motivational, self-improvement, or uplifting content, such as books or YouTube videos.

3 people, independently

Donate blood regularly throughout the year rather than waiting for a tragedy, as blood banks need consistent supplies.

Spreading out donations ensures supplies last longer; post-tragedy surges are less effective.

7 people, independently

Learn proper watering techniques for specific plants like cacti to prevent killing them.

Improper watering can cause a cactus to turn to goo and die, while proper care allows growth.

one person who lived it

Type out what you want to say in an online argument, post it, then immediately delete it.

This allows you to get your thoughts out without engaging with trolls.

one person who lived it

Consider hiring a cleaning service if you feel emotionally overwhelmed by household items viewing them as unmade decisions.

One person found that a housekeeper, who lacks emotional ties to the items, could clean twice as much in half the time, providing relief from the emotional burden.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of AI validation, recognizing that it is designed to keep you engaged rather than help you.

AI instantly validates you to provide a dopamine kick and keep you hooked.

2 people, independently

Consider that smartphones create an increased sense of 'duty' to read every piece of global news, a modern phenomenon compared to past eras.

People survived previous decades without constant news consumption, so this pressure is specific to current technology.

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If you struggle with compulsive browsing, create a private social media account dedicated solely to posting daily gratitude entries.

One person reported this replaced compulsive browsing with positive reflection.

one person who lived it

Recognize that returning to toxic friendships may stem from a desire for familiarity and predictability, similar to preferring a routine work shift.

Familiar environments feel safe because one knows what to expect.

one person who lived it

Follow the blog 'Be More With Less' for practical advice on reducing online clutter and managing digital overwhelm.

Short posts offer gentle reminders and practical strategies, such as handling email overload.

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Laugh at how 'doomed' the world seems, recognizing that daily life remains largely the same regardless of global atrocities.

Life continues (work, food, gym) despite global events; overcoming doomscrolling means seeing through algorithmic doomer bait.

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Avoid engaging in pointless arguments online, especially with strangers unwilling to have rational discussions.

It wastes time on trivial remarks and semantics.

one person who lived it

If you dislike running, use the 'Zombies Run' app to immerse yourself in its storyline and characters.

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Wear a scarf or neck warmer.

Blood vessels near the surface in the neck and upper sternum area are poorly insulated, causing rapid heat loss from the core.

3 people, independently

Drag or shuffle your feet flat on the ground rather than lifting them high or heel-first.

3 people, independently

Keep the eye drop container in your hand or pocket for several minutes prior to application to bring it to body temperature.

Warm drops prevent a jolting sensation or shock when they touch the eye.

8 people, independently

Keep a sliver of your car's side in the side mirrors to help gauge distance.

It offers a visual cue for how far away other objects are.

5 people, independently

Freeze the rice-filled sock to create a cold pack for cooling down.

It provides the opposite effect of heat.

3 people, independently

Bring a small coffee maker to the hospital room and invite nurses to help themselves for early morning shifts.

It provides a better option than the break room coffee.

one person who lived it

Tuck the penis upward between the navel and underwear elastic.

This provides a discreet way to hide it.

3 people, independently

Remove your hands from pockets while using stairs so you can catch a handrail or steady yourself if you stumble.

4 people, independently

Drop off a box of candy in a closed bag at the nurse's station rather than leaving it in the patient's room.

Some nurses may not feel comfortable entering unassigned rooms to take treats.

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Clip a flash drive with a keyring loop to your keys so it stays in the pocket where you normally carry them.

Since keys are always in your pocket when outside, the drive is always with you.

one person who lived it

Smell your pillow to identify your personal scent.

One person can identify their own scent this way.

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Glide the razor slowly and use only light, even pressure, allowing the blade to do the work.

4 people, independently

Use a zippered running belt worn at the waistline to store small items like a pen drive during cycling or motorcycling.

It is comfortable to wear all day, keeps items secure without constant checking, and looks stealthy rather than like a fanny pack.

one person who lived it

Try the Keela Cup if you need an accessible option, as it was designed with ease of use in mind by a disabled designer.

Accessibility was a priority in its design.

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Grind pepper into your skates when playing hockey on outside rinks to create a perceived warmth.

It creates a perceived warmth rather than actual heat.

one person who lived it

Use the anti-glare toggle on your rearview mirror to reduce glare from drivers behind you.

3 people, independently

Bring a stuffed animal to blood draws to squeeze for comfort and distraction if you are irrationally scared of needles.

Squeezing the toy helps manage the fear.

one person who lived it

Use a barcode-scanning alarm app set to your pet's food bag, forcing you to get up and feed them to turn off the alarm.

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Check online registries and reviews for bug reports before traveling or renting an apartment.

3 people, independently

Memorize the quickest path to the closest hospital from your new residence or workplace before a crisis hits.

3 people, independently

Keep a set of reusable earplugs in a small container attached to your keychain so they are always available for unexpected loud events.

Carrying them ensures you have protection handy when needed, preventing the trade-off of sacrificing hearing for ticket value.

4 people, independently

If you miss your earplugs at a loud gathering, request free ones from security, medical staff, service desks, or event personnel.

Security often holds spares; medical teams typically provide them free of cost; large venues stock them at guest services; crews may distribute them upon request.

5 people, independently

Place foot warmers inside your footwear that fit like insoles.

3 people, independently

Use a third-party messaging app like Beeper on Android to send Instagram DMs without installing the main app on your phone.

one person who lived it

Use public library computers with automatic logout timers for necessary internet tasks.

one person who lived it

Measure your girth and length to select a condom size that fits, rather than assuming a standard fit will work.

Standard condoms are made for an average size and may not fit everyone; a condom that is too tight is uncomfortable.

3 people, independently

Avoid wearing clothes that are too large.

They do not hide body shape and can make you look sloppy.

one person who lived it

If you experience skin irritation, rashes, or cramps from disposable pads, try switching to reusable pads or a menstrual cup.

One person reported less irritation and cramps with reusable pads; another found that avoiding plastic pads helped skin problems; others noted reduced cramping and itching with cups or reusable options.

4 people, independently

Use hard rectangular ice packs instead of flexible ones; place them between your thighs or on your wrists.

Hard packs are more effective than flimsy flexible ones.

one person who lived it

Obtain free condoms from Planned Parenthood, local STD clinics, school counselors, or community health departments if cost or access is an issue.

4 people, independently

Look for vintage pedals designed for shoe-less cycling.

they may solve comfort issues better than modern ones

one person who lived it

Choose wooden pedals over black plastic ones.

wood is durable, fine exposed to elements, and won't get hot like black plastic

one person who lived it

Use a fleshlight with ridged sides to prevent applying too much pressure during masturbation.

Ridged sides stop you from applying excessive pressure like you might with a full silicone model.

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Avoid riding barefoot.

crashing can cause damage to unprotected feet

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Stop comparing yourself to other people; focus only on improving against your previous self.

Others' successes are not your failures.

4 people, independently

Accept that while the pain of loss may not fully disappear, it becomes more tolerable over time.

Time makes the loss tolerable and each day gets a little easier.

3 people, independently

If you are a man or feel disconnected, buy yourself flowers or plants to improve your mood and give you something to care for.

The smells and colors are soothing and relaxing, helping you think and focus; caring for them can help you care more about yourself.

one person who lived it

Focus on building muscle and maintaining confidence to improve how you look when bald.

Being bald while focused on self-improvement is preferable to having thinning hair and feeling down.

4 people, independently

Share funeral flower donations with others, such as in nursing homes, to brighten their day.

It is a blessing to share beauty with those who need a pick-me-up.

one person who lived it

Focus on developing comfort with your own identity and feelings before concentrating on romantic partnerships.

The remedy involves broadening your capacity for love to start with yourself and then extend to others.

3 people, independently

Remove social media to stop frying your reward system.

You are frying your reward system.

one person who lived it

Treat yourself to high-quality handmade soap to make daily routines like hand-washing enjoyable.

It makes the whole day better and brings a smile when washing hands.

one person who lived it

Connect with a grief support group or online community to find others sharing similar experiences.

It helps you understand that your feelings are shared by others.

4 people, independently

• Seek out a peer group so you do not feel isolated in your suffering.3

Reframe self-care as leveling up your character rather than fixing problems.

It can shift your mood and make small actions feel more meaningful.

one person who lived it

Sit with your feelings until they pass without trying to speed them along.

3 people, independently

Embrace what is beyond your control, modify what you can, and develop the discernment to distinguish between the two.

3 people, independently

Think about expressing your feelings to trusted people via open dialogue.

6 people, independently

Spend quality time alone doing enjoyable activities like buying favorite things or having a drink.

Tell yourself how much you're proud of yourself and spoil yourself.

one person who lived it

Hug yourself and speak kind words to yourself, such as saying 'I love you' or 'you're okay', especially if you are being hard on yourself.

4 people, independently

Spend time fully immersed in nature at a beach, lake, or river, focusing on sensory details like sight, smell, and touch.

You will be learning meditative concepts.

one person who lived it

Step back and appreciate beautiful moments or landscapes with your own eyes rather than immediately capturing them.

One photographer noted they often forgot to appreciate what was in front of them.

one person who lived it

Treat relapses as chances to begin again. Understand that a minor stumble is insignificant; you have only retreated one step, not returned to the beginning.

3 people, independently

• Show compassion toward your former self for past errors and your current self for recent slips; resume progress after any setback.5

When berating yourself for past shortcomings, thank your past self for the work they did to make your current situation easier.

It generates positive feelings that motivate you to help your future self.

one person who lived it

Venture out to meetups or pick up new hobbies to meet people with similar interests.

3 people, independently

• Practice socializing by interacting casually with people like cashiers or gym acquaintances.3

If you cannot visit a hospitalized friend in person, send well wishes via social media or texts.

One person found this support meaningful while waiting until they felt ready for in-person visits.

one person who lived it

If you have an elderly relative with severe Alzheimer's, consider using a digital picture frame that cycles through photos of family and loved ones.

One person reported it brought their grandmother comfort.

one person who lived it

Each night, note three items you appreciate, no matter how minor.

3 people, independently

• Practice a little gratitude at the end of every day to remember things you take for granted.8
• Cultivate gratitude by regularly acknowledging positive aspects of life, such as keeping a gratitude journal.5

If eating high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, limit yourself to two or three bites and completely savor them rather than eliminating them entirely.

To avoid feeling deprived regarding food.

one person who lived it

Narrate your chores in the style of a nature documentary narrator.

It helps you get out of your mind and provides positive reinforcement.

one person who lived it

Try focusing on specific positive aspects of chores, such as how nice clothes look after ironing, to make tasks more enjoyable.

One person reported enjoying folding laundry by thinking about liking certain shirts or how nice work clothes looked.

one person who lived it

Acknowledge that life is never perfect and focus on doing your best.

5 people, independently

Go to the gym consistently to gain access to a community of confident, strong, and attractive people.

Consistency grants entry into a club of confident, strong, and often beautiful people, helping average people become great.

one person who lived it

Treat your body like a pet: feed it, water it, and keep it at a comfortable temperature regardless of how well it behaves.

one person who lived it

Understand that 'mom's food' is about home and emotional comfort, not just flavor.

one person who lived it

Find happiness in your friends' success, such as them making new friends, even if it does not include you, to maintain positive relationships with people you care about.

one person who lived it

Buy yourself a Christmas and birthday gift beforehand to ensure you receive something you actually want.

It ensures you get what you wanted regardless of other gifts received.

one person who lived it

Start with a couple of simple positive statements about yourself and repeat them over time.

7 people, independently

If you are hugging a plush toy, imagine yourself as the comforting partner hugging you instead of imagining another person.

It provides an instant mood booster.

one person who lived it

Recognize that baldness is fashionable and attractive to many people.

3 people, independently

Get outside if you can, but avoid self-criticism if going outdoors is too difficult at the moment.

3 people, independently

Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that it is okay to have negative thoughts and moving forward without judging yourself.

3 people, independently

Eat what you want while ensuring your body receives nutrients.

3 people, independently

Be super present while eating to experience food sensations vividly.

one person who lived it

Show behind-the-scenes clips or bloopers to reveal how special effects were created, demonstrating that monsters are just actors in suits.

Seeing the technical construction (e.g., rubber puppets) helped one person sleep at night.

3 people, independently

Stay awake for the entire night and avoid napping the following day to become very sleepy around 9 or 10 pm.

This may reset your sleep cycle so you wake up at your desired early time with the help of an alarm.

one person who lived it

Imagine a fantasy story with your eyes closed if you have a hyperactive brain.

One person fell asleep within 20 minutes using this method.

one person who lived it

Lower your alarm volume to half or quarter strength to ease you out of sleep gradually rather than startling you into panic.

Overtly loud alarms make you more likely to snooze.

one person who lived it

Avoid light for 1 to 3 hours before bed, except for candle, moon, or fire light.

These sources do not provide enough lumens to stimulate eye neurons into wakefulness.

one person who lived it

Listen to 'Inside Russia with Konstantin' on YouTube.

One person found it made them very chill.

one person who lived it

Train your automatic response to alarms by setting them for a few minutes during the day, lying in bed with eyes closed, and practicing getting up immediately when they ring.

This builds an automatic response to the alarm sound.

one person who lived it

Read 'light' books before bed and avoid those with tragic deaths.

To prevent staying awake.

one person who lived it

Place objects on your bed after making it each morning to serve as a visual cue not to lie down for non-sleep activities.

Seeing the objects reminds you to sit elsewhere, helping establish the habit of using the bed only for sleep and sex.

one person who lived it

Look up 'first and second sleep' to see if you have a biphasic sleep rhythm, which may help you realize you are not broken.

one person who lived it

If you are looking for a way to improve sleep, try using a weighted blanket.

One person reported it greatly improved sleep quality and helped them fall asleep faster.

one person who lived it

Set one alarm for your target wake-up time and another 15 minutes earlier to allow for a gradual awakening.

The first alarm wakes you, but knowing you have an extra quarter hour makes the process less jarring.

one person who lived it

If you are struggling to sleep due to high stress, try listening to thunder recordings.

one person who lived it

Associate a specific scent, such as lavender oil, exclusively with bedtime to condition your brain to connect the smell with winding down.

The brain learns to associate the exclusive scent with sleep over time.

one person who lived it

Listen to Aaron Mahnke's 'Cabinet of Curiosities' podcast.

It features short stories about weird history told in a relaxing voice.

one person who lived it

Try reading nonfiction or history books before bed to fall asleep faster.

In one person's experience, these genres can lull you to sleep quickly.

one person who lived it

Set your computer to automatically shut down after a specific duration to enforce a schedule cutoff.

The hassle of restarting the computer makes going to sleep the easier solution.

one person who lived it

Listen to educational podcasts to help you fall asleep while potentially learning something new.

you may learn something

one person who lived it

Watch ESPN SportsCenter all night to fall asleep almost immediately.

one person who lived it

Use the mental health counseling services provided by your college or university.

It is a valuable resource that can be very helpful.

3 people, independently

Ask a doctor about Naltrexone and the Sinclair Method, as people found it life-changing for alcohol addiction.

3 people, independently

If hyperfocus causes distress or black-and-white thinking, view it as a source of trouble rather than a superpower to protect.

Treating hyperfocus as a benefit when it causes distress may be counterproductive to your goals.

one person who lived it

Look for professional therapy and continue searching until you locate a therapist who fits your needs.

4 people, independently

Use subtitles to assist with hearing impairments, difficulty hearing specific frequencies, or auditory processing disorders.

CCs are a sanity-saver when there is background music or when struggling to parse sounds, preventing the need to constantly ask what was said.

6 people, independently

If you suspect ADHD but lack a diagnosis, try using ADHD strategies to manage your symptoms.

One person found that reading ADHD advice helped treat their symptoms even without the label.

one person who lived it

Use audiobooks if you have dyslexia, as listening can be a viable alternative to reading.

Listening allows people with dyslexia to 'read'.

one person who lived it

Stop watching porn to potentially improve your energy levels, confidence, and emotional stability.

Users reported feeling more energetic, experiencing better sleep, and reducing anxiety or depression by stopping the numbing effect of excess dopamine.

3 people, independently

If you struggle with ADHD, treat life management as troubleshooting a system rather than a moral trial; pick one lever like sleep or food to make tomorrow slightly easier.

one person who lived it

When seeking a diagnosis, explicitly tell the doctor you suspect ADHD or OCD and explain which characteristics relate to you.

A psychiatrist can then refer you to appropriate specialists.

one person who lived it

Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to recognize and overwrite anxious patterns of thought over time.

3 people, independently

Seek therapy to resolve underlying issues instead of just discontinuing the behavior outright.

3 people, independently

Study cognitive distortions to spot them in your own thinking and adjust unhealthy patterns.

4 people, independently

Read 'Running On Empty' by Jonice Webb to develop healthy coping skills and address emotional neglect.

3 people, independently

If you are a writer with ADHD, be aware that medication may change your thought process and make your writing flatter or lacking in character.

one person who lived it

One approach that helped an adolescent with severe problems was taking up fencing as part of a multi-faceted strategy.

one person who lived it

Attend meetings with Overeaters Anonymous to gain support and tools for stopping compulsive eating.

3 people, independently

If you feel disconnected from others due to high IQ and ADHD, adjust your environment to match your intelligence rather than adjusting your intelligence to fit the environment.

one person who lived it