We frequently discover ourselves seeking fresh ideas to improve our regular life. Numerous techniques can help push you into a new or better way of living, as decades of psychological research can attest. Making a positive change in your life doesn’t have to be extreme or huge—small changes can make the biggest changes. Work harder, not smarter, as they say.
A wide range of methods and strategies from psychology can be employed to manage stress, anxiety, and many other problems of modernity. We'll go through 40 practical psychological tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of every day—whether your goal is to improve your relationships, increase your productivity, or both.
Keep reading to find out some useful psychology hacks for our day-to-day lives!
When Requesting A Favor, Be Respectful
Being courteous and respectful is important. Asking someone directly to do something can come out as unpleasant and demanding, whether the person is your supervisor or a friend. Sometimes being direct can just sound stern.
Consider asking more indirectly as opposed to straight up—or do so with the utmost respect for the other person’s time. Find a pleasant way to ask someone something. This small shift in tone can have a significant impact on how your request is taken.
Borrow A Pen To Start A Conversation
All of us have been there—being anxious to start a discussion with a stranger. Need a novel and natural way to break the ice? Try asking to borrow a pen from them. Simple conversations like this can help the other person feel more at ease.
As soon as you get the pen, you can engage them by asking about the person's favorite color or pen brand. By doing so, you'll be able to discover more about them and start a conversation that flows easily and naturally. Just be courteous and remember that they are still doing you a favor.
Keep Your Tone In Mind
Your voice tone effectively conveys what you are attempting to say. Try to speak in a nice, warm tone whenever you are speaking to someone—especially a stranger. These tricks will encourage the other person to open up to you and feel more at ease.
Even if you are not speaking, your tone and voice can transmit a lot of information. Positivity might help the other person feel more at ease. A severe one, on the other hand, can cause the other person to become defensive.
Music And Podcasts Boost Everyone's Mood
Everyone's life is greatly influenced by music. It can add a little extra to your day. Listening to music or educational podcasts might be a strong choice if you ever feel sad or need a boost. These noises can lift your spirits and offer you more energy, inspiration, and curiosity about the world we live in.
Consider listening to a calming podcast if you're feeling anxious. You may lift your spirits and maintain a good outlook by setting aside a short amount of time each day to listen to this kind of audio entertainment.
Brighter Hues For A Brighter Day
Adding color to your clothes is one of the easiest psychological tricks to improve your mood on gloomy days. We can energetically invoke particular emotions by wearing different colors. According to studies, dressing in bright colors can make you happier.
We feel more extroverted, lively, and involved with the world when we're dressed in brighter, more striking hues. Wear something bright the next time you're feeling down. Yellow is favored because the color symbolizes happiness and has been shown to improve mood.
Perfect first date
First dates are filled with excitement, nervousness, delight, and excitement about what can come next—whether that be a wonderful romantic relationship or just a funny story to tell your friends over drinks later. The most important thing to keep in mind is to unwind and be authentic on a first date.
Make an effort to get to know the other person and create a comfortable environment for both of you. The conversation will flow more naturally as a result, which can help you decide whether you have a connection with that person.
Keep An Upbeat Attitude
People often possess strong capacities to select optimistic feelings and thought patterns. We can decide to react differently to negative feelings as opposed to attempting to get rid of them. Learning how to emphasize the positive and broaden your perspective on life is crucial for leading a happier life.
Positivity can help you keep a better perspective on things and will give you the drive to keep moving forward. Maintain a positive outlook no matter what challenges you are facing, whether they be at work or in your personal life.
Keep A Diary To Clear Up Your Mind
It might be difficult to locate a calm mental space to analyze our ideas and feelings when we are under stress or anxiety. When your world seems to be in disorder, keeping a journal might help you restore order. Consider your writing time to be personal time for leisure.
It's not necessary to journal in a protracted, difficult manner. Simply set aside some time to jot down your thoughts and the source of any stress or anxiety you are experiencing. You can take your time, consider things through, and clear your headspace by putting your ideas on paper.
Worried? Chew Gum
Your ability to function in daily life might be severely impacted by anxiety. It might be challenging to break out of a negative thought spiral, but an outside influence might be just what you need. Gum chewing is claimed to improve focus by lowering tension and anxiety.
Chewing can help you divert your attention from your thoughts and lower your stress levels, making you feel more relaxed and in control. A steady, deep breath can go a long way under trying circumstances. Gum is perfect for this since you won’t be eating away your stress.
Rock, Paper, Scissors Hack
One of the most well-known games ever created is rock, paper, scissors. We always believed that the odds of winning or losing were equal and that the game was fair. But that is untrue. To beat the system, have your opponent seated before the game begins and ask them an arbitrary question.
Your opponent may likely become preoccupied with thinking about the topic and lose focus on the game. We also learned that the majority of them tend to choose scissors when they aren't paying attention. So, choosing rocks will get you the win.
Overcome Stage Fright
Having stage fright might cost you a lot of opportunities. For instance, you need to make a crucial presentation for a reputable client. It's possible that you will become agitated and won't be able to talk as clearly as your supervisor or audience anticipates.
There are, however, several tricks that can assist lessen that anxiety. Count the attendees, the number of water glasses, etc. while you are giving a presentation. You can divert your attention from your anxiety by counting down.
Criticism Doesn't Need To Be Rude
No matter what your position, experience level, or sector, you'll probably need to learn how to provide constructive criticism at some time in your career. Giving constructive criticism, though, is something that many people find difficult and can be challenging to do properly. It can be easier said than done.
Try to start by concentrating on the good things about the work before you offer criticism. Whether your feedback is ultimately positive or negative, it's critical to ensure that you're providing a balanced viewpoint while offering constructive criticism.
Use A Random Object To Start A Conversation
It can initially feel awkward and unnerving to start a meaningful discussion with a stranger. Knowing where and how to start a conversation is a crucial ability whether you are a natural conversation starter or struggle with chit-chat.
It can be difficult when you want to talk to someone so badly that you are afraid to approach them. As an easy icebreaker, try bringing up an unusual item. For instance, you might choose something while sitting in a cafe. Take a tetra pack now and ask the person, "Have you tried these?
Always Wear A Smile
Smiles are a universal expression of goodwill. Smiles communicate goodwill in any language and every barrier is broken down. It's a shared experience that allows two people to quickly bond. One of the best methods to display your friendliness and approachability is through smiling.
Even though there are moments when the thoughts flowing through your head can make you feel like giving up, smiling and talking to someone can help. Your thoughts will move more slowly if you babble, which will make you feel relaxed.
A Warm Handshake
Handshakes can be an effective first-impression-creating communication strategy. These gestures are frequently given and received in the course of interpersonal or professional interactions. They serve as a greeting, but they also foster feelings of intimacy and trust.
To make a good first impression, warm up your hands. This might make your handshake firmer and more certain. Additionally, it helps others see you as a kind and modest person. Just watch out when you generate that heat so you don't come across like a Bond villain.
Stop Feeling Guilty
When they refuse someone, some people feel bad and guilty about it. It's a simple reality of life that you can never satisfy everyone. You need to let go of the guilt and, more often than not, prioritize your own needs.
Although it is normal to want to make other people happy and aid them, doing so can frequently come at the expense of your own well-being. Try not to feel bad if you find that you have to refuse someone. A happy you is better for everyone.
Find Out What You Have In Common
While some people find it easy to engage others in dialogue, others find it difficult. An important social skill is knowing how to strike up a conversation. It takes a lot of skill to enter one and not feel embarrassed.
A wonderful strategy is to concentrate on the interests and pastimes of others. For example, you can enquire about someone's favorite breed of cat or whether they are the owner of any pets if you notice that they appear particularly interested in cats.
Look For The Ones Who Seem Friendly
Over the years, you've probably had many incredible friends as well as some less incredible ones. You may make the best friends moving forward by understanding what sets the outstanding ones apart from the others. Try to weed out the nice-looking but shallow people.
When you can recognize pleasant people, you can choose to engage in conversation with them rather than feeling uncomfortable speaking to a huge gathering of people. You can relax, become comfortable, and enjoy yourself by concentrating on the individual who exudes positivity.
Don't Say Anything To Avoid Conflicts
Making wise choices might be challenging when we are anxious or emotionally upset. In certain situations, it is preferable to stay silent than to enter a heated argument. If you are going through a difficult circumstance, this may be especially true.
Try to take a minute to gather your thoughts when someone says something else that you disagree with rather than engaging in an argument. By using tricks like these, you can stop the disagreement from getting out of hand or stop yourself from saying something you'll later regret.
Good Posture Goes A Long Way
We've all undoubtedly heard the age-old advice to "stand up straight." It's important advice to heed. Consider how self-assured you seem when you stand tall, with your shoulders back and your chin raised. Your attitude and self-esteem can both be improved by having good posture.
As a result, the next time you are having a horrible day, attempt to sit up straight and grin with assurance. These tricks will quickly lift your spirits and make you feel better. This method will make you look like a boss if nothing else.
Discreet Discussions
Have you ever noticed that someone who is unable to speak out will whisper, and the other person will respond in the same tone? Try to keep your eye out for this sort of thing. Humans reflexively quiet down when they hear a whisper.
Knowing this trick allows you to apply it whenever you hear someone speaking too loudly. You might be surprised to learn that even if you ask them in a whisper, "What is your favorite color? They will reply in a quiet voice, "mine is red, yours?”
Don't Let Others Make You Feel Bad—Interrupt them.
A mean person’s goal is to set off a reaction in you. They are attempting to annoy you in order to get control over you. Asking them whether they have food trapped in their teeth will likely stop them in their tracks.
Doing this will at best result in the rude person apologizing and feeling humiliated, and at worst deter them. Additionally, there is a chance that the person will get up and leave the room so they can look in the mirror. By employing this tactic repeatedly, you might stop being made fun of.
Take Note Of The Eye Color
Do you frequently experience anxiety while meeting new people? Unwind—most people do. You can try the following trick. Make eye contact with anyone you meet while conversing and attempt to focus on their eye color.
You will succeed in making the ideal first impression since maintaining solid eye contact is the secret to confidence. You'll experience a significant anxiety reduction when you specifically focus on observing the color of someone's eyes. You aren't paying attention to eye contact, just color, after all.
Excellent Party Conversationalist
Due to the holiday season, you'll probably attend a lot of parties and mingle a lot. But if you're of the introverted persuasion, the idea of socializing with total strangers either makes you dread it or it makes you feel like you’re attending some kind of empty ceremony.
Locate a lost-looking person, strike up a conversation with them, and volunteer to help! Someone will want to chat with you more if you are successful in making them feel at ease. You'll begin to relax and enjoy yourself in due time. You are already halfway there if you just try to avoid drinking in a corner.
Consider a Fresh New Look
Your hair is the most significant aspect of your style because it is the first thing people notice about you when they see you. Therefore, if you want to increase your confidence, get a haircut, shave your head, or find a brand-new look.
Your brain will view itself differently as a result of this. You'll pay more attention to how you seem and less attention to how you act and speak. Additionally, you would come to appreciate yourself more, which will make your day sing by.
Validating Everyone’s Feelings
Everyone is familiar with those kinds of people who constantly try to win debates and establish their own rightness. They frequently interrupt others and talk a lot. If you find that you have become a person who no longer listens, instead try to make an effort to ensure that other people are heard and acknowledged.
Asking questions and paying attention without cutting someone off or attempting to brag is wisdom. You will gain the respect and focus you deserve when you help everyone feel validated. Children are not an exception, as they will get knowledge from you.
Show Your Inclination By Biting Your Lips
Each of us grew up enjoying popcorn while watching old-fashioned love films. Everyone is aware that when someone chews their lips, they are attempting to convey a romantic proclivity. So why not send your crush a message right away?
Trust us; even if you are hesitant to express your feelings, you may still use this approach because it is simple to use. You might also try using your tongue to lightly lick your lips. All you need to do to complete the task is draw their attention to your lips.
Avoid Toxic People
You can get stifled by intimidation, both in terms of personal development and professionally. But you don't necessarily have to put up with it. Keep as far away from such a person as you can if you ever find yourself dealing with them.
Psychologists have repeatedly demonstrated the effectiveness of this straightforward trick, and many professionals employ it in the workplace as common sense. Such hacks will not only keep you safe in dangerous circumstances, but they will also shield you from negative energy or emotions.
Mirror The Other Person To Close A Conversation
Constantly watch to make sure you aren't upsetting anyone. It's critical to observe a person's body language and other nonverbal signs when you are speaking to them. When they are prepared to conclude the conversation, this will give you a clue.
By mimicking the other person's body language, you can finish a discussion quickly and effectively. It may be appropriate to say goodbye if, for example, they are crossing their arms or looking away. It's no longer a concern for you to stay past your time limit.
Assertive Communication
People are frequently resistant to telling the truth, especially when it involves serious, unsettling, or potentially damaging topics. Assertive communication means being straightforward and considerate at the same time. You are defending your rights while also being mindful of other people's rights. You’re ready to work out disagreements.
Try to keep solid eye contact with them when speaking to them, whether you're asking a buddy for information or conducting a job interview, to persuade them to open up more. You get the idea, even if it's not quite like this playful glare.
Understanding Body Language
Your career, job interviews, and daily interactions all depend heavily on your body language. You may experience significant changes in your behavior as a result of paying close attention to your body language, which may lead to improved outcomes.
Consequently, in a social context, it is crucial to focus on your body language. If you want to make it simple for others to strike up a conversation with you, be sure to maintain open and welcoming body language. Obviously, there’s more to it—but try this as a first step.
Use Your Favorite Name For A Day
If you struggle with social interaction or establishing new friends, perhaps giving yourself a new name might help you feel more confident. Change your name for the day to your preferred name. You must have a name in mind that you have always liked. It's an effortless approach to stand out and leave a lasting impression.
You can now have fun and pass the time. This will make you stand out and be more remembered, making socializing at random gatherings much more interesting. For instance, you can alter your name to "Jill" instead of "Jennifer" or "Tom" instead of "Thomas."
Pay Attention To The Feet
You can engage with others more successfully if you are aware of body language indicators. Even people who are adept at reading body language frequently overlook the feet. But the feet are truthful. They are trustworthy clues that reveal someone's intentions.
Undoubtedly, a lot of other things can influence this body language signal. However, paying attention to the specifics of their feet might help you stay out of unpleasant situations. Here’s an easy one: when someone has their toes pointing toward you, they are usually interested in what you are saying. Pointed away means they’re ready to leave.
Walk Around To Relax
Stress at work has the potential to overwhelm everyone. It's normal to have some strain, particularly if you have an impending deadline or a difficult project. However, continuous work stress can harm your physical and mental health.
You should take a break—as in, right now. Attend the concert for which you purchased tickets, take in your favorite film, visit a few bars, and revel in the satisfaction of living life to the fullest. Also, remember to enjoy yourself and ignore the impending need for continuous progress. Nature is never in a rush, and neither should you.
Persuade Someone By Nodding Your Head
There is another human response that you should add to your daily toolset. Try nodding your head when someone is speaking when you are conversing with them. They may feel more at ease and agree with what you're saying thanks to this simple gesture.
Of course, you should just employ this tactic if you genuinely concur with the other person's viewpoint. However, nodding your head may help to convey agreement if you run into a circumstance where you need to establish consensus quickly.
Use Mirroring To Establish Rapport
Mirroring is a potent method of building and sustaining rapport—it’s not just the sincerest form of flattery. Just keep in mind that sincerity must be applied. Try to mimic the body language and mannerisms of the person you are speaking to in a kind and respectful way.
Mirroring is a tactful technique to demonstrate that you are actively participating in the discussion and genuinely want to get to know the other person. You can elicit a sense of closeness and connection with others by making slight alterations to your body language.
Try To Be More Decisive
When contemplating whether to accept that new job or not, do you become paralyzed? Being unable to make a decision is similar to being mired in mud. Making decisions can be challenging at times. But with practice, just like with any skill, you can become better at it.
Reduce your selections if you consistently wear the same outfits. Instead of standing there and peering into your closet, you might choose from two or three outfits to wear to the party. Similar tricks will hasten your decision-making and save brainpower for more important decisions.
Pay Attention To Your Exercise Routine
A great way to improve your mood and lower stress is to exercise. Make time for regular exercise when you are feeling stressed. This might assist you to relax and refuel so you have the energy to take on the problems of daily life. Just remember not to overdo it.
Don't imagine that because you're concentrating on enhancing your mental health, your physical health may take a backseat. All these elements are all connected. So, even though you don't feel like leaving your room, make an effort to go for a walk. You think with your body as much as with your brain.
Never Express Regret When Providing A Client Service
It's going to occur eventually. There will always be problems, mistakes, and angry clients. If working in customer service, you may be aware that when consumers don't get the treatment they believe they deserve, they frequently act angrily and abrasively. Despite the rudeness of the consumer, you must be polite, understanding, and accommodating.
Even your clients expect you to apologize. Never publicly express your regret to avoid giving the impression that the company was at fault. Instead, mention something like, "I understand what you've been going through or I appreciate your patience."
Do Not Make Eye Contact With Anyone With Whom You Do Not Intend To Speak
In an effort to hide things, such as a lack of social skills, interest, or infatuation, people avoid making eye contact. In a room full of people, there will always be one person you wish to avoid. It is safe to assume that someone doesn't want to participate in a conversation when they are not giving much eye contact during a one-on-one encounter.
Avoiding making eye contact with someone is one of the best ways to handle this situation. You'll learn that you can maintain your composure and steer clear of awkward conversations with ease by focusing your gaze away from theirs.