Adulting Just Got Easier Thanks To These 40 Surprisingly Useful Life Hacks
Adulthood may never come with an instruction manual, but thanks to these practical hacks, it doesn’t have to feel quite so impossible.
Some people don’t realize how messy adult life can get until it hits them in the neck, literally. After months of tension headaches, one 28-year-old started paying attention to the tiny moments that either set them off or stop them cold.
It wasn’t just pain management either. Between paycheck-to-paycheck groceries, forgetting where keys end up, and the constant “why is the house always slightly gross?” feeling, her routine needed hacks that actually fit real life. Even the little stuff, like using knuckles to remember which months have 31 days, turned into survival tools.
That’s how her list grew, from stretching the exact way that keeps headaches from starting to buying gift cards for December so the rest of the month can breathe.
1. Stretch.
After months of tension headaches and getting them fixed by a physio I can feel them coming on now, if I stretch my neck just right it takes them away before they start. I know this isn't for everyone but it works for me and hopefully others.
Ryansy, Andrea Piacquadio2. Buy gift cards.
Buy a gift card to your local grocery store every paycheck... in December I dont have to worry about groceries and can use that money for gifts.
blujeh, Pixabay3. Keep your keys in the fridge.
CorporateRevenge
Time Management Strategies
calnewport.
4. Use your knuckles.
Using my knuckles to check if the month has 31 days or not.
VincentGM
5. Go for a walk.
Get outside and take a walk every day. The fresh air and exercise will help you sleep better. Even a 10 minute walk will help.
Secret-Weakness-8262, Tobi
6. Take pictures.
Our library has cookbooks, I thumb through them and take pictures vs. buying now.
anon, Ron Lach
In navigating the complexities of adulthood, emotional agility emerges as a crucial skill. The challenges of managing bills, burnout, and everyday responsibilities can be overwhelming. Adopting a flexible approach to our emotions can significantly alleviate stress and enhance decision-making. Life hacks that promote mindfulness and self-compassion can be particularly transformative in this context. By encouraging individuals to recognize and accept their feelings without judgment, these strategies allow for a more constructive engagement with life’s demands, making adulting just a bit easier.
7. Your new friend, Furnace Filter.
Slappable_Face
8. Use your hands like squeegees.
Use your hands like squeegees on your body before using a towel to dry off. You'll dry faster and your towel will be cleaner in case you re-use it before washing.
TubaTime, Dom J
9. Flip the tab.
carblover800
Right after she figured out the neck stretch that cuts off the headache before it starts, she realized the rest of her chaos was the same kind of avoidable timing problem.
Financial Literacy Essentials
Financial educator Do a “closing shift” tidy as soon as you’re home from work. 1/2 the time I don’t even take my coat off while I do this. Just spend 5 minutes making your space more inviting before you even sit down. You’ll thank yourself! Life coach Lewis Howes believes that building a personal development plan can significantly enhance adulting skills. Then came the grocery panic, so she started grabbing a local-store gift card every paycheck, and suddenly December felt like a cheat code instead of a stress test. Networking is often overlooked, but Andrea Henry, a career expert, argues that building professional relationships is essential for career advancement. Henry points out that these relationships can lead to job opportunities and mentorship, which are invaluable in navigating the complexities of adult life. mindful.org'>Mindful.org
Okayghosty, cottonbro studio
11. Release the pressure.
Got a stuffy nose and no matter how hard you blow it, it just seems to stay stuffed? It’s inflamed and you can trick your body into releasing the pressure. Blow all the air out of your lungs and plug your nose and mouth. Tip your head back and then up again slowly while holding your breath for as long as you can. When you go to take a breath the inflamed sinus will temporally go away and you’ll be able to breathe again. While it’s only temporary, it will make you feel so much better.
Vitaminpk, Karola G
12. Always look back.
Not life changing, but when I get up from sitting somewhere in public (restaurant, park bench, picnic spot), I look back at that spot when I’m walking away to make sure I haven’t left anything behind. Often when you’re getting up and grabbing a bunch of things at once it’s easy to miss something or for something to slip out of a pocket (phone, wallet, glasses, keys etc) but when you look back at the empty area you’ll notice it.
Michi_Moo, DESIGNECOLOGIST
13. Wait until the last day.
If you're at a convention, or swap meet, or anything where vendors travel to a location, wait until the last day if you want a deal. Most people aren't eager to carry merchandise back home with them and are willing to give discounts.
tribesman2004, Laura Heimann
14. Use a dry erase marker for stains.
To get permanent marker off of something, go over it first with dry erase marker. I don’t understand why it works, but it does and it’s saved my a*s at work a bunch of times now.
TonyDanzer, Ylanite Koppens
15. Ask for a copy.
Whenever you have medical test or scan, ask for a copy of the report. Get copies of your hospital discharge summaries. Keep all of it in a binder, newest stuff at the front. Take it with you to appointments just in case. This is especially important for women but it can be helpful for everyone.
Emergency-Twist7136, cottonbro studio
16. Look like you know what you're doing.
If you look like you know what you're doing, people tend not to stop you from doing things you shouldn't be doing.
UnoriginalUse, Tima Miroshnichenko
17. Change your phone background.
I am very allergic to poison ivy. Every other summer for years I’d stumble in to some or grab it and be covered during the hottest time of the year.. *UNTIL* I changed the background on my phone and computer to pictures of poison ivy in various stages of development and left it for about 6 months. I haven’t had poison ivy since as I can recognize it instantly now. Oh, and if you have a parent in a senior living facility, keep a bowl of candy in their room (for the nurses) and they will get more attention. ❤️
Actiaslunahello, Valeriia Slobodeniuk
18. Use a drill.
lynivvinyl
Engaging in mindfulness practices just a few minutes a day can create a more balanced approach to the demands of adult life. This proactive strategy can lead to improved emotional well-being, making daily challenges feel more manageable.
This also reminds me of the woman who signed for an apartment loan alone, then demanded her ex pay half.
19. Only lend the money you're willing to lose.
You lend the money you are willing to lose to the people you are willing to stop talking with.
NotADoctor____, Karola G
20. Writer's block.
If you have writers block when working on an essay, try starting with the “easy” parts first or free writing your ideas without actually trying to write and essay. I find this gets me into the flow and it’s way easier to start writing.
anon, Zen Chung
21. Don't forget the rest of the day.
Gym and Kitchen are necessary, but not sufficient, components to getting a sustainably healthier body and mind. It is what you do the rest of the day that matters just as much - keep moving your body in as many ways as you can even if you're not breaking a sweat!
astrogal2020, William Choquette
Meal Planning for Busy Adults
Nutritionist Georgie Fear recommends meal prepping as a time-saving strategy for adults juggling multiple responsibilities.
22. Use auto-pay.
Set all of your bills up on auto-pay. You'll never have a late payment - and late payments can damage your credit rating. The catch is you have to have money in your account to cover the payments, but you shouldn't have the bills if you can't afford to pay them.
Scoob8877, Kaboompics.com
23. Wash up straight away.
After finishing evening meal, I will immediately wash up everything we've used (no dishwasher) and will then immediately go to the bathroom and fully brush / floss my teeth. I do this with a timer to make it a little contest for myself. This has four benefits: - get gently moving after eating which is good for you - washing up gets done quickly instead of sitting in the sink for ages getting smelly - by the time I've cleaned up and gone to the bathroom it's been long enough that brushing my teeth isn't immediate after eating, which is better for the teeth - I don't snack in the evenings because I've already brushed and flossed and don't want to again The timer isn't necessary but I'm motivated by light competition so it helps me.
IOwnAOnesie, cottonbro studio
24. Undo one end.
Joker03XX
25. Discuss the budget.
Discussing the budget with my partner 2-3x a month. It helps us stay on track with our long term and short term goals. Helps us stay on the same page with the number one reason people get divorced. Keeps us both accountable for our daily spending. And when we meet financial goals it helps it be a big “proud” moment for each other. It’s really nice knowing you’re “in it” with your partner.Ok_Faithlessness8375, Karola G
26. Don’t waste time.
Two of them: Don’t waste time in the kitchen. Meaning: if you are waiting for something to get done, do a dish, set a plate, prep the next phase, etc. It saves so much time Not connected: When facing a difficult choice and you “flip a coin” if you’re disappointed by the result you know in your heart what decision you really wanted.
Dirty_Sanchez74656, Dmitry Zvolskiy
27. Check the dumpsters.
Dumpsters can have a LOT of stuff you can sell, give to family/friends, donate to the needy. Can save/make you a lot of money. There is a crazy amount of new, or slightly used stuff stores throw out that goes right into the landfill. It is eye-openly shocking how much utter waste is happening. I have more stuff now I got for free that I could use that I would have never bought before because I am so frugal. I find so much stuff sometimes that I have to leave it behind because it is not practical to take it all.
dirtymoney, Harrison Haines
The key thing got solved next, because yes, she really keeps her keys in the fridge now, and it saves her from the daily “where did I put them” spiral.
The Power of Journaling
Therapists recommend journaling as a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional clarity. Writing about daily experiences can help individuals process their feelings and gain insights into personal challenges.
Establishing a daily writing routine can cultivate mental well-being and enhance personal growth.
28. Put it away.
"Don't put it down, put it away" helps me a lot.
amywhite228, Miguel Dominguez
29. Delete your cookies.
Before buying tickets, delete your cookies and use private browsing.
RobotMathematician, Karola G
30. Use a straw.
If you have hiccups, take a straw, cover your eardrums with your fingers, and suck water through the straw. Changed my life. Don't know why, but covering your ears is way more effective.
Aggravating-Alps4621, Christopher
In the realm of adulting, mental health plays a crucial role, and the article underscores the need for self-care routines that nurture emotional well-being. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy nutrition emerge as fundamental components in managing the stresses of adulthood. By integrating these practices into daily life, individuals can cultivate a more balanced approach to their overall health.
This holistic perspective serves as a reminder that addressing both mental and physical health can significantly ease the burdens of adulting, transforming what often feels like a relentless to-do list into a more manageable journey.
31. Use a spoon.
If you’re buttering bread and the butter is a little too hard, use the back of a spoon to spread the butter. Far less likely to rip the bread. My preferred method of spreading whether it’s too hard or not though tbh.
Additional-Hour-7674, Felicity Tai
32. Small goals.
TypicalLynx
33. Just do it for one minute.
When I’m feeling lazy, I tell myself to just do it for one minute. Then it keeps piling on and I’m just like, aight fine I’ll wash all the dishes.
Proddx, Catt Liu
And when work ended, she did a closing shift, 5 minutes of tidying before she even took her coat off, so she could actually sit down in a space that didn’t feel like a mess.
Creating a Support Network
Building a strong support network is crucial for navigating adulthood.
34. A dab of toothpaste.
When you want to hang something on the wall (picture frame, etc) put a tiny dab of toothpaste on the item where the nail will sit. Line up the item where you want it on the wall, leaving a tiny gap where the toothpaste is. When it's where you want it, press the item all the way against the wall. This will leave a tiny toothpaste mark on the wall, telling you EXACTLY where to drive the nail. It works like a DREAM! No measuring, no multiple attempts, no time consuming methods. I've used this method for YEARS and it works so much better than anything else. I find eyeballing it in this way is better than even measuring, because rooms are rarely flawlessly proportioned, so even if you measure exactly, it won't look quite right.
Round_Intern_7353
35. Extra grip.
Put a rubber band around a jar lid for extra grip when opening it. Works like magic every time.
Its_Rosyy
36. Click the print link.
When looking at recipes online, click the print link. This cuts out the unnecessary backstory and random musings. You can also save the recipe as a PDF to your computer or even just the link to the printable version.
for404, RDNE Stock project
Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of adulthood.
37. Squeeze those abs.
Squeeze your abs if you feel light headed when you're standing up. It keeps your blood pressure stable.
SaoJi, Eren Li
38. Spread it out.
Thought this was common knowledge but a friend recently asked what i was doing — spreading your food out in the microwave into a ring shape in your bowl/plate so it heats less unevenly. still uneven, but the biggest consistent temperature gradient is between the edges and the center, so if you can make as much of it edges as possible you more effectively lower the difference.
asecrethoneybee, Omgpolly
39. Freeze it.
Me and my dad usually freeze a loaf of bread to make it last longer. It tastes perfectly fine once its thawed out.
mariannevonedmund2, Tom Nora
In the realm of adulting, embracing a growth mindset is pivotal for navigating the myriad challenges that come with everyday life. Rather than viewing setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, adopting this perspective allows individuals to see failures as stepping stones toward personal development. This shift in thinking fosters resilience and perseverance, essential traits for tackling the relentless demands of adulthood. Life hacks that encourage positive affirmations and the reframing of negative thoughts can play a significant role in this transformation, ultimately making the daunting tasks of adulting feel more manageable and achievable.
40. Put it in front of the door.
If you're leaving the house early in the morning and you absolutely have to have something with you, put it in front of the door the night before. So that if you open the door, it bumps into the item and you can't possible forget it.
shaidyn, apricity
Turns out, surviving adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about having the right tricks up your sleeve. Because when life gives you chaos, you might as well hack it.
Adulting is undeniably a challenging journey, but the life hacks presented in this article offer practical solutions that can transform daily struggles into manageable tasks. By implementing strategies such as meal planning and journaling, readers can take control of their schedules and create a sense of order amidst the chaos of bills and responsibilities.
Moreover, these hacks not only streamline everyday life but also contribute to personal growth and emotional well-being. As individuals adopt a proactive mindset and leverage these clever tips, the daunting task of adulting can evolve into an enriching experience filled with opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment.
Adulting got easier the moment she stopped reacting, and started running her life like a checklist.
Want more awkward service drama? See how a bartender’s sarcasm shut down a cash tip plan.
