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20 Mind-Blowing Body Hacks That Feel Like Real-Life Cheat Codes

Simple science-backed tricks to reduce pain, stress, nausea, and more, using nothing but your own body

By Areeba UmairPublished about 19 hours ago 3 min read

Let’s be real, modern life is exhausting. Notifications never stop, stress is constant, and even the food we love somehow ends up on a “danger” list. But here’s the good news:

Your body is way more powerful than you think.

It may not come with God Mode or unlimited money, but it does have built-in shortcuts, tiny biological tricks that can help you manage pain, control stress, improve focus, and even stop brain freeze.

Think of these as real-life cheat codes for your nervous system.

1. Use Your Right Ear in Noisy Places

Trying to hear someone at a loud party?

Turn your right ear toward them.

Your right ear sends information to the left side of the brain, which is better at processing speech and language. Your left ear is more tuned to music and environmental sounds.

Bonus: Making a request in someone’s right ear may make them process it more clearly.

2. Lower Stress Before a Big Test

Mind going blank before exams?

Spend 10 minutes writing down your worries before the test. Studies show this “mental unload” can improve performance by reducing stress interference.

It’s like clearing RAM before running a heavy program.

3. Afraid of Needles? Try the Cough Trick

Right before and during a shot, give a moderate cough.

This may reduce pain perception, possibly due to a brief rise in blood pressure or simple distraction.

4. Say “OW” When You’re Hurt

It sounds silly, but saying “ow” can actually help you tolerate pain better. Vocalizing pain disrupts signals sent to the brain and may activate helpful muscle responses.

So yes, yelling does help.

5. After a Big Meal, Lie on Your Left Side

Feeling that food coma?

Lying on your left side keeps your stomach below the esophagus, which may reduce acid reflux and discomfort.

6. Trick Your Brain Into a Better Mood

Put a pen or pencil in your mouth horizontally (don’t chew).

This activates smiling muscles, which can send feedback to the brain and slightly boost mood. Fake smile, real effect.

7. Hold Your Breath Longer

Before going underwater, take several short breaths instead of one huge inhale. This can help delay the urge to breathe by adjusting carbon dioxide levels.

8. Stop Nausea Fast

Press between the two tendons on the inside of your wrist, about three finger-widths below your palm (the P6 pressure point). Many people use this to reduce motion sickness and anxiety.

9. Stop Yourself From Crying

Open your eyes wide without blinking. Tears need blinking to form and fall, so this can delay them in emotional situations.

10. Improve Vision Temporarily

Make a small hole with your hand and look through it. This reduces scattered light and improves focus, similar to how squinting works.

11. Prevent a Runner’s Side Stitch

If you get cramps while running, exhale when your left foot hits the ground, not the right. This may reduce pressure on the liver.

12. Stop Brain Freeze

Press your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth to warm the area and relieve the nerve response.

13. Itchy Throat? Scratch Your Ear

The ear nerves connect to the throat muscles. Scratching your ear can trigger throat muscle spasms that relieve the itch.

14. Reduce Blister Risk After a Burn

Instead of ice-cold water, try gentle cooling and apply light pressure with your palm. Extreme cold after heat may stress the skin further.

15. Stop a Yawn

Touch the tip of your tongue as your mouth opens. This can interrupt the reflex.

16. Stop Hiccups

Hold your breath as long as possible, then exhale slowly. This helps reset diaphragm spasms.

17. Boost Memory With Cinnamon

The scent of cinnamon may improve alertness, memory, and cognitive processing.

18. Stay Awake With Blue Light

Short-wave blue light increases alertness and performance by influencing your circadian system.

19. Video Games Can Improve Your Brain

Research suggests certain games can enhance problem-solving, memory, coordination, and learning skills.

Leveling up might be more literal than you thought.

20. Use a Hand Pressure Point for Pain

The webbing between your thumb and index finger (LI-4 point) is often used in acupressure. A gentle massage may reduce some types of pain.

Quick Note

These tricks are helpful hacks, not medical treatment. For serious pain or health issues, always consult a professional.

Your body isn’t just a survival machine; it’s packed with hidden features most people never use. Learn a few of these, and everyday annoyances suddenly become manageable.

Who knew you were walking around with built-in cheat codes?

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HumanityMysteryPop CultureScience

About the Creator

Areeba Umair

Writing stories that blend fiction and history, exploring the past with a touch of imagination.

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