People share 10 life hacks that are simple yet effective but not many are aware of them

10 ways to make life simpler.

They say that success never comes easily. Considering how natural it is for us humans to always find an easy way to do anything, crucial life goals can be achieved only with hard work and intelligence. But, simple and less important everyday tasks don't necessarily have to be done the hard way. We could be completely unaware of how much time and energy we are wasting on something that can be done easily. Some life hacks can not only save time but also help us navigate life effectively. Though these hacks may be trivial ones their impact on our productivity can be huge. So, when u/StrawHatTeacher posted on Reddit, "What's a life hack that's so simple yet so effective, you're shocked more people don't know about it?" over 10K people pitched in with some useful and productive life hacks. Here are the 10 best hacks to make your life simpler. 

1. Habit stacking

Create a routine before exercise. I do the exact same things every time I go to the gym. When I'm not motivated, those little pre-workout habits just trigger me into action. -u/Elrond_Cupboard_. I go for runs at 5:30 am before my family wakes up. My version of this is getting all of my running clothes, gear, water, etc. laid out the night before so I don't have to make any decisions in the morning or fumble around in the dark. One less obstacle to getting out the door. u/Starsands.

2. A better tasting coffee

If you're making coffee in an automatic drip coffee maker, especially a cheap one, leaving a little bit of water in the carafe (about an ounce or so) will significantly improve the flavor. It prevents the first bit of brewed coffee from becoming scorched from the hot plate and flavoring the entire pot. -u/i-sleep-well. Also, shake the coffee filter after adding the grounds so it levels out. If the grounds end up in a "mound" in the coffee filter it can "tip" in various ways, sometimes causing the coffee to get a little watered down and taste off. -u/ChevCaster.

3.  Dealing with rude customers

From working in technical support for longer than I dare think about, most angry customers just want to be heard. Let them have their rant, do active listening, and make notes about what they're saying. They will eventually run out of steam. Then, read back everything they talked about and go through it step by step. Works almost every time, and often they are very thankful by the end of the call. -u/zerbey. Instead of asking the customer if something's plugged in ask them to check if the plug's prongs are corroded. After they check they'll unconsciously plug it back in. -u/dewey-defeats-truman.

4. Online shopping based on reviews

If ordering something online, since places can fake a good review, only read the negative reviews. A bunch of complaints about shipping/damaged items/trivial shit is good, whereas multiple breaks in the first week/won't charge/leaks means the product is s**t. -u/Smackulater. Sort by "Recent" to see the latest ones. Sometimes you'll see a 4.5-star item with thousands of reviews, but when you see recent ones they're all terrible. Sometimes sellers update a listing to an entirely different product. -u/czex_mix.

5. Bypassing needless information in online recipes

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. -u/FriedChickenDinners. I have a file on my phone of recipes so I can a) find the recipe again and b)avoid listening to how Jane went to Milan and rediscovered her perceived roots to recreate a recipe that is nowhere near authentic. -u/selimnagisokrov.

6. Itchy mosquito bites? 

If you have an itchy mosquito bite, heat up a spoon under semi-hot water (like 45-50°C), dry it off and tap or press it on the bite. Just as short as you can tolerate it but also as long as possible. The heat dissolves the protein that makes the mosquito bite itch. -u/CMYKawa. I had a friend who swore by putting deodorant on mosquito bites. Tried it a few times when she was around and found that it worked. Was it the power of suggestion or is there something to this? -u/geffjoldblummm.

7. Instant stress relief

My grandmother always said that if you feel terrible, get out of bed, take a shower, do your hair and put on clothes, down to your shoes, and have a good meal. Either this will fix it or you're dressed and fed and in a better place to deal with the problem. She was right. -u/LadyAlexTheDeviant. I’m 67 and sometimes reluctant to get my day started. If I can just get in the shower, the rest comes naturally. If the weather allows, get some sun on your face and in your eyes. -u/carwatchaudionut.

8. Furniture assembling tip

If you're putting together furniture, leave all the screws a little loose. Finish the whole thing. Place it where it's going to be. Wiggle it so it settles into place. Then tighten all the bolts. No wobble! -u/Sendmedoge. If your furniture comes with an assembly tool tape it to the bottom of the furniture once you are done assembling it. If anything needs tightening/adjusting in the future the tool will always be right there. -u/StrangeJayne.

9. Yes, heels can be comfortable

If you want a comfortable pair of high heels, invest in a pair of dance heels. Lots of beautiful designs and colors, designed to be flexible and comfortable. Worth every penny. Just make sure they’re not felt-soled if you plan on wearing them outdoors. A good quality pair from a company like Repetto is worth getting rubber-soled if they aren’t already. Your feet will thank you. -u/Rarefindofthemind.

10. No more tiresome long-drives

When driving for long periods, turn off recirculating air. One of the reasons you get tired in the car is not from lack of sleep but from too much CO2 in the car. Have you ever been so tired driving home and when you get home you’re no longer tired? It’s because of the lack of oxygen in the car. Especially if you have passengers in the car. -u/Corecenter. If I start yawning while driving, I crack the window and start taking deeper breaths. Yawning is also indicative you're not getting enough oxygen. -u/IrishRepoMan.