5 Silly Psychology Hacks to Outsmart Your Brain

Our brains are powerful, but they’re also prone to predictable quirks and biases. Here are five silly (but surprisingly effective) psychology hacks to outsmart your own mind:

Chew a specific flavor of gum only when you need to concentrate (like studying or working). Your brain associates the taste with focus over time, making it easier to get into “work mode” when you pop that gum.

Strike a “power pose” (like Wonder Woman’s stance) for 2 minutes before a stressful situation. Your body language tricks your brain into feeling more confident by lowering cortisol (stress hormone) and increasing testosterone.

If you suspect someone is lying, casually call them by the wrong name while discussing the topic. Liars (who are mentally rehearsing their story) are more likely to correct you, while truth-tellers usually ignore the mistake.

Tell yourself, “I’ll just work on this for 5 minutes, then quit.” Starting is the hardest part—once you begin, your brain often wants to finish the task (thanks to the Zeigarnik Effect, which craises closure).

Eat treats like ice cream with a tiny spoon (or swap big plates for small ones). Your brain perceives more “units” of food (even if the portion is the same), making you feel satisfied faster.

When you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, ask yourself: “What would an alien who just landed on Earth think I should do right now?” This forces psychological distancing, helping you see your situation from a neutral, less emotional viewpoint.