Sometimes, the simple things in life become stressful, which is why most of us are interested in finding simpler ways to go about our daily routines. If you're feeling the same way, these simple psychology tips and techniques can help you improve your everyday life with ease. Not only are they super practical, but they might be the solution you were looking for in terms of managing stress. Keep reading for psychology secrets will work on literally anyone.
How to Tell if Someone Really Likes You
It might be challenging to figure out who likes you and who doesn't when you're in a large group of people or in a public setting. One way to get an answer is to pay attention to who someone is looking at while they are laughing. Usually, people tend to look at the person they feel closer to since eye contact is much easier to do when you are comfortable with someone.
Sometimes, knowing how someone truly feels about you without asking them can be hard. This is why paying attention to nonverbal cues can give you an answer without the words.
Stressed About First Dates? Try This
There's simply no denying that first dates are daunting and scary, which is it's important to learn how to make them go well. Start by relaxing and being yourself without being tempted to impress them. Your date needs to get a true sense of who and how you are when they first meet you, since this will be the information they use to decide if they want to see you again in the future.
Being the most genuine version of yourself on the date will allow conversations to flow easier while also making the other person feel entirely comfortable to be their natural self as well.
Your Foot Positions Hold a Hidden Message
Psychology hacks are often about creating successful interactions between one person and another, but this tip is more like a psychology secret. The position of a person's feet can actually say a lot about what they are feeling and thinking. If they are pointed away from you, it usually means that they are interested in walking away from the situation. So, go ahead and look at their feet for language cues.
So far, we've learned that body language undeniably has a huge role in the communication process, but you likely did not know that this also includes the position of someone's feet.
Struggling to Start a Conversation? Borrow a Pen
The one thing that usually stops us from having a conversation is figuring out how to start the conversation itself. A feeling of awkwardness or even nervousness can be the culprit to never starting up a conversation with someone you're interested in. This hack can genuinely make a difference. Simply ask to borrow a pen or pencil, and take the conversation from them. You can even use it to write down their number if all goes well.
You can start asking other questions as soon as you get the pen; just make sure to use it at some point, or else the entire interaction might end awkwardly.
The Non Awkward Way to End a Conversation
Often, ending a conversation can be the most challenging part of talking to someone. This situation quite usually ends in awkward silence or a feeling of uneasiness, or maybe even some last-minute regrets as your head hits the pillow at night. A quick solution to this is to end the talk by mirroring the other person's body language. For example, if they're looking somewhere else, it might be the perfect time to walk away.
You won't have to worry slightly about overstaying your welcome when you pay attention to the other person's energy. This can surely help prevent any awkward situations that seem to happen all the time.
Body Language Secrets You Weren't Aware of
A super straightforward hack for all social settings involves paying attention to your own body language. How we present ourselves can determine whether or not somebody will want to talk to us, which is ensuring that our physical language is open and welcoming can seriously change anything. For example, avoid crossing your arms as this usually gives off the meaning of being closed off and not wanting to open up.
Your outward body language can say so much about you, from what you're feeling or thinking to whether or not you are open to having a conversation. That's why it's essential to stay confident and approachable.
Feeling Stressed? Moving Around Has Benefits Most People Don't Know About
Believe it or not, taking breaks and walks during things like work or school is highly recommended and encouraged by mental professionals. By doing this, you can help reduce your stress levels which could also allow you to be a much better and more confident worker. Taking a day off or two can also be essential if you find yourself sitting at a desk all day- it can really change a lot.
Staying still and in one place for too long can actually increase anxiety, which is why it's recommended to get up and move around a bit in order to resolve that feeling.
The Miracle Stress Reliever
Some days it seems impossible to get rid of the daunting and repetitive thoughts that are happening in our own heads. This is why anxiety management can be such a game-changer. Chewing gum will help ease that sudden onset of panic as your body focuses on chewing as a task instead of stress, especially in social situations that you can't seem to get out of. It's truly a great distraction.
Anxiety is so common and can seriously inhibit our abilities to function in everyday life. Thankfully, there are lots of easy and simple ways to help manage the issue, just like gum chewing.
How to Make Everyone Around You Keep Quiet
We all have that friend that doesn't know how to whisper, especially when it's necessary. Asking them to be quiet can sometimes come off as rude, but if you automatically start whispering, chances are; they'll surely begin to whisper too. It's almost like a human reflex, in which we'll start to lower our voices if everyone around us is doing the same. You can use this hack in this specific situation or even just for fun.
Letting the person around you know that they need to keep it down can be a daunting task. Using this trick can kind of get the message across smoothly without even needing to say it.
The Secret Trick to Starting a Conversation
Focusing on the other person's interests and hobbies can help you become a professional conversation starter. We tend to primarily focus on ourselves when speaking to others, which can actually initiate some internal anxiety. Concentrating on the person you're with instead of yourself will make you seem like a really kind person and will also help you speak with ease; you'll surely have way less awkward silence, too.
Let's face it, the majority of us are super awkward when jumping into a conversation and would love to learn how to change that. Well, this technique can surely help.
Want to Ask Someone for a Favor? Do This First
Asking someone for a favor by saying "I need your help" will make the person you're speaking to feel desired, valid, and important. It's even a great way to allow yourself to not feel any sense of guilt since the request will feel way more personal. This can also reduce the chances of them saying no to you since this person will feel needed and even touched by you turning to them for help.
Sometimes, asking for a favor can be challenging in general usually, because we're naturally afraid of rejection. Asking someone for their help is a great solution, and you'll never be denied.
Having a Hard Time Deciding? The Solution Is Much Easier Than You'd Think
Have you ever sat down in front of a long menu and felt overwhelmed? It happens to most of us, and sometimes something as simple as choosing what to eat for dinner can be extremely difficult. One way to help this is to narrow down your choices. For example, having to only choose between five things on the dinner menu is so much easier than choosing from twenty different options.
Decision-making can be a really difficult thing, which is why it's great that there are simple solutions and tricks that can help you spend less time on making good choices.
Use Podcasts as an Instant Mood Booster
From crime to pop culture, there are tons of different types of podcasts out there that are free to listen to. They can actually improve your mood and can give you a long-needed boost of energy that you might have been looking for. Podcasts can also help you escape from the general stress of everyday life. So, go ahead, sit back with your favorite drink and start listening to one.
Music is often used as a stress and anxiety reliever for so many people around the world. But did you know that podcasts and really effective and can do the same thing?
Do This the Next Time Anxiety Strikes
Stress and anxiety can sometimes be debilitating, especially when they stay trapped inside our heads, making it harder to process the emotions. A simple and popular solution to dealing with this is to actually start journaling. Journaling or keeping a personal diary can help you clear your head space so that you can begin healing. Try writing down those intrusive thoughts, bad dreams, and worries- you will surely see a significant difference in how you process them.
Getting a specific thought or worry out of the head and onto a piece of paper can be incredibly therapeutic, and it's actually a popular technique that's often recommended in therapy.
Try Using a Different Name for a Day for a Surprising Outcome
Changing your name for a limited amount of time might sound like an unusual solution to making friends. Although, there is surely no harm in trying it. Everyone secretly has a name that they've always liked more than their own, so using it for a day might allow you to have fun and distract yourself from everyday life. Instead of a new name, you could also just go with a shorter version of the one you have.
Changing your entire name for a day might result in a few strange looks from your family, neighbors, or friends, but it could also make you feel way more confident.
Make Sure to Make Eye Contact When Talking to People
Eye contact is often an aspect of a conversation that is avoided by many since it can be a bit awkward at times, although needed in others. But, it's actually an essential part of speaking and can result in so many great things which have even been proven through studies. Also, please don't stare in the same way as the woman in this picture; it would pretty much defeat the purpose itself.
Although difficult for some people, eye contact can be both encouraging and assertive as it can potentially give off a true sense of confidence to whoever you are speaking with.
Sarcasm Can Make People Disrespect You
This psychology trick is best applied in the office or in a professional setting in which sarcasm isn't always the best option. Often, bosses or coworkers ask for advice or feedback and are usually also wanting honesty, which can go a long way. Making your feedback truthful and without any sarcasm is of the utmost importance in order to critique someone's work as you focus on the positive aspects or constructively criticize.
Sarcasm is so popular nowadays and can be perfect for the right situations, but this way of speaking can also have its downsides depending on exactly how you choose to use it.
Here's Why You Should Always Be Nice When Asking for a Favor
Whether it's your mom, a best friend, or in a professional setting, kindness can seriously go a long way. Sometimes, demands can come off as rude and selfish if your tone is lacking a general send of kindness. Most likely, the conversation will go wrong, and you won't get what you were needing. Being nice when asking for something can change everything, and whoever you're speaking with will surely appreciate you as a person.
It's always important to be polite and respectful, but a softer approach when asking for something might just completely change the response of whoever you're speaking to for the better.
Having to Deal With a Someone You Don't Like? This Should Help
Intimidating people are, well, intimidating. It usually has to do with their own insecurities and isn't your fault, but there are simple ways to make dealing with these kinds of people easier. You might find them coming off as aggressive or rude, which might be causing you some emotional pain. Simple, keep your distance and avoid them as much as possible. This will help you build an emotional shield based on space and distance.
It's an action that isn't too complicated and, honestly, makes a lot of sense. Psychologists have proven that this method is highly effective and can seriously protect you from negative energy.
The Secret Psychology Trick Behind Rock, Paper, Scissors
Something as simple as asking your opponent a question before playing Rock, Paper, Scissors can actually help you win. It's an easy way to cheat the system, which doesn't require very much effort. Sit down with them before the start of the game and ask them something completely random. It will almost always throw your opponent off guard, to the point where they will be entirely distracted from the game itself.
Rock, Paper, Scissors is a classic game that has been used to settle bets for centuries. But, sometimes, the odds just don't seem to be in your favor, so try this trick!
Don't Want People to Talk to You? Avoid Doing This
Typically, people make eye contact with those that we are interested in associating with. Other times, we avoid eye contact to make it clear that we want to be left alone. For example, if you accidentally ran into someone you once knew in the supermarket and had no interest in talking to them, you might have kept your head down and your eyes on the groceries in front of you. Likely, this tactic was a success.
Sure, sometimes meeting new people can be fun and exciting. Other times, we want to completely avoid it and keep to ourselves. This super simple trick can seriously help with doing that.
Why Saying 'No' Is Actually Good for Your Mental Health
Sometimes, saying no to someone can be incredibly difficult, depending on the person. Often, this is because lots of guilt can come with denying someone. Whether it be lending a helping hand or even money, many put their own needs last and will help somebody regardless if they are actually able to or not. Learning to say "no" and letting go of that guilt that comes with it can truly be beneficial for mental health.
Wanting to please others is entirely natural, but sometimes it comes at the price of our own happiness. Saying "no" can be both therapeutic and can help you set any needed boundaries.
Become the Master of Any Social Gathering
The mental baggage that comes with meeting new people can be heavy, which is why there are tons of psychological tips and tricks that can make the experience better. There are all types of personalities within a group of people. Looking for the ones that seem to be friendly or just similar to you can make it way easier to bond and get to know the other people you are hanging out with.
Hanging out with a large group of people for the first time can definitely be intimidating. Filtering out the friendly ones from the not-so-friendly ones can make socializing way easier.
How to Make Those Around You Feel Good About Themselves
Some people always want to be correct, and others just need a more subtle sense of validation not to feel the need to prove themselves constantly. People who don't usually get this are often talkative and tend to interrupt others when having a conversation. Validating the person you're talking to might make them feel surprised that they're actually being heard. They'll surely want to be your friend and would love to keep you around in their life.
Everyone needs to feel validated at one point or another, and that certainly includes kids too. Don't be afraid to make them feel validated, even when what they're saying doesn't make much sense.
Feeling Stuck? Try This for a Change
Sometimes, the monotony of life can create lots of negative emotions, from boredom to depression. A sudden rush of confidence can quickly change those feelings, and a great way to get that is by trying out a new style. It can start with something as simple as a different haircut or going to the mall and buying new clothes. Not only will your newfound creativity shine, but your brand new wave of confidence will too.
Styles do tend to change as we get older, but some of us find ourselves stuck in the same old look for years. Switching it up a bit can change so many aspects of your life.
Brighter Clothes for a Brighter Life
An incredibly excellent psychology hack in order to boost your mood is to dress in bright colors on the days you're feeling down. Several studies have been done, and adding colors to your wardrobe is scientifically proven to make you feel happier. It's a super easy and straightforward way to stop feeling low, so go ahead and get rid of those dark and dull colors and try wearing something new. It will surely be worth it.
Dark days are a normal part of life, and we all experience them at some point or another. Dressing in colorful clothes can be a great first step towards making those days a little better.
Smile to Get Out of the Awkward Zone
The decision to approach a person usually depends on whether or not they seem friendly. This is why it's recommended to put a smile on your face while in a public setting. It will make it easier to make new friends and meet new people, and nobody will want to second guess approaching you. A smile is a signal that you're having a good time and are open to new company while helping you pre escape any awkward moment.
Facial expressions create vibes, and whether or not those vibes are perceived as good or bad by the people around you depends on if you are looking happy or not.
How to Prevent Cold Hands
Shaking hands is a standard action that we humans do when it comes to introducing ourselves to new people, and that handshake is one of the first things the person you're meeting will remember about you. Freezing cold hands isn't a pleasant thing for your new acquaintance to experience when being introduced to you, so it's best to warm them up a little by rubbing them together quickly before meeting a new person.
The one thing that is usually remembered about a handshake is whether or not the person had ice-cold hands. Hot and sweaty hands are also pretty memorable, but slightly warm is the way to go.
Try Interrupting a Rude Person
Unprecedented, this might not be the best thing to do. But, if somebody around you continues to be incredibly rude, go ahead and try to use this tactic in order to shift the mood. Mean people are usually so caught up in their words of negativity that they'll find themselves thrown off guard and feeling self-conscious. You could interrupt by saying that there's food in their teeth or by even pointing out that their clothes don't match.
This might be the first time you've ever been given permission to interrupt a rude person, so go ahead and try it. It's a great way to benefit from an awkward conversation.
A Great Conversation Starter
Making the first move can begin with something as simple as starting a conversation. It might seem basic, but this can be a hard thing to do for some people. Using a random object as a conversation starter could help anyone who desperately wants to initiate an interaction. This can help ease any fear of rejection that might be stopping you in the first place. You can even use something as simple as a milk carton.
There are usually lots of available conversation topics in the environment in which the conversation is taking place. Simply take a moment to look around, choose something, and you'll be able to speak with ease.
Get Rid of That Stage Fear
Public speaking, or stage fear, is one of the most common anxieties in our society. Sometimes, that anxiety can ruin an experience that was meant to be enjoyable—for example, a speech at an important conference or playing the lead role in a show. A way to resolve that is to start counting; whether it be the number of people in the audience or the pair of shoes on stage, you'll end up feeling so much better.
Counting is a simple solution to difficult situations, and it's also commonly recommended to do if you're having trouble falling asleep since it helps to focus on something other than your thoughts.
Less Anxiety, More Eye Contact
Meeting a new person can be daunting, and often, minds start to wander when being introduced. There's actually a simple trick you can try to help ease that anxiety. At the start of the conversation, pay attention to their words, of course, but mainly focus on their eye color. The eye contact will give off a great first impression and can help rid your stress while you're able to stay present and in the moment.
Lots of people feel anxious when it comes to meeting someone new and often wonder if they made a good impression, and focusing on the eye color can seriously guarantee this.
How to Make Friends at a Party
Meeting new people on a night out can be tricky, even if you're a social person. There's actually an easier way to do this, and it involves looking at everyone from a different point of view. Seeing them as interesting or cool instead of strangers can make the task feel way less intimidating and could even ease some of that social anxiety. You might even leave the party with a new friend or two.
Another option is to walk up to someone who seems to be just as lost as you are. You might even realize that they are enjoying your company after talking.
Silence Can Truly Say a Lot
Pure silence during a conversation can be uncomfortable, which is why it's human nature to fill it in with nervous laughter or words. It's actually so powerful that journalists commonly use this tactic during interviews in order to get get a pure reaction from who they're speaking with. This can be just as powerful during an argument or disagreement in which being quiet could actually give you the upper hand.
During a verbal altercation, most of us will think of the most painful words we can find and often use those in order to defend ourselves. Silence can be even more powerful.
Look Into the Eyes to Determine Trust
Eye contact is often intimidating and can basically be used as a weapon of truth when trying to get down to a real answer. Instead of asking someone more questions, just look them straight in the eyes and you can even combine that with a moment of silence. Both the silence and eye contact will give the other person time to feel pressured. They might begin stumbling over their words.
Looking into somebody's eyes when you don't like their answer or believe that they are lying can actually be intimidating. It can quite quickly help distinguish a truth from a lie.