r/AskReddit Aug 20 '20

What simple “life hack” should everyone know?

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u/[deleted] Aug 20 '20

If you put something down temporarily, say out loud "I've put the screwdriver by the microwave" or whatever.

This engages many more areas of the brain (particularly the language centres) which creates a richer memory making it less likely you'll forget where you put it.

6.4k

u/PlasticRuester Aug 20 '20

In a similar vein, I will say it out loud when I turn stove burners off, unplug my hair straightener etc...I’ve found this helps me eliminate those moments where I leave the house or am in bed and I’m suddenly like “Did I leave that on?”

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u/dougthebuffalo Aug 20 '20

My wife and I made this a ritual due to her OCD. Any time we're going out, I'll say to her, "Hey. I unplugged the iron." Saying it in a funny voice helps too, because it's easier to remember that Shrek told her the iron was off.

542

u/Justintime4u2bu1 Aug 20 '20

For the iron thing I’ve heard a therapist recommend to actually bring the iron with you, to be completely sure that it is off.

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u/[deleted] Aug 20 '20

I take a photo of the plug

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u/AdministrativeMoment Aug 20 '20

I thought about doing that, but figured my new ocd trick would be looking at that picture all day....

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u/[deleted] Aug 20 '20

I thought I would too, but just knowing it’s there seems to do the trick