20 "Cheat Codes" For The Human Body You Probably Never Knew You Needed

"If you have a leg cramp, pull back your big toe and it will alleviate the cramp."

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• March 14, 2023

Our bodies are our temples, so it's only natural that we want to know as much as possible about them. After all, the body we're given is the only one we will ever have, so we need to look after it.

With that being said, it's surprising how little most of us actually know about the mechanics of the human body. For example, we all know that it's important to drink water, but do you know why?

What about hiccups? Do you know why we get them, or how to stop them?

It's safe to say we could all benefit from learning a little more about our incredible bodies. So, we've put together a list of 20 "cheat codes" for the human body that you probably never knew you needed.

All of these interesting facts are taken from an AskReddit thread started by Alex Clark. Alex asked the question, "What's the best human body cheat code you know?" and it didn't take long for the Reddit community to come through with the goods.

So, what are the best human body cheat codes Alex knows? "This seems like an obvious one, but drinking water when you wake up is a must," Alex said.

"Another one, which is kind of cheating as it’s my own comment, but when people are together in a group, look at the direction of people's feet to see who they are interested in talking to," Alex said. "It’s not always the case, but it’s a good way of reading body language."

There are plenty more tips where those came from. Keep scrolling to find out what people had to say.

1. Leg Cramps

"If you have a leg cramp, pull back your big toe and it will alleviate the cramp."

2. Hunger

"If you're hungry, drink some water. You might not actually be hungry."

3. Hydration

"Drink enough water - keeping hydrated helps so much."

4. Energize

"Take an espresso right before a power nap. The caffeine will kick in about 20 minutes later and make you feel more energized after waking."

5. A Sure Bet

"Hiccuping is largely psychosomatic and it can be cured by betting the person hiccuping a fiver he won't hiccup again. Works 80-90% of the time."

6. Sleepy Arms and Stuffy Noses

"If you wake up with your arm asleep because you were laying on it, the fastest way to make it "wake up" is to stick your arm straight up in the air and let the blood drain back down. Then lay your arm flat and allow blood flow to resume normally.

For people that get stuffy noses - pick a nostril you want to have clear. I tend to prefer my right nostril but it works both ways. Pick the side you want clear and lay on your side so that nostril is on top. Prop your head up on your hand so your head is resting at around a 45 degree angle relative to the surface you are laying on. This should clear the nostril on top pretty quickly. If not, try tilting your head at different angles until it does. This doesn't always work, but for me it usually does."

7. Stubborn Sneezes

"If you have a sneeze that's on the edge but needs that extra push to get it to go, look into a bright light."

8. Gagging

"Clench your left fist to subdue your gag reflex. Helps me with brushing my tongue and others with other things."

9. Follow The Feet

"When people are together in a group, look at the direction of people's feet to see who they are interested in talking to."

10. A Tip To Remember

"If you enter a room and forget what you have to do, move your eyes sideways, it helps jog your memory."

11. Make Yourself Tired

"Having a good sleep schedule (9-5 or 10-6), and going to sleep when you are tired (you have to make yourself tired throughout the day, preferably with a bit of exercise) makes waking up really easy and your mornings will be full of energy."

12. Drink More Water

"Drink more water. Always.

If you feel at all off, emotionally, drink a large glass of water, whether you're anxious, angry, or sad. That doesn't always fix it, but sometimes it does, and if it didn't, at least you're a little more hydrated.

When you wake up in the morning, drink a large glass of water before anything else. You will feel more awake, and you may avoid morning constipation."

13. Save Your Back

"Lift with your legs, not your back."

14. Make Good Habits

"Push yourself to do something good for yourself even if you don't want to (something like diet or exercise) and stick to it. Doing it once or twice you wont want to do it again because your body is still adapting. But after a while it will become a habit.

I went on a bike ride every day during my summer break and when winter rolled around I started to realize that I relied on that ride as much as eating. I got really jittery if I didn't ride that day."

15. Cold Showers

"Cold showers are a complete body hack."

16. Low Blood Pressure

"I have fairly low blood pressure and I often get dizzy if I get up too abruptly. If it happens, clench your abdominal muscles to force blood back upwards and it goes away immediately."

17. Wake Up

"When you wake up, drink some water. It will help reduce drowsiness."

18. Hello Sunshine

"Wake up with sunlight whenever possible. Your body automatically says, 'Oh! Sun! I should wake up now! It's morning!'"

19. The Basics

"If you work out and maintain a healthy diet, your body will look and feel amazing."

20. The "Bend and Snot"

"Sick with clogged sinuses?

Put your head between your legs while standing for 10 seconds, and then shoot back to a upright position and blow your nose, you'll be able to breath for a few minutes.

I call it the 'Bend and Snot.'"

So, there you have it. Twenty "cheat codes" for the human body that you probably never knew you needed. Did you learn any helpful tips?

We will definitely be trying out the big toe hack the next time we get leg cramps! Let us know your favorite tips and tricks in the comment section.

Stephanie