Some habits just don’t make sense in life until they do.
There are certain habits people have that might look a bit odd to other people who don’t practice them, but in reality, they actually make life way easier. While some of them seem unnecessary or even over-the-top, once you start doing these things, you realise they’re weirdly genius. If you have any of these habits, good for you — you’re clearly in the know. If you don’t have them, you might want to incorporate them into your life ASAP.
1. Talking to themselves out loud
It might look a little odd, but talking to yourself is actually a great way to stay focused, process emotions, and make decisions. People do it when they need to psych themselves up, figure out what to say, or just work through their thoughts.
Some even rehearse entire conversations in advance, just in case. Whether it’s an upcoming argument, a job interview, or a text reply they don’t want to mess up, saying it out loud helps them get it right. Plus, studies show it actually improves memory and problem-solving. So the next time someone catches you muttering to yourself, just tell them it’s science.
2. Setting five alarms, even when they always wake up on time
Some people can wake up with just one alarm; others need a whole lineup. Setting multiple alarms isn’t lazy; it offers peace of mind. Knowing there are backup alarms takes the stress out of waking up, so instead of lying in bed panicking about oversleeping, you can actually sleep better. Some take it even further by putting their alarm across the room, forcing themselves to get up just to turn it off. Annoying? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
3. Wearing the same type of outfit every day
Some people have a signature look, not because they don’t care, but because it makes mornings easier. No more standing in front of the wardrobe wondering what to wear. It has nothing to do with fashion; it’s more about saving brain power for more important things. Steve Jobs did it. So did Einstein. Even if it’s just rotating between a few go-to outfits, having a “uniform” means fewer decisions to make before the day even starts.
4. Keeping snacks everywhere
Some people always have emergency snacks in their bag, car, or desk—and honestly, they’re onto something. A granola bar or piece of chocolate at the right moment can turn around a bad mood, help you survive an unexpectedly long meeting, or save you from becoming that person who gets irrationally angry when they’re hungry. Some people even keep extra snacks for other people, because nothing says “leader” like handing someone a biscuit when they’re about to lose it.
5. Watching TV with subtitles, even when they can hear just fine
Source: Unsplash It seems unnecessary, but once you start using subtitles, it’s hard to stop. Whether it’s catching every word of a mumbled scene or keeping up while scrolling on your phone, subtitles make things easier. It also helps when actors have thick accents, when people are talking too fast, or when background noise drowns out half the dialogue. Plus, reading while watching actually improves comprehension—so technically, it’s making you smarter.
6. Always putting things in the exact same spot
Keys go in one place. Wallet in the same pocket. Phone always on the same counter. It might sound rigid, but this habit means never having to panic-search for important stuff. If you’ve ever been late because you couldn’t find your keys (even though you swore they were “right there”), this trick is worth trying. Some people even take it further by having designated spots for chargers, receipts, or even their go-to jacket, so they never have to waste time looking for anything.
7. Using kids’ products as adult life hacks
Baby wipes, detangling spray, kid-friendly medicine dispensers—there’s no shame in borrowing things designed for children if they work. Some people swear by baby lotion for super soft skin, while others use sippy cups just to avoid spilling drinks on their laptop. Even kids’ sunscreen sprays are a game-changer for people who hate rubbing lotion in. If it does the job, who cares who it was made for?
8. Having a separate email just for junk
Some people avoid inbox clutter by creating a whole separate email just for newsletters, sign-ups, and promo codes. That way, their main inbox stays clean, but they still have access to the occasional discount when they need it. It’s a simple trick that keeps those “limited-time offers” from taking over your actual important emails.
9. Taking pictures instead of writing things down
Instead of making notes, some people just take a quick photo—of a parking spot, a shopping list, or even a Wi-Fi password. It’s faster than typing and easier to find later. Plus, let’s be real—half the notes we write never get read again anyway. Some even use photos to remember faces, places, or things they want to look up later.
10. Setting calendar reminders for everything, even tiny tasks
Some people treat their calendar like a second brain, setting reminders for things like checking their bank balance, drinking water, or responding to texts. It sounds over-the-top, but these small reminders keep them from forgetting things and stop small tasks from piling up into overwhelming responsibilities. Some even schedule “do nothing” breaks to make sure they actually take time for themselves.
11. Wearing blue light glasses, even if they don’t need glasses
Some people spend so much time staring at screens that they wear blue light glasses just to prevent eye strain, even if they don’t need a prescription. It might seem like a gimmick, but it actually helps reduce headaches and makes long workdays a little easier. Plus, it’s a pretty easy fix for better sleep—less blue light exposure in the evening means better melatonin production, which means better rest.
12. Leaving things slightly unfinished on purpose
Stopping a task just before it’s finished, like leaving an email half-written or a book with one chapter left, sounds counterproductive, but it actually tricks the brain into coming back to it later. It’s a weird motivation hack that works, especially for people who struggle to get started on tasks. If you leave something mid-sentence, your brain will naturally want to come back and finish it.
13. Pacing while on the phone
Some people can’t stay still when they’re talking on the phone. It’s not just a random habit—it actually helps them focus and stay engaged. For some, movement helps them think more clearly, so they don’t even realise they’re doing it until someone asks why they’re halfway across the room. Some even find that pacing helps them come up with better responses, which is why you see so many people walking in circles during serious calls.
14. Writing things down, even if they never look at it again
Some people take notes, journal, or jot down ideas all the time, not because they need to reread them, but because writing things down helps them process and remember information better. Even if the notes end up in the rubbish, the act of writing makes things clearer. It’s like an instant mental reset, and for some, it helps them offload stress and get their thoughts in order.
