The human brain may be amazing, but it’s also open to psychological manipulation in more ways than you realize. The trick, then, is to realize when you’re being fooled and to take advantage of it.

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that can make all the difference. Indeed, although the following tips and tricks may not seem all that consequential, they could nevertheless completely transform your day-to-day existence. And they all harness the power of the mind, which is open to manipulation in even the most savvy among us. Try, however, to use your new knowledge for good, not evil…

20. The cheapest products are never at eye level in supermarkets

Next time you’re out grocery shopping, try looking up. And when you do, you’ll likely find that cheaper alternatives to the items on your list are just above your normal eye level. Obviously, stores want to maximize their customers’ spending in any way they can, so this particular bit of trickery probably comes as no surprise. It’s still super useful to know, however, so bear it in mind for the next time you’re browsing the shelves.

19. Savor your dinner if you’re trying to stay slim

If you’d like to stay at your target weight, try slowing down when eating. After all, it can take the brain as many as 20 minutes to catch up with your stomach. In fact, you may become full without even recognizing it for a while – and during that period, you could very well consume more than you actually need.

18. Dress like an employee at the zoo

This may sound strange, but bear with us. Next time you go to the zoo, try dressing in colors similar to those the employees wear. And, instead of being fearful and reserved, the animals will probably come running up to you. Just watch out for them demanding food…

17. Bananas can improve your mood

If you need an early morning pick-me-up to get you through the day, head for the fruit bowl. Why? Well, bananas are packed with vitamins and other good stuff like potassium, fiber and carbohydrates. In turn, some of these components help produce serotonin – a hormone that naturally lifts your spirits.

16. Taking a nap during the day can improve your memory

If you’ve ever given in to the post-lunch slump, it’s time to feel vindicated. That’s because a 2017 study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that an hour-long afternoon nap can drastically boost memory and thought processes. How about that for an excuse you can give to your boss?

15. Listening to music while working out can help with endurance

If there’s one gym mantra everyone should subscribe to, it’s “never work out in silence.” Indeed, pumping up your favorite tunes may give you the added edge you need to complete a particularly tough routine or to lift extra weight. It’s worth spending a little time perfecting your playlist before getting your sweat on, then.

Image: Genusfotografen (Tommas Gunnarsson) — Image: Tommas Gunnarsson

14. Clenching your fists can improve your memory

It may seem far-fetched, but if you’re struggling to recall something, try clenching your fists. More specifically, try clenching your left hand. If you want to be able to remember something later, however, think about it while clenching your right hand instead. Believe it or not, but this simple action can actually help stimulate brain activity – and, in turn, assist with the making and retrieval of memories.

13. Using your non-dominant hand may benefit your brain

Next time you’re brushing your teeth or unlocking your door, try using your non-dominant hand. Not only will it help you become more adaptable if anything happens to your dominant hand, but it could also enhance your creativity, boost your ability to learn and even make you more open-minded.

12. Listening to loud, extreme music helps you relax

It may seem counter-intuitive, but turning up the volume on “angry” music can actually make you calmer. Indeed, research from The University of Queensland in Australia has shown that listening to the likes of punk and heavy metal can actually help people deal with their feelings of rage. Next time you’re feeling riled up, then, throw on some Metallica.

11. If you can’t sleep, try the 4-7-8 breathing exercise

According to renowned physician Dr. Andrew Weil, there’s a simple trick that can help during those sleepless nights. Simply hold your breath while counting to four, then breathe out. After that, inhale again and hold for seven seconds before exhaling as fully as you can for another eight seconds. This method, Weil has asserted, helps promote the body’s intake of oxygen and so induces deeper relaxation.

10. If you want information from someone, stay quiet

If you’re trying to find something out from someone, asking them again and again may actually be the worst thing you can do – not least because it could irritate them. Instead, just question them once, then keep your lips sealed while also maintaining eye contact. After that, the other individual will probably find it harder to stay schtum. Indeed, they’ll likely just tell you what you need to know in order to make the situation a little less uneasy.

9. Adopt a “power stance” to boost your confidence

If you’re looking for an instantaneous confidence boost, simply spread your arms and legs to take up as much space as possible. This “power stance” should in turn make you feel far more in control and authoritative; it’ll give you greater self-assurance, too.

8. If you think you’re being watched, yawn

Everyone knows that yawning can be contagious. So, if you’re worried that you’re being watched, muster the biggest yawn you can. Then keep an eye on the suspect – if they follow suit, you’ll know your paranoia is warranted. Alternatively, you can try coughing or tapping your feet, as the person looking at you may end up subconsciously doing the same.

7. People typically look at their closest friends while laughing

If you’re in a group situation and want to figure out who’s closest to whom, just wait until everyone starts laughing. Typically, the person an individual first gazes at while chuckling will be the one with whom they’re friendliest. And you might even discover who you share the deepest bond with, too…

6. To earn someone’s respect, ask them to do you a favor

Yes, if you really want someone to respect you, don’t do them a favor. Instead, get them to do one for you. The logic is that you’re then trusting them to follow through for you. And if you trust them, you must therefore believe in them, which should encourage them to admire you in return.

5. Nod while speaking to get people to agree with you

It doesn’t matter what the situation is: you could just be having a friendly debate over politics, or you may even be asking your boss for a raise. Whatever the conversation is about, though, try nodding as you speak. As a consequence, whoever’s listening will be more inclined to agree with you, thanks to their subconscious acknowledgement of your subtle head movement.

4. When you meet someone, repeat their name next time you see them

If you can recall someone’s name after having only met them once before, they’ll probably become more well-inclined towards you. And, as an added bonus, repeating that name the next time you see them doesn’t just tell the other person that they’re worth remembering, but it should also help your own memory, too. Genius.

3. Smile to improve confidence and happiness

It’s not just your own personal happiness and confidence that will be improved by smiling – simply cracking a grin should also help those around you. So, even if you have reasons not to, give it a go, as a mood-booster is always welcome.

2. Read people’s body language to learn how they feel about you

You can tell a lot about a person without them even speaking: all you have to do is pay attention to what they’re saying with their body. For instance, someone sitting with their arms unfolded and legs uncrossed is much more likely to be feeling open and relaxed. If their arms are crossed in front of them, however, it’s a likely sign that they’re uninterested in engaging with you.

1. Mirror someone’s body language to build trust with them

Once you’ve figured out how to read someone’s body language, you can use the same nonverbal communication in response to build trust. So, if they’re sitting back in their chair, mirror their action. Just make sure not to overdo the copying; they might cotton on and find it weird, after all.