14 Life Shortcuts People Don’t Want to Do but Actually Work

Young man sitting on a rock with his golden retriever after a day out hiking.

Let’s face it: we all want the easy way out. But the shortcuts we avoid? They’re often the ones that genuinely make life better. Yeah, they suck to do sometimes. Some feel like a drag or inconvenience.

Yet, these are the hacks that streamline our chaos, saving us headaches and heartaches later. So let’s get to it. Here are 14 life shortcuts you’re dodging that could actually turn your life around.

Waking up Early

Woman stretching in bed after wake up.
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Many people struggle with waking up early due to late nights or poor sleep habits, missing out on peaceful morning hours ideal for productivity. Waking up early can provide a head start on the day, allowing for uninterrupted focus on personal or work-related tasks.

You don’t have to wake up at 5 am to be productive. Pick a time that works for you consistently. Just try waking up at least 30 minutes early to get moving before your day really has to begin.

Going for a Walk

Young woman taking a selfie while out hiking/walking.
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Going for a walk might seem too simple to be impactful, but it’s a shortcut to better health and clarity. It clears your mind, boosts creativity, and shakes off the physical cobwebs of sitting too long. Just a quick stroll, in less than ten minutes on a lunch break or at the end of the day, can radically improve your mood and productivity, proving that the best solutions are sometimes the simplest.

Taking Cold Showers

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The discomfort of cold showers turns many away despite their benefits for invigorating the senses and improving circulation. This quick, straightforward practice can energize you and support a healthier immune system.

The water doesn’t have to be freezing. A lukewarm shower first thing in the morning can get you going, too. Just give it a try and see how it goes.

Meal Prepping

Homemade Keto Chicken Meal Prep with Veggies in a Container.
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The initial effort and time required to plan and prepare meals for the week can seem overwhelming, leading many people to opt for more immediate and less healthy food choices. However, meal prepping is a timesaver throughout the week and ensures consistent, nutritious meals. Once you form the habit, you can’t go back. 

Taking a Digital Detox

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Disconnecting from digital devices can be challenging due to the fear of missing out on information and social interactions. Yet, periodic digital detoxes help maintain mental health and improve real life connections. Try picking up a book or doing some quick stretches or yoga poses instead. Less time on the phone or computer is life-changing.

Budgeting

Woman budgeting.
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Everyone needs a budget. There are no ifs-ands-or-buts about it. Everyone.

Budgeting requires upfront time and can be perceived as restricting, which discourages people from maintaining this habit. However, consistent budgeting, no matter how much money you have, simplifies financial management and can lead to significant long-term financial health.

Saying No

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The discomfort of potentially disappointing others makes it difficult for many to say no. Embracing this practice saves time and allows one to focus on truly important commitments, enhancing personal productivity and satisfaction.

Saying no is a learned habit, and you don’t have to say no to everything. It’s about learning to prioritize yourself too.

Practicing Meditation

Woman practicing yoga and meditation at home sitting in lotus pose on yoga mat, relaxed with closed eyes.
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Some view meditation as needing special training or a lot of time, which is misleading. In reality, short daily sessions can markedly decrease stress and increase clarity and focus.

Taking 60 seconds to focus on your breathing and calm your mind can make a difference. Schedule a few sessions into your day. Then, set a timer and go for it.

Reading Every Day

Woman reading book in cafe.
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Regular reading is often set aside for seemingly more urgent or engaging digital entertainment. Yet, integrating reading into daily routines can enhance knowledge, empathy, and cognitive function with just a small time investment each day. Read for 10 minutes to learn something new and feel rejuvenated. 

Using Public Transportation

Man reading book on bus.
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The convenience of personal cars often overshadows the benefits of public transportation like cost savings and less stress from driving. Using public transport can also add to daily exercise by walking to and from stops.

You don’t have to use public transportation daily. Just put it into your routine with a positive mindset a little more and watch the benefits roll in.

Automating Savings With Sinking Funds

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There’s a common concern about not having enough funds available for immediate needs, which keeps people from automating their savings. However, this simple setup ensures consistent saving, which builds financial security with minimal effort.

Consider sinking funds for birthdays, Christmas, vacations, big purchases, and so much more. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to buy a gift without stressing about money.

Learning to Touch Type

Closeup image of a business woman's hands working and typing on laptop keyboard.
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You don’t need to hit the keys on the keyboard like they’re your enemy. Instead, save time with touch typing. Now, the initial learning curve of touch typing can deter individuals accustomed to their own methods because it can feel like your words aren’t coming across the screen. However, touch typing significantly lowers stressful typing and speeds up speed and efficiency once mastered.

Decluttering Regularly

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Regular decluttering requires ongoing effort and decisions about what to keep or discard, which can feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, this practice simplifies cleaning, reduces stress, and creates a more organized environment.

A tidy home can be life-changing when you’re able to have guests over at the last minute and find things when you actually need them. Decluttering gives you peace of mind for sure.

Preventative Health Care

Doctor checking old man patient arterial blood pressure. Health care.
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Avoidance of medical appointments often stems from a lack of symptoms or a fear of bad news. However, regular health checks and preventive care can prevent serious conditions and ensure longer, healthier lives with minimal time investment.

You’re missing out if you’re not getting an annual physical where someone just looks you over. Just go in and talk to your healthcare provider once a year. Then, you can decide what you want to do next.

14 Cheap Purchases That Make You More Productive

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Countless distractions and heavy workloads demand maximum productivity. The solution isn’t found in overtime and grand gestures. It’s found in small investments.

These purchases are not about cutting corners but making smart enhancements to your workplace to boost organization, relaxation, creativity, and time management. Whether you’re a busy professional, a creative soul searching for inspiration, or anyone in between, these cheap purchases could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for to be more productive.

13 One-Minute Habits to Streamline Your Workflow and Increase Productivity

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Every day, you get 1,440 minutes. Use them wisely, and you can skyrocket your productivity.

Hidden in those minutes is the chance to make a big difference with tiny habits that take just one minute. These super easy habits fit into your day so smoothly you’ll hardly notice them. But don’t let that fool you. Their simplicity is what makes them stick.

You have all over 1400 minutes every day—why not spend a few on habits that pay off big time? Here are 13 micro-habits that promise to streamline your workflow and maximize your output with the least effort, proving that sometimes, the smallest tweaks lead to the greatest gains.

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Theresa Bedford is a travel and lifestyle writer with an obsession to simplify life and travel more. She writes about simple living, money, travel destinations, family-friendly activities, and more. Her work has been featured on the Associated Press wire, MSN.com, GoBankingRates, Wealth of Geeks, Savorteur, and more.

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