Some of the things that can make our lives easier are so simple. Through generation to generation, some tricks never ‘die’. These tricks have been carried through the years as the most profound wisdom useful in everyday life.
Here you can read some simple tricks from your childhood that you will find useful till today.
How to measure the length of objects?
We often need to check the approximate length of certain objects but there is no ruler around. Luckily, there is a good trick that can help you with this using the fingers on one hand. In accordance to human proportions, the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the index finger is approximately 18cm, and the distance between the tip of the thumb and the small finger is approximately 20cm. This method is not accurate enough because after all we all have different palms, however it can be useful for measuring the approximate length of the objects.
When will the sun set?
If you are in the great outdoors and your smartphone died, you can easily estimate the time of sunset with only your hand. What you need to do is stretch your arm fully so that the sun will lie on your index finger. Now count how many fingers there are between the sun and the horizon. Each finger marks 15 minutes till sunset so each hand width is approximately one hour before sunset. Keep in mind that this is just a close estimate.
How many days are in each month?
Make a fist with your hands and count the months starting from the knuckle of the small finger. Each knuckle and each groove between the knuckles represents one month. If the month lands on a knuckle that means that it is a 31 day month, while every month that lands on a groove between knuckles is 30 days long. February, which is 28/9 days long, also lands on a groove between the knuckles.
How to check if the batteries work properly?
Good news is that you can easily check whether the battery is full. Lift the batteries 1 to 2 cm above the table and let it fall. If the battery bounces and makes a muffled sound, that means it is dead. Charged battery will make a thump sound and probably will remain standing. Yes, and there is always the old fashioned way of licking the batteries to check if they are charged. If the battery is charged you will feel an unpleasant taste in your mouth. We don’t recommend this method because it is highly unhygienic.
How many degrees does some angle have?
Spread the fingers on your hand and lay your palm on the surface on which you need to measure the angle. The little finger must be at the bottom and indicates 0 degrees. The angel between the little finger and the thumb is 90 degrees, and the angles between the other fingers and the small finger are approximately 30, 45 and 60 degrees.
If you remember some of the tricks from your childhood share it in the comment section!
