10 Underrated Ways to Use ChatGPT in Daily Life
Most of us use ChatGPT to write emails or to find answers. But there’s so much more ChatGPT can do to make everyday life easier. I’ve been using ChatGPT for two years now, and I’ve found some genuinely helpful ways to use it that go beyond the basics.
Here are 10 practical, lesser-known ways to put ChatGPT to work in your daily routine:
1. Motivational Pep-Talk Coach
We all have days when motivation just isn’t there. ChatGPT can give you a quick, personalized pep talk when you need it most.
I’ve used this when I was putting off important tasks or feeling stuck on a project. Just tell it what you’re struggling with, and it’ll respond with encouragement tailored to your situation.
Sample Prompt: I have a big exam to study for but I’m lacking motivation. Give me a brief pep talk to get me energized to hit the books.
What makes this helpful is the immediacy and privacy. Sometimes you don’t want to burden friends with your need for encouragement, or maybe it’s 11 PM and everyone’s asleep. ChatGPT is always there to give you that little push.
2. Brainstorming Buddy for Projects
Starting new projects often means coming up with ideas from scratch. ChatGPT can be your 24/7 brainstorming partner, whether for work projects or personal hobbies.
I recently used it when planning my home office redesign. I gave it my budget constraints and space limitations, and it suggested several layout options I hadn’t considered.
Sample Prompt: I want to start a small vegetable garden in my backyard but I’m not sure what to plant or how to design it. Can we brainstorm some ideas for a beginner-friendly garden layout and which veggies or herbs to include?
The best part is that there’s no judgment. Unlike brainstorming with others, you don’t need to worry about suggesting “bad” ideas—just keep the conversation flowing until something clicks.
3. Decision Helper (Pros & Cons Lists)
Stuck between choices? ChatGPT can help by creating balanced pros and cons lists for any decision you’re facing.
This has been helpful for me with both small decisions (which laptop to buy) and bigger life choices (whether to move cities). Having factors laid out clearly helps cut through emotional clutter.
Sample Prompt: I’m trying to decide if I should go back to school for a master’s degree or not. Can you help me list the pros and cons of doing a master’s program versus staying at my current job?
The AI doesn’t have personal biases, so it can often point out factors you might overlook or downplay based on your own preferences.
4. Gift Idea Generator
Finding the perfect gift can be stressful, especially for those people who “don’t need anything.” ChatGPT can generate thoughtful gift ideas based on someone’s interests and your budget.
Last Holidays, I was completely stuck on what to get my tech-savvy father-in-law. ChatGPT suggested several gadgets I’d never heard of, one of which turned out to be a hit.
Sample Prompt: I need a gift idea for my brother’s 30th birthday. He loves hiking, photography, and coffee. What are some unique gift suggestions that combine those interests?
This saves time browsing through endless online stores and helps you think outside the box of standard gifts.
5. Event Planning Assistant
Planning gatherings takes work. ChatGPT can help with everything from generating theme ideas to creating shopping lists and timelines.
I used this for a dinner party last month, and it helped me coordinate the timing of different dishes so everything was ready at once—something I always struggle with.
Sample Prompt: I’m planning a small backyard barbecue for about 10 friends. Can you help me come up with a simple menu and a checklist of things I’ll need to prepare?
It’s like having an experienced event planner in your pocket, helping ensure you don’t forget anything important.
6. Social Media Content Helper
Drawing a blank on what to post? ChatGPT can help create engaging captions, tweets, or even full posts based on what you want to share.
When I was launching my side business, I asked for help creating a week’s worth of social media content. This saved me hours of staring at a blank screen.
Sample Prompt: I want a creative caption for a photo of me baking cookies with my kids, something sweet and maybe a little humorous. Any ideas?
This doesn’t mean letting AI take over your social presence—it’s more about getting inspiration when you’re feeling creatively drained.
7. Self-Therapy Assistant
While it’s no replacement for professional help, ChatGPT can offer CBT-style approaches to everyday worries and negative thought patterns.
I’ve found this helpful for catching myself in catastrophic thinking. Having an immediate “voice of reason” can interrupt anxiety spirals before they gain momentum.
Sample Prompt: I’m feeling really self-critical after a mistake at work. Can you act like a CBT therapist and help me reframe my negative thoughts about this error?
The privacy and immediacy make this especially valuable—you can work through minor emotional bumps anytime, anywhere.
8. Personal Fitness Coach
Need a quick workout idea? ChatGPT can create simple fitness routines based on your available time, equipment, and fitness level.
This has been a game-changer for me on busy days. I can get a custom 15-minute workout that fits perfectly into a packed schedule.
Sample Prompt: I have 15 minutes in the mornings and no gym equipment. Can you create a simple daily workout routine for me?
You can also ask it to modify existing workouts if you have injuries or limitations, making fitness more accessible.
9. Recipe Improvisor
One of my favorite uses is asking ChatGPT what I can cook with whatever random ingredients are left in my fridge and pantry.
This has saved countless trips to the grocery store and reduced food waste in my home. It’s also helped me get more creative with cooking.
Sample Prompt: I have eggs, a tomato, some cheese, and bread. What can I make for dinner with these ingredients?
You can specify dietary restrictions or preferences, and it’ll adjust suggestions accordingly. This is especially useful when you’re trying to stick to a particular eating plan.
10. Negotiation Role-Play Coach
Before having difficult conversations, ChatGPT can help you practice by role-playing the other person. This builds confidence and helps you refine your approach.
I used this before negotiating with my internet provider and ended up saving $30 because I was better prepared for their objections.
Sample Prompt: Let’s role-play a scenario: I need to call my internet provider and negotiate a lower bill. You play the customer service rep who is reluctant to give a discount, and I’ll practice how I can persuade you.
This works for job interviews, asking for raises, or any situation where you need to be persuasive and think on your feet.
Making the Most of These Techniques
What makes these approaches effective is their specificity. Don’t just ask ChatGPT “help me with fitness”—give it constraints and details about your situation.
Another tip is to save your best prompts. When you find a ChatGPT interaction particularly helpful, bookmark it or save the prompt in a note app so you can use it again.
ChatGPT works best as a partner, not a replacement for your own thinking. Use its suggestions as starting points, then add your own judgment and personal touch.
ChatGPT isn’t just for writing essays or coding help—it can be a practical tool for everyday challenges. The uses I’ve shared have genuinely made aspects of my life easier and more efficient.
What I appreciate most is how these applications save mental energy for things that matter more. By offloading small mental tasks to ChatGPT, I have more bandwidth for the people and projects I care about.
Try a few of these ideas yourself, and you might find ChatGPT becoming as essential to your daily routine as your phone or coffee maker. The best way to find what works for you is simply to experiment.
What other creative ways have you found to use ChatGPT in your daily life? The possibilities keep growing as we find new ways to apply this technology to everyday problems.
