To lifehack is to use shortcuts to make tasks easier, quicker, or more successful. One way to lifehack is to hold a nail with a clothespin while you hammer it, making it almost impossible to smash your fingers accidentally.
The verb lifehack comes from computer lingo, originally referring to a slightly clumsy work-around that solved a specific programming problem. The original use of lifehack related to computer programmers' non-work lives, and quick fixes for daily dilemmas that they faced. Today anyone can lifehack, simplifying activities like cleaning a keyboard (use the sticky part of a Post-it Note) or lighting candles with short wicks (use a piece of dry spaghetti).