Sneezing can be a funny yet necessary bodily function, especially when you need to clear out your nasal passages or kickstart a stalled sneeze. Fortunately, making yourself sneeze can be quite simple with these eight easy steps.

1. Use a tissue: Gently roll up a tissue and insert one end into your nostril – but not too far. Wiggle it around to stimulate the tiny hairs inside your nose, which may trigger those photic sneeze reflexes and make you sneeze.

2. Look at a bright light: Some people have a genetic trait called the “photic sneeze reflex” that makes them sneeze when they look at bright light. Try staring into the sun or a bright lamp for a few seconds to prompt a sneeze.

3. Sniff strong scents: Potent odors, like those from peppermint oil, strong perfume, or freshly ground pepper, can irritate your nasal passages and cause you to sneeze. Open a container of any of these scents and gently sniff from a short distance to make yourself sneeze.

4. Pluck an eyebrow hair: Plucking an eyebrow hair can stimulate the trigeminal nerve endings around your face, which may lead to sneezing. Be sure to do this carefully and in front of a mirror to avoid over-plucking.

5. Chew minty gum or eat dark chocolate: For some individuals, chewing on something minty (like gum) or taking a bite of dark chocolate can induce sneezing due to the taste’s stimulation of the olfactory nerves.

6. Tickle the roof of your mouth: Using your tongue or finger (be sure it’s clean), gently tickle the roof of your mouth toward the back for several seconds. This action may irritate the soft palate, triggering a sneeze.

7. Drink a fizzy drink: Sometimes the carbonation in fizzy drinks can cause a sneeze due to the sudden burst of bubbles and gas in your nose. Take a big sip of your favorite fizzy drink and see if this triggers a sneeze.

8. Use a cotton swab: Dip one end of a cotton swab in warm water and gently insert it into your nostril, then twist it around as you pull it out. Be careful not to insert the cotton swab too far into your nose. This action may induce sneezing by stimulating the small hairs inside your nasal passages.

Remember that practicing good hygiene is crucial when attempting to make yourself sneeze. Always wash your hands before touching your face or using items that may come into contact with your body, such as tissues or cotton swabs. Additionally, remember to cover your nose and mouth while sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.