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Life Kit

Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together.

Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. You'll support the show and unlock exclusive curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit

Episodes

What people get wrong about hangovers

Do you feel anxious after a night drinking? Two doctors weigh in on how to treat hangover symptoms especially 'hangxiety' after drinking too much. Plus the science of alcohol's affect on your body and tips for reassessing your relationship to alcohol. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 26, 202426 minEp. 888

Going home for the holidays? Here's how to cope with travel stress

Holiday travel is stressful — especially if you're dealing with family baggage on top of your actual baggage. But with some patience and boundary setting, you can keep your cool. This episode, how to prepare for holidays with family: mindfulness techniques that will work this season and year-round. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 25, 202422 min

Got two left feet? A guide to dance

A basic guide to boogying down, whether that's at a wedding, a dance studio or alone in your kitchen. In this episode, experts offer tips on how to shake off that self-consciousness and find the beat. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 21, 202420 min

A beginner's guide to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey

If you roast your turkey on a pre-heated pizza stone, you can avoid the dreaded task of flipping the piping hot bird midway through the cooking process, says Lan Lam of 'America's Test Kitchen.' This episode originally aired on Nov. 16, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 19, 202422 min

Clever kitchen hacks from 'Bake Off' judge Prue Leith

Chef and TV host Prue Leith may be an exacting judge with the bakers on The Great British Bake Off . But when it comes to the rest of us, she thinks we could all cut ourselves a bit of slack in the kitchen. That's the idea behind her new cookbook, Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom. It includes flavorful and simple recipes — but also dozens of practical cooking hacks from her 65-year culinary career. From peeling garlic to rescuing over-whipped cream, she offers strategies that can help you re...

Nov 18, 202416 minEp. 884

A stress-free guide to organizing important paperwork

The paper of life — birth certificates, tax information, medical records and other important documents — all have to go somewhere. But keeping track of all these files and actually organizing them can feel like a headache. Professional organizer Kacy Paide walks through how to get started, what to toss and how to make a system that you'll actually stick to in moments of stress. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 14, 202422 min

How long do leftovers last? And other food safety questions, answered

Did you grow up in a household where food was left out all day? Do you wash chicken before cooking it? If so, you might need this refresher course on food safety. Guidance on how to prepare, cook, serve and store food this holiday season — without giving yourself or your loved ones food poisoning. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 12, 202423 minEp. 882

How to pick the right health insurance plan

Picking a health insurance plan can be confusing and frustrating. There are endless acronyms and it's hard to predict what your health needs will be in six months. This episode, we break down some of the terms and share guided questions to help you choose the plan that's best for you. This episode was originally published Oct. 31, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 11, 202417 min

Busting myths about hydration

Do you really need to drink eight glasses of water a day? Can drinking water help you lose weight? Does coffee dehydrate you? Experts explain the science of hydration. This episode originally published September 22, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 07, 202419 min

How to recover from a bad night of sleep

If you've slept poorly, your instinct might be to sleep in or power through the day with extra cups of coffee. But those tactics may actually hurt your chances of getting back on track, say experts. Instead, set yourself up for success with these tips. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 05, 202425 min

How to slow down when you eat

Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She shares how to enjoy meals while paying attention. This episode originally published September 11, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 04, 202417 min

How to find lost objects: Techniques that really work

Finding missing items isn't a matter of "looking harder." There's an art and a science to it. The next time you misplace your wedding ring, try these strategies to hunt it down. They'll make your search process faster, smoother and calmer. Life Kit digital editor Malaka Gharib talks with visual search experts, a metal detector enthusiast and a detective about their best tricks for finding what's lost. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 31, 202419 min

Dear Life Kit: I need a gut check for a sticky situation

Comedian and advice columnist Sophia Benoit weighs in on questions from listeners with sticky interpersonal situations and gives us a gut check on each one. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 29, 202423 minEp. 875

A guide to breast cancer screening

October is breast cancer awareness month. Here's what you need to know about detection and screening. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 28, 202429 min

Should you let your kid quit something?

You signed your kid up for the soccer team (or swimming lessons, or piano or art), paid the fee and now they're begging to quit! In these moments, it's difficult to know what decision will help your kid grow in the long run. Do you ask them to tough it out and develop perseverance? Or trust their emotions? In this episode, Life Kit visuals editor Beck Harlan talks to two family psychologists about what to do when your kid tells you they're never going back to that extracurricular. Learn more abo...

Oct 24, 202422 min

How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State University. And buying knockoff versions of products can be dangerous. Kari Kammel, the director at the Center for Anti Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, shares tips for how to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products, especially online. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privac...

Oct 22, 202422 minEp. 872

How to cut ultra-processed foods from your diet

They're tasty and cheap, but they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy explains how to spot and avoid ultra-processed snacks and packaged foods. This episode originally published June 20, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 21, 202414 min

How "parts" therapy can help you heal

Internal Family Systems, a type of therapy, encourages an examination of the different "parts" of your self. Listening to and learning from the voices within can help us manage stress and get through tough decisions. This episode is Part 3 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Cal m. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 17, 202417 minEp. 870

How to talk to your aging parents about their finances

There comes a time when it's the kid's turn to take care of mom and dad. Here's how to broach this sensitive subject with your parents. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 15, 202419 minEp. 869

What to do when your house floods

The biggest threat in a hurricane isn't the wind, it's the water. And Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet. NPR climate correspondent Michael Copley walks through your to-do list after a big flooding event and how to prepare for one in the future. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 14, 202411 min

How to deal with climate anxiety

It's hard to stay motivated in the face of threats like climate change — especially when it feels like you're the only one who cares. But a new course from the University of California aims to help students cope with climate activism burnout, find new purpose and work toward change at the local level. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares exercises from the class that'll help you find renewed purpose in all aspects of life. This episode is Part 2 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest ...

Oct 10, 202424 min

How to refinance your mortgage

Mortgage rates have dropped significantly in recent months, and that means one thing for those who bought a home in the last couple years: It might be time to refinance. You might save hundreds of dollars a month depending on how much you owe. Here's how to get the process started. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 08, 202417 min

Personal style when your body changes

It's important to feel good in your clothes. But when your body goes through big changes — say, you've just had a baby or are recovering from an illness, it can be hard to dress up in the morning. This episode will help you reframe your relationship with fashion — and give you the confidence to wear what you want. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 07, 202422 min

Stress-busting skills to try in everyday life

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Going through something really tough? Stress is a part of life — but we can learn to manage it. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares evidence-based skills from a research psychologist at Northwestern University aimed to bring more ease into your life. This episode is Part 1 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Calm. Click here to sign up for a month-long newsletter on this topic. Learn more about sponsor message choices...

Oct 03, 202422 min

I ditched plastic for a week. Here's what I learned

Plastic isn't great for your health or the planet. Here's what NPR's Claire Murashima learned from avoiding single-use plastics for a week. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 01, 202419 min

How to talk to your loved ones about misinformation

Misinformation and disinformation undermine democracy by making it hard for people to make informed choices. It's also used to divide communities, scapegoat vulnerable populations and erode trust. Research shows people trust information more when it comes from sources or cultural contexts they're familiar with. This election season, help counter misinformation in your community by having conversations with your friends and family. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adch...

Sep 30, 202416 minEp. 863

Your kid is having a tantrum in public. Now what?

Meltdowns, refusing to share, hitting other kids. Every child has bad behavior sometimes. At home, it's easier to deal with. But what about in public? Psychologist Celina Benavides explains what to do in the moment — and how to get ahead of bad behavior. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 26, 202421 min

How to start saving for retirement

It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to start building your nest egg by setting savings goals and contributing funds to your retirement plan. This episode originally aired on October 5, 2020. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 24, 202415 min

How to vote in 2024

There are more ways to exercise your right to vote than ever before. In this episode, NPR's voting and elections correspondent Miles Parks explains the ins and outs of casting your ballot and why it's simpler than you may think. Head to npr.org/vote for a state-by-state voter registration guide. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 23, 202418 min

The dirt on bathing

Whether you're Team Bath or Team Shower, there are some best practices to follow when it comes to cleaning your body. In this episode, dermatologists Sonia Batra and Michelle Henry share surprising insights on what it takes to wash your body right, from which soaps to use and how to keep your loofah or washcloth sanitary. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 19, 202426 minEp. 858