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.
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Children's health professionals widely recommend a strategy known as 'special time' to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. This episode explains how to do it and why this simple and free tool is so powerful. This episode originally ran October 17, 2022. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.n...
This episode of Life Kit provides practical strategies to manage limited time and focus on passion projects. It emphasizes picking one main goal and accepting what you're willing to "fail at." Experts discuss finding accountability in community, building effective routines, and improving memory through sensory cues. The episode also highlights the importance of eliminating distractions and mindful digital minimalism, ultimately encouraging a balanced approach that embraces play and a long-term perspective.
Solo travel offers unique opportunities for self-discovery and adventure, despite initial anxieties. This episode provides essential guidance, from starting with small trips and choosing suitable destinations to planning ahead for safety and avoiding common pitfalls like the single supplement. It emphasizes embracing discomfort, being prepared to pivot plans, and fostering connections to truly enjoy and grow from your solo journeys.
BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist at Stanford University and author of Tiny Habits, says you’ve got to start small if you want your habit to stick. He shares his research including the important role of positive emotion in habit formation and why you can work on several habits at once. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Lif...
For a lot of us, this time of year often triggers a financial reckoning. As you recover from the holidays, here are 6 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money year-round. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of p...
Dealing with sleeplessness is a common, often lonely struggle that can escalate into chronic insomnia if anxiety isn't managed. This episode delves into effective non-pharmacological treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI), emphasizing actionable steps such as maintaining a strict wake-up time and implementing relaxing pre-sleep rituals. It also addresses how to manage daytime worries and critically assess sleep tracker data to reduce sleep-related stress.
Many of us crave stronger community, especially in the areas we live. Imagine how nice it would be to know all of your neighbors, have third spaces you're a regular at and plan routine gatherings with a wide circle of friends. But how do you actually make this dream a reality? Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering , shares her best tips for building community at the local level. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want ...
When it comes to weight loss, there are many misconceptions about what works. So if you want to lose weight this year, here's what the science says about the potential health benefits, GLP-1 drugs, exercise and more. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Building Strength here: npr.org/stronger Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up ...
Happy New Year! If you want to achieve a goal (big or small) this year, make sure it's specific, concrete and realistic. In this episode, writer Gretchen Rubin shares how to set and maintain resolutions, what to do when you fall away from them and other ways to look ahead to your 2026. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Building Strength here: npr.org/stronger Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit...
There are a lot of myths about strength training. But one thing is true: resistance training has massive benefits for your physical and mental health. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has the tips you need to get stronger in the New Year. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Building Strength here: npr.org/stronger Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sp...
Personal finance can be a tricky subject to navigate. There's a lot of conflicting guidance on which savings account to use, how to budget properly and where to invest your money. And it's easy to make a mistake. This episode, financial educator Yanely Espinal shares the common financial mistakes she wish she knew about earlier. This episode originally published August 6, 2024. Sign up for our strength newsletter series here: npr.org/stronger . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our...
Giving up alcohol for any amount of time can be challenging. Alcohol is embedded into countless norms and customs, from date nights to office happy hours. This episode, Casey Davidson, sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, shares advice on taking an extended break from drinking: what to expect in the first few weeks, how to deal with social pressure and the many benefits of limiting your alcohol intake. This episode originally published December 26, 2024. Sign up for our Dry Janu...
Searching for the perfect gift for a loved one doesn't have to be stressful. With some clever thinking, buying a present can be even more fun than receiving one. Author Rachel Wilkerson Miller shares her best tips for the holidays, birthdays or any other occasion. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr...
Death can be an uncomfortable and scary topic. But J.S. Park, a hospital chaplain and author of As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve , says talking about it can help us prepare for and process death — our own and those we love. On this episode of Life Kit, Park shares how to support someone who’s dying, what death can look like, and how to consider death without obsession or fear. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want ...
Getting a good haircut can take some trial and error. Three professional stylists break down how to find a salon you can trust, what a successful consultation looks like, and how to walk out loving your new cut. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information abou...
The holidays bring all kinds of family drama: the sibling who won't compromise, the grandparents who won't travel and different expectations of everything from etiquette to hygiene. Expert negotiator Bob Bordone and therapist Sahaj Kaur Kohli answer questions from Dear Life Kit listeners about how to handle holiday stress at family gatherings. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Suppo...
Long-term unemployment can lead to more than just financial worries. It can weigh on relationships and affect your self-esteem and motivation. Financial therapist and licensed clinical social worker Dev Valdez shares advice to protect your mental health while you're between jobs, especially if you've been out of work for an extended period. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support ...
Don't get swindled while buying gifts this holiday season. This episode, Amy Nofziger of AARP's Fraud Watch Network explains how to safeguard yourself from common shopping scams like fake shipping alerts and online stores — and offers advice on what to do if you fall for one. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+...
When it comes to relationships, being comfortable is not necessarily the same as sharing emotional intimacy. But if you're in a long-term relationship, how do you maintain closeness over time? In this episode of Life Kit, psychologist James Cordova shares tips on how to build emotional intimacy into your daily life. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it...
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Most of the time, diagnosis happens through routine screenings. This episode, we discuss risk factors for prostate cancer, how to get screened and what you can do if you are diagnosed. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr....
There's research showing that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to tune up your body's internal clock. This episode originally published December 17, 2024. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pc...
Investing can feel daunting, but this episode with financial journalist Mary Childs breaks down essential concepts. It explains different retirement accounts like 401ks and IRAs, details various investment funds including index funds and ETFs, and emphasizes the role of diversification with bonds. Listeners will also learn about adjusting investment strategies based on age and short-term financial goals, alongside the tax implications and benefits of various investment vehicles.
There can be a lot of stress when it comes to the holidays: figuring out travel plans, preparing the perfect meal, spending time with the whole family for days on end. There can also be a lot pressure to do everything perfectly, but psychotherapist and author of All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays, Niro Feliciano, says that letting go of the need for perfection can actually make your holiday less stressful. This episode, Feliciano shares tips for keeping...
Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run , explains why anyone who wants to run can run. He shares tips on gear, training programs and what he calls "sexy pace." This episode originally aired on June 22, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/...
Navigate the holiday shopping season wisely by understanding common marketing ploys. This episode reveals how retailers use urgency, false scarcity, and deceptive pricing strategies like anchoring to influence purchases. Learn to identify real deals, compare prices effectively, and make strategic choices that align with your actual needs and budget, ensuring you're happy with your purchases.
Psychologist Kari Leibowitz shares insights from her research in places with extreme winters, revealing how a change in mindset and simple adaptations can transform our experience of the colder months. Learn how to prepare your home and mind, embrace nature's call to slow down, find joy in outdoor activities, and cultivate inner warmth through coziness and creativity, turning winter into a time of reflection and renewal.
Many women experience hair loss, which can be emotionally devastating. This episode from NPR's Shortwave delves into the science behind hair growth and different types of hair loss, including temporary shedding, pattern hair loss, and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata. It highlights the challenges of obtaining an accurate diagnosis, explores various treatment options from new drugs to traditional remedies, and offers insights on finding support and redefining beauty.
This episode provides actionable strategies to manage common social anxiety, differentiating it from social anxiety disorder and explaining when to seek professional help. It covers how to build social courage through small, consistent efforts, prepare effectively for social events, and engage more authentically during interactions. Learn to embrace awkwardness, shift focus from self-consciousness, and debrief post-event for continuous growth and connection.
This episode features Brett McKay of The Art of Manliness discussing vital men's health topics, from rethinking physical identity beyond traditional athleticism to understanding the importance of muscle power as we age. He delves into testosterone levels, emphasizing lifestyle interventions, and explores how depression can uniquely manifest in men, offering practical, research-backed management strategies. The conversation concludes with the surprising 'good stress' of socializing and its long-term benefits for well-being.
This episode tackles listener questions about handling unsolicited advice, from judgmental in-laws to strangers commenting on appearance, and societal pressure regarding relationship milestones. Experts share strategies for setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and prioritizing personal well-being when faced with unwanted opinions and expectations. It emphasizes self-worth and discerning whose advice to value.
