You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his new book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You , he says there are specific tools you can use to "skillfully push" your feelings around in a way that's useful, whether that's confronting them in the moment or avoiding them until you're ready to process them. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Feb 06, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today's parents are more involved in their children's lives — and more stressed out — than they were two decades ago, according to an advisory from the 2024 U.S. Surgeon General. So how can they catch a break? Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle explains why parental burnout is a public health crisis and offers realistic ways to ease the pressure. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Feb 04, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is banning Red No. 3, a food dye additive in processed foods like sodas, sweets and snacks. Recently, it and other dyes were linked to negative behavioral issues in children, and decades ago, high levels of Red No. 3 were linked to cancer in rats. This episode, NPR science podcast Short Wave explains what we know about Red No. 3's harmful health effects and the other dyes that may replace it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podc...
Feb 03, 2025•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's normal to feel some pain or soreness after a workout. But how much is too much, and more importantly, how do you get relief? This episode, build out your post-workout recovery routine. A sports medicine doctor, nutritionist and professional athlete break down everything you can do from the moment your last workout finishes to right before your next one begins – to feel better in your body, minimize your injury risk and get the most out of that gym session. Learn more about sponsor message c...
Jan 30, 2025•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The heart wants what it wants, but it's rarely that simple. Advice columnist Meredith Goldstein and psychologist Monica O'Neal — two longtime love experts and real-life friends — answer burning questions about work wives and friend zones, just in time for Valentine's Day. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jan 28, 2025•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally published November 7, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jan 27, 2025•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast There are ways to travel on a budget without completely draining your bank account — but you might have to let go of the over-the-top luxury travel images you see on Instagram. In this episode, we'll help you travel with intention, save ahead and maximize travel tools to get the best deals and savings on the trips you want to take. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Posture doesn't mean standing up straight or gliding across a room with a book on your head. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down the meaning of healthy posture and how you can nurture it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jan 21, 2025•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever met someone who is exceptionally easy to talk to? Someone who – simply through good conversation – gets you to open up? These are all common traits of "supercommunicators" — people who are consistently able to create authentic connections with others just by listening and talking. In this episode, journalist Charles Duhigg talks about how anyone can become a "supercommunicator." This episode originally published February 20, 2024. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastch...
Jan 20, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want in your everyday life. This episode originally published April 11, 2024. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jan 16, 2025•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast You want to support your loved one on their special day — but that can come with a steep financial cost. How do you choose between the three destination weddings? How do you say no to a friend's big event without damaging your relationship? In this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle breaks down the cost of being there: how much big celebrations like a bachelorette trip or baby shower might cost you and what to do if you're worried about your budget. Learn more about sponsor message choices: ...
Jan 14, 2025•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease stress and more. In this episode, we cover what exercise and activities count as cardio, how to reap its benefits and how much to do. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jan 13, 2025•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Even if you dislike cooking, you still have to eat every day. In this episode, Margaret Eby, author of You Gotta Eat: Real-Life Strategies for Feeding Yourself When Cooking Feels Impossible , shares practical tips for getting meals on the table. Plus, Samin Nosrat, author of Salt Fat Acid Heat , offers expert advice on how to become more confident in your kitchen. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jan 09, 2025•25 min•Ep 907•Transcript available on Metacast It's easy to set big goals — but will you stick with them? The buddy system can help. In this episode, we talk about how to find an accountability partner and build a lasting, productive relationship. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Jan 07, 2025•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz talks about some of the 75 evidence-based tips from her book Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. This episode originally published Jan. 15, 2024. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NP...
Jan 06, 2025•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Looking to be more active in the new year? Here are four expert tips on how to fit movement into your hectic schedule and stay motivated with research-backed strategies. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Jan 02, 2025•15 min•Ep 904•Transcript available on Metacast As we say goodbye to 2024, let's also bid farewell to some less than ideal money habits — like unnecessary impulse purchases, credit card debt getting out of hand and the trap of lifestyle creep. This episode will give helpful tips on how to start the new year on good financial footing. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 31, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock of the year. Reporter Kyle Norris talks with Buddhist Lama Rod Owens about how to get reflective during this time. Plus, a creative exercise to help you look back from cartoonist Nicole J. Georges. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 30, 2024•20 min•Ep 902•Transcript available on Metacast If you want to drink less or give up alcohol completely, it's natural to feel scared or anxious at first. What do you do at parties? What if people think you're boring? And how can you deal with temptation? Casey Davidson, sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, has tips for those starting a sobriety journey. And she argues that everyone would benefit from an evaluation of when and how alcohol shows up in their lives. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newslet...
Dec 26, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Got piles of stuff you just can't seem to get rid of? Professional organizer Star Hansen explains how to let go of unnecessary items – and keep your home neat and tidy. This episode originally published December 12, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 24, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Romance makes us feel vulnerable, and dating can feel high stakes. We talk about how to keep things in perspective and take care of your mental health in relationships. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 23, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a mass-produced dupe. In the moment, it's difficult to resist the temptation of making a purchase. But with a few pointed questions, you can make sure you've done your due diligence and buy something guilt-free. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying. Learn more about sponsor ...
Dec 19, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast New research shows 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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 17, 2024•15 min•Ep 897•Transcript available on Metacast Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes what matters. This episode originally published January 4, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 16, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is solid on this trend. She shares the many health benefits of walking after eating: better digestion, more balanced blood sugar levels and a healthier gut microbiome. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 12, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Holiday family gatherings can be stressful. But what if moments of tension could be a moment for growth? Psychotherapist Daniel Olavarría weighs in on questions from listeners with tricky family dilemmas. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 10, 2024•20 min•Ep 894•Transcript available on Metacast Winter is back. The days are shorter, the cold air hurts when breathing in and a warm bed seems more appealing than the outdoors. For some, remaining active and social can be challenging once the clocks roll back an hour. But should we let winter keep us from living our lives? In this episode, health psychologist Kari Leibowitz discusses her new book, How To Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. She gives tips about how to enjoy winter and explains how a slight...
Dec 09, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast When a friend's loved one has died, what do you do? Send flowers? Condolences? Distract them? It can be hard to know how to support a grieving friend. You want to be there for them, but you also know there's not much you can do to heal their pain. This episode, reporter Julia Furlan talks to grief experts about the most effective ways to show up for someone. And she shares insights from the times she's supported her own friends through their loss. An earlier version of this story incorrectly sta...
Dec 05, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we enter a period of high personal spending, here are 5 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money during the holidays and year-round. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 03, 2024•17 min•Ep 891•Transcript available on Metacast 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. 'SELF magazine' editor-in-chief Rachel Wilkerson Miller shares her best tips for the holidays, birthdays or any other occasion. This episode was originally published on February 2, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 02, 2024•17 min•Ep 889•Transcript available on Metacast