Life Kit

Our favorite tips on exercise, sleep, and play

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Harris of the 10% Happier podcast interviews Life Kit host Marielle Segarra as part of their Get Fit Sanely series. Marielle talks her favorite ti...

So you got laid off. What next?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you saw it coming or were completely blindsided, getting laid off is one of the most stressful experiences in life. It can also be a huge hit ...

How to make decisions you won't regret

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should you move across the country? Take that job? Have a baby? Life is full of big decisions and it can be easy to get stuck in the "what-ifs" of the...

Avoid debt with these credit card tips

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owne...

How to pack for your summer travel

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nailing the vacation packing list is a difficult art. Overpacking or underpacking can make an already unpleasant travel day go off the rails. But when...

5 essential water skills to know this summer

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming if ...

Dear Life Kit: I'm having neighbor drama

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What should you do if your next-door neighbor plays the drums all the time? Or shows up uninvited? Or leaves trash in their front yard? In this episod...

How to lead a more creative life

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle says creativity isn't a trait. It's a choice, something you can foster and prioritize. In this episode of Life Kit...

How to keep old friends

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nina Badzin, host of the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, has spent a lot of time thinking about the richness that old friends add t...

How to stay calm in emergency situations

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are some emergency scenarios we don't want to think about: medical accidents, mass shootings or suicidal crises. But when these situations happe...

The connecting power of 'magical questions'

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to cut through small talk at your next mixer? Try asking a "magical question," says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of...

How to save big on groceries

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Groceries aren't cheap, but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical t...

How to bring the house down at karaoke

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Karaoke isn't just a crowd-pleasing pastime. When well-executed, it can unite a room of strangers and help you build your internal power. Zak Rosen, r...

How to maintain your friendships after kids

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It can be tough to navigate adult friendships when kids come into the picture. Parents assume their child-free buds don't want to hang out with them, ...

Often ignored spring cleaning tips

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is a great excuse to tackle those hard-to-clean appliances and furniture. In this episode, Kyshawn Lane of the Weekly Home Check walks through...

Here's why your feet hurt — and what you can do about it

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In ...

What to eat for better sleep

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-b...

How to handle your money during tariff uncertainty

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With stock market volatility and fears of price increases driven by the new tariffs, you may be worried about your finances. In this episode, certifie...

Improve your sense of direction

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you always need to use GPS to get around? Never quite sure if it's a left or a right turn — even though you just looked at a map? I...

Why spending time in the woods makes you feel calm

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Decades of research have shown that "forest bathing" is good for your health. It can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and help with depr...

The etiquette of texting

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, tips on how to manage your text messages, from dealing with chaotic group chats to getting an unresponsive friend to message you back...

Can I afford to buy a house?

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buying a home can feel out of reach for many. But if you're an aspiring homeowner, there are ways to make it a reality. In this episode, mortgage repo...

The art and pleasure of writing a letter

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In her new book, Syme's Letter Writer, Rachel Syme of The New Yorker explains how to write a delightful letter to a loved one. Unlike texting and emai...

5 simple ways to minimize stress

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big...

DLK: In our relationship, her dog comes first. Now I'm having doubts about us

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

That uncertainty you might feel in romantic relationships is common — and not always a bad thing, say Haley Nahman, writer of the Maybe Baby newslet...

How to relieve constipation

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episod...

How to pack a go bag for emergencies

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As climate emergencies like wildfires and hurricanes become more prevalent, it's important to have essentials like food and medicine on hand and ready...

How to find a supportive queer community

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity for the first time, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. You might be processing mixed emotions, gr...

A beginner's guide to bartering

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bartering can help you mind your budget and build relationships with your community. In this episode, we cover how to suggest bartering as an option a...

Over-the-counter pain medications 101

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should ...

How to raise kids in a multilingual home

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of benefits to raising a child speaking two or more languages: a better understanding of their culture and their relatives, cognitive ...

Start your financial self-care routine

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are things we're supposed to do routinely for our health: brush our teeth, shower and exercise. There's a version of that for financial health t...

Car safety 101: Crashes, road rage, weather and more

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You might know the basics of car safety, like buckling your seatbelt or using your turn signal. But what do you do in car emergencies? This episode, H...

How to maintain an exercise routine as you age

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's important to exercise as we age. Regular movement can help not just with cardiovascular health and maintaining muscle mass — it can also foster...

Don't panic when the markets are down

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

About 60% of Americans have some money in the stock market — and the markets are not doing great. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. But expe...

What's in your lotion? A guide to personal care product safety

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to get overwhelmed by long ingredient lists when it comes to personal care products like shampoo, makeup and lotion. Which substances could ...

Too many goals and too little time? How to focus your attention

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time is precious and we never seem to have enough of it. We have to work, feed ourselves, clean our homes, take care of kids or family members, catch ...

OMG how embarrassing! How to stop feeling so awkward

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cringing at the time you gave a speech with spinach in your teeth, or accidentally liked an ex's picture on social media? Still reliving that incident...

It's time to make your dream vacation a reality

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jealous of your friends' spring break plans? This year, get your summer trip out of the group chat. Condé Nast Traveler's articles director Lale Ari...

The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is happiness? How do you define it? Maybe it's feeling good, having a sunny disposition or being fulfilled, even if you don't feel pleasant all t...

Freshen up your resume

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do's, don'ts and current best practices for resume-writing from career coach Cynthia Pong. One tip? Keep the format simple and make it easy to read. T...

Dear Life Kit: Can I tell my friend she texts me too much?

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to friendship, how honest is too honest? Friendship experts, and real-life friends, Danielle Bayard Jackson and Marisa G. Franco weigh i...

How to create your own spiritual practices

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking to connect to something greater than yourself, but aren't sure how? In this episode, a spiritual psychiatrist and a professor of theol...

Your 2025 tax questions, answered

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tax attorneys Hana Boruchov and Leo Gabovich answer questions from our audience about the 2025 tax season. They explain whether or not to get an accou...

Techniques to help you figure out how to make a big life change

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been thinking about going back to school, starting your own business or moving to a new country? How do you know it's time to make the leap? ...

Buy now, pay later loans are becoming more popular. Here's what to know

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — maybe you've noticed these platforms when shopping online. They allow you to break up large payments into smaller install...

Meal prep made easy

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal pr...

How caregivers can prevent burnout

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 1 in 5 Americans are acting as unpaid caregivers. The work can be meaningful but also stre...

How to get on the same page about money with your partner

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How financially compatible are you with your partner? Is your partner a spender while you're a saver? Are you on the same page about saving for retire...

The benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent study found that one key to gut health is eating a wide variety of plants. In this episode, we talk about the research with NPR's Maria Godoy...

A creative way to mend your clothing

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next time you rip a sweater, don't throw it out. Extend its life with "visible mending," a creative sewing technique that uses stitches, fabric an...

How to 'shift' your emotions

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his new book, Shift: Managing Your Emotion...

How to combat parental burnout

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fro...

The science behind the FDA ban on food dye Red No. 3

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

How to recover after a workout

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Dear Life Kit: He kissed me then took it back

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The heart wants what it wants, but it's rarely that simple. Advice columnist Meredith Goldstein and psychologist Monica O'Neal — two longtime love e...

Simple ways to protect yourself from scams

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally...

How to travel on a budget

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to improve your posture

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 bre...

How to be a 'supercommunicator'

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 al...

Negotiation tactics for everyday life

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with mor...

The cost of being there: budget for your friend's celebrations

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 destina...

What you need to know about cardio

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy lev...

How to cook when you're not into cooking

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How a buddy system can help you reach your goals

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny T...

How to move more this year

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Financial habits to leave behind in 2025

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 getti...

Take a moment to reflect before the new year

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Bud...

How to cut down on drinking

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Clear out your clutter

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to stop overanalyzing romantic relationships

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Should I buy that thing? A framework to help you decide

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

How to optimize your circadian rhythm

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

7 tiny hacks that can improve your to-do list

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Why you should take a 'fart walk' after a meal

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is sol...

Dear Life Kit: My family stresses me out around the holidays

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Holiday family gatherings can be stressful. But what if moments of tension could be a moment for growth? Psychotherapist Daniel Olavarría weighs in o...

How to thrive, not just survive in winter

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to support a grieving friend

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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....

5 ways to cut back your spending

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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.Lea...

Give great gifts

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 rec...

It's ok to run slow AF

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club, explains what running is and what it isn't — and why anyone who wants to run can run. And for people int...

What people get wrong about hangovers

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel anxious after a night drinking? Two doctors weigh in on how to treat hangover symptoms especially 'hangxiety' after drinking too much. Plu...

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

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Holiday travel is stressful — especially if you're dealing with family baggage on top of your actual baggage. But with some patience and boundary se...

Got two left feet? A guide to dance

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 sh...

A beginner's guide to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 proces...

Clever kitchen hacks from 'Bake Off' judge Prue Leith

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A stress-free guide to organizing important paperwork

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The paper of life — birth certificates, tax information, medical records and other important documents — all have to go somewhere. But keeping tra...

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

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to pick the right health insurance plan

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Busting myths about hydration

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 scie...

How to recover from a bad night of sleep

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 you...

How to slow down when you eat

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She sh...

How to find lost objects: Techniques that really work

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and advice columnist Sophia Benoit weighs in on questions from listeners with sticky interpersonal situations and gives us a gut check on eac...

A guide to breast cancer screening

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

October is breast cancer awareness month. Here's what you need to know about detection and screening.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcast...

Should you let your kid quit something?

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State ...

How to cut ultra-processed foods from your diet

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

How "parts" therapy can help you heal

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Internal Family Systems, a type of therapy, encourages an examination of the different "parts" of your self. Listening to and learning from the voices...