Life Kit

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...

How to talk to your aging parents about their finances

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 abou...

What to do when your house floods

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Copl...

How to deal with climate anxiety

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 cour...

How to refinance your mortgage

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Personal style when your body changes

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ill...

Stress-busting skills to try in everyday life

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to talk to your loved ones about misinformation

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Misinformation and disinformation undermine democracy by making it hard for people to make informed choices. It's also used to divide communities, sca...

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

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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?...

How to start saving for retirement

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary expla...

How to vote in 2024

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The dirt on bathing

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Up your lunchbox game

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sulhee Jessica Woo's love language is packing lunch. When she sends her three kids off to school, she includes themed lunches, snacks cut into cute sh...

How to show platonic love

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Loneliness can be just as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day — which means that having friends might literally save your life. But o...

Dear Life Kit: I'm at my breaking point

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with t...

Can magnesium help you sleep?

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you slee...

How to cut down food waste (and fight climate change)

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tossing out overripe avocados, wilted greens and sour milk isn't just costing you money — it's also contributing to climate change. In this episode,...

Math for English majors

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If math never quite stuck for you, Ben Orlin is here to change that. He says think of math as a language. Numbers are the nouns and the arithmetic ope...

Boost your mood in 15 minutes

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you're just feeling blah: the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments...

How to make networking less awkward

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Shaking hands, sending cold emails and asking for coffee can feel unnatural. Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains how to create meaningful job co...

Smart credit card habits to keep you out of debt

29 Aug 2024

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 help your Gen Z kid cope with their back-to-school emotions

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a recent surv...

Dealing with neighbor drama

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Conflicts with neighbors are common. Trash, noise, parking, weeds — there are seemingly endless ways neighbors can get on each other's nerves. But i...

Fruit flies don't appear out of nowhere. Here's how to get rid of them

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing a swarm of pesky fruit flies in the kitchen is frustrating. We talk with a fruit fly researcher about how fruit flies make their way into your ...

How to buy less stuff

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling to save for long-term goals, find yourself lost in a sea of clutter or are concerned about consumerism and climate change, there ...

Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Family law attorney Theresa Viera explains how to talk about it with your partner and decide whether it's...

Spending time in a forest can boost health and lower stress. Here's how

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spending time in the forest isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health. Here are some research-backed exercises to try the next time you find you...

Build strength with a weightlifting routine

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Strong muscles are good for us. They help prevent injuries, strengthen bones and improve balance. But it can be hard to build muscle mass if you're in...

Dear Life Kit: Your most petty social dilemmas, answered

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lunch snubs, bad neighbors and needy in-laws. Advice columnist R. Eric Thomas responds to the bad behavior getting under your skin.Learn more about sp...

How to know if you're in a codependent relationship

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you always fall for people who don't like you back? Do your friendships feel one-sided? Do work obligations creep into your personal life? If you n...

Common financial mistakes to avoid

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money...

How tech experts recommend organizing your photos

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Running out of storage? We spoke with a consumer tech expert, a professional photo organizer and a photo-l...

Find your singing voice

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When some of the greatest singers are Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande or Beyoncé, it's easy to feel like being a good singer is just a dream. But you ...

Overwhelmed by your smartphone? Try a boring phone

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your phone is designed to suck you in. You might use it to check the weather or look up directions, only to find yourself doomscrolling on social medi...

What happens after someone cheats

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The pain of infidelity in a romantic relationship can often break a couple apart — but the decision to stay or go is rarely a simple one. In this ep...

Take your salads from drab to fab

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We could all be eating more vegetables. One fast way to do that: toss them in a salad. To make a crave-worthy salad you'll actually want to eat, don't...

Unhappy at work? How to plan your next move

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To find a job you actually enjoy, figure out what's making you unhappy and move forward from there, says Tessa West, author of the new book Job Therap...

Scams can happen to anyone — here's how to protect yourself

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New, sophisticated scams are popping up all the time. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudster...

How to babyproof your relationship

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With a baby on the way, you'll need to babyproof your home — and your relationship. In this episode, how to strengthen your connection with your par...

How to revamp your rental

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just because you're renting your home doesn't mean you can't make it your own. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey fo...

5 strategies to help you cope with a nagging feeling of dread

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The list of things we dread is almost endless: the Sunday scaries, deadlines, climate change — the list goes on. How can we feel better? Saleem Resh...

How to talk to a parent about their past

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You might not know a lot about your parent's life before they had you: their childhood dreams, their first love, their heartbreaks. If you're a child ...

Hiking tips for beginners

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You don't need much to go for a hike. You can enjoy nature whether you're at a national park or on a neighborhood stroll. But before you head out, you...

Why you should connect with your kid, not correct them

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist Becky Kennedy, author of the book "Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be," urges parents to spend more time raising ...

Avoid these 6 sunscreen mistakes

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Making sure you're protected from the summer sun starts with a good sunscreen. But how do you know which sunscreen is best, how much to use or when to...

Check, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dining out with a large group and not sure how to handle the check? In this episode, chef and food writer Kiki Aranita walks us through common dining ...

Set your summer reading goals

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to read more can be a hard habit to stick to. If you want to read more, try setting a goal to get you motivated. To make a goal that works for ...

"Screen apnea": How our use of tech affects our breathing

29 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have "screen apnea?" Former Microsoft executive Linda Stone coined this term in 2007 after noticing she'd developed an unhealthy habit while an...

Keeping intimacy alive after having a baby

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's hard to find time for anything with a newborn at home. And in the months after having a baby, intimacy with your partner may fall to the wayside....

BMI is flawed. Try a body composition test

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overw...

Debunking sleep myths

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyon...

Staying safe in extreme heat

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The summer's first major heat wave has arrived. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes they j...

Grilling for beginners

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that. In this episode, learn the basics from which type of grill to choose, to how to maint...

Healthy money habits for couples

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should you merge your finances with a significant other? Keep them separate? Or something in between? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan Podvin breaks ...