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 shapes, and sweet notes to give them some support while they're away. If you want to level up your kid's school lunches, she has some suggestions. This episode, Sulhee Jessica Woo shares advice from her new cookbook, Let's Make Some Lunch: Recipes Made with Love for Everyone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 often, we don't pay friendships the respect they deserve compared to romantic or familial relationships. In this episode, reporter Kavitha George talks with psychologist and friendship expert Marisa Franco about how to make more friends and deepen our preexisting friendships. This episode was originally published Sept. 13, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with the people around them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you sleep. But does it really work? NPR's health correspondent Maria Godoy brings us the science behind the trend – and magnesium's effect on sleep.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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, learn how to reduce your food waste with composting strategies and creative recipes. This episode originally published December 12, 2019.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 operations are verbs. This episode, learning the language of math to help you in your day-to-day life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shaking hands, sending cold emails and asking for coffee can feel unnatural. Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains how to create meaningful job connections in more authentic ways. This episode originally published on October 2, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 owner or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of your card, this episode will walk through the fundamentals of the credit card game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a recent survey. Teen psychologist Lisa Damour explains how parents can better support their kids as a new school year begins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Conflicts with neighbors are common. Trash, noise, parking, weeds — there are seemingly endless ways neighbors can get on each other's nerves. But it doesn't have to be that way. A mediator and a dispute resolution expert say that taking calm, measured steps to resolve conflict can lead to greater understanding and even harmony between you and the folks on your block.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 home, how to ripen fruit without attracting them and how to trap them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 are ways to curb your shopping habits. This episode, journalist Stacey Vanek Smith talks to writers, influencers and activists in the sustainable fashion industry about how to reign in overconsumption, rethink our power as consumers and challenge ourselves to buy less.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 right for you. This episode originally published August 31, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 yourself under a canopy of trees.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 intimidated by the weight room or unsure of how much weight to lift. Writer and audio producer Alex Sujong Laughlin shares her weightlifting journey — and her own tips and challenges along the way. This episode was originally published October 12, 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 notice that your needs aren't being met or that your boundaries aren't respected in your relationships, these connections may have grown codependent. Luckily, there are ways to break the pattern and reclaim your sense of self. Journalist Gina Ryder explains how to spot signs of codependency in your relationships and how to forge stronger, reciprocal bonds.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 you don't have. If you've been making these missteps, don't worry — Espinal has advice on how to create a path forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Running out of storage? We spoke with a consumer tech expert, a professional photo organizer and a photo-loving tech entrepreneur to get their tried-and-true methods for sorting digital photo collections — whether you're doing simple, routine prevention of photo bloat or starting a big archiving project. This episode originally published December 31, 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 don't need to be a Grammy-level artist to have fun at karaoke or sing along to the radio in the car. These tips will help you find your voice.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 media. If you're worried about your screen time or find it difficult to unplug, switching to a simple phone could help, says Jose Briones, author of Low Tech Life. Devoid of distracting apps and features, these phones are basic and boring — which is exactly what you might want in a device you carry around all day.In a previous version of the audio of this episode, the app WhatsApp was mentioned. We did not previously disclose that WhatsApp is a sponsor of NPR.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 episode of Life Kit, psychologist and affair recovery specialist Talal Alsaleem answers your questions about cheating, infidelity and affairs. We cover everything from how to spot red flags to how to rebuild trust if you choose to stay together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 be afraid to experiment with flavors (like kimchi or sauerkraut), add texture (think candied nuts or thinly sliced red cabbage) — and treat yourself to a freshly made homemade dressing. This episode originally published July 24, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You. West offers practical exercises to help assess your strongest skill sets, your stressors and what you need next from your career.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

New, sophisticated scams are popping up all the time. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally published on November 11, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 partner and survive the newborn phase. Learn how to navigate fairness in domestic responsibilities, keep a cool head on little sleep, and your new roles.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 for the long term.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 Reshamwala, host of the podcast More Than a Feeling, shares practices for managing that nagging feeling of impending doom. The episode originally published November 28, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 of immigrants, there might be even less you know due to language barriers or traumatic experiences. But all of these things are passed down through generations. This episode, journalist and writer Aarti Shahani interviews Min Jin Lee, author of Pachinko, and three other writers about how to unpack your parent's past with them — and how doing so can both bring you closer and help you better understand yourself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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'll want to consider your route, a couple of safety precautions and your gear. Want better sleep? Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Better Sleep, our special newsletter series. When you sign up, you'll receive a series of emails over one week, with tips you can try that very night to prioritize and improve your sleep. Sign up at npr.org/sleepweek.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 thoughtful humans instead of fixing their behavior. This episode originally published September 26, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 reapply? In this episode from Short Wave, NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares the six common mistakes people make with sunscreen — and how to level up your sunscreen game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 scenarios to ensure the bill is handled fairly and smoothly.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 you — consider setting a genre or page count goal rather than just counting the number of books you read.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you have "screen apnea?" Former Microsoft executive Linda Stone coined this term in 2007 after noticing she'd developed an unhealthy habit while answering emails: She held her breath. Body Electric host Manoush Zomorodi talks to Stone about this phenomenon — and gets insight from James Nestor, author of "Breath," on how to reset our breath and relieve screen time stress. Binge the whole Body Electric series here. Sign up for the Body Electric Challenge and their newsletter here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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. But sex and relationship experts say that maintaining your intimate relationship with your partner is a worthwhile challenge. In this episode we'll talk strategies for reconnecting with your partner, exploring your desires, and expanding your ideas of sex and intimacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. But sometimes, you need more than two numbers to understand your health. For example, BMI can't tell you how much of your weight is fat versus muscle. That's why a growing number of researchers and physicians prefer other metrics instead. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey breaks down the history and shortcomings of BMI, and shares other methods to get a fuller picture of your body.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyone get a better night's rest. This episode originally published Janaury 9, 2024. Want better sleep? Sign up Life Kit's Guide to Better Sleep, our special newsletter series. When you sign up, you'll receive a series of emails over one week with tips you can try that very night to prioritize and improve your sleep. Sign up at npr.org/sleepweek.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 just can't keep up. In this episode of Life Kit, learn how to keep cool, hydrated and safe in extreme heat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 maintain a fire and create different temperature zones, to tips on tools and safety. This episode originally published May 24, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Should you merge your finances with a significant other? Keep them separate? Or something in between? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan Podvin breaks down different ways to handle your finances with a partner and how to keep communication open and honest no matter what financial plan you pick.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With graduation season here, our friends at NPR's All Songs Considered asked listeners to tell them about songs that bring back memories of the final days of high school, when they said goodbye to old friends, left home and struck out on their own. Join NPR's Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson as they reflect on graduation through song.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help double or triple survival rates. In this episode, we'll explain the basics of this emergency procedure so you can feel empowered to help in a life-or-death situation. Sign up for Life Kit's newsletterLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's easy to stop noticing what we love about our lives. Even the most passionate relationships, stimulating jobs and exciting cities can lose their sparkle. Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot, author of the new book Look Again, explains how to fall back in love with life's small joys. For more episodes from Life Kit, sign up for our weekly newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram weighs in on listener questions about crushes: unrequited love, romance with an expiration date, and reaching out to someone from your past.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Losing a sibling is a unique and often overlooked kind of grief. Many grieving siblings aren't given the same level of support as their parents or caregivers after a loss. But a sibling's grief can be just as powerful and potent. NPR health correspondent Rhitu Chatterjee shares advice on how best to cope with grief — and honor a sibling's memory.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you on this intimate and powerful journey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. To prevent drownings, make sure there's always a designated adult watching the water whenever kids are swimming. We'll cover other water safety tips to protect young swimmers safe this summer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you ever feel like your memory lets you down when you need it most? If you forget your keys every time you leave the house, struggle to remember new names or just need a boost before a big test, you might be in need of some memory training. Trivia and memory experts share their best tips for recalling more and warding off everyday forgetfulness.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fiber is a dietary superhero. It lowers cholesterol, helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps your hunger in check. But chances are, you're not getting enough of it. NPR health correspondent (and fiber fanatic) Maria Godoy shares easy ways to up your fiber intake. Plus, the science of what fiber does in your body and how having more in your diet could help you. This episode was originally published September 19, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ideas on how to have fun this summer without breaking the bank. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a little imagination, you can bring delight and joy — at a low cost — into your sunny days ahead. This episode originally published August 1, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When a romantic relationship ends, it can feel like a total loss. How do you go from being an important person in someone's life to a complete stranger? But experts say it doesn't have to be all or nothing. On this episode: Three questions to ask yourself before building a platonic connection with a former romantic partner.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You broke someone's heart. You missed your kid's recital. You weren't there for your mom when she needed you. Guilt! It can be painful – but also a powerful tool for connection. In this episode, learn how to have a healthy relationship with guilt with help from a psychologist and an ethics researcher.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Many parents share photos and videos of their babies and children on social media. But there are potential dangers to constantly posting about your kid online, says Leah Plunkett, a faculty member of Harvard Law School who specializes in children, family law and technology. This episode, Plunkett explains what adults should consider about a kid's privacy and personal data before hitting the upload button.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A visit to the gynecologist isn't just an essential part of your health routine. It's an opportunity to ask questions about your reproductive health, from birth control to painful periods to a decreased interest in sex. Dr. Rachel Bervell, co-founder of The Black OBGYN Project, explains how women and trans or non-binary people can structure their next visit — and get the answers they need. A previous version of this podcast defined endometriosis as a condition that happens when menstrual tissue that's supposed to be in the womb ends up outside the womb. It would have been more accurate to mention that gynecologists disagree on the origin of endometriosis. Some believe endometrial tissue originates in the uterus and migrates outside of the womb. Others believe that it originates outside of the uterus during fetal development.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Taylor Swift claimed that "jet lag is a choice" at this year's Super Bowl. Sleep scientists like Jade Wu would like you to know they very much disagree. The disorder can throw your body clock out of whack and leave you feeling sluggish — not great when you're on a big vacation abroad. Wu explains how to make jet lag less miserable and more manageable.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For a lot of people from Asian American backgrounds, discussing mental health - especially with loved ones - can be difficult. Psychologist and author Jenny T. Wang has advice on everything from working through guilt to defining home on your own terms. The episode originally published on May 26, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Check out your new NPR podcast listen: Wild Card with Rachel Martin. On the show, Rachel rips up the typical interview script and invites guests to play a game about life's biggest questions. In this episode, she talks with actor and writer Issa Rae. They discuss questions you can try asking a loved one, like: What's a moment when you felt proud of yourself as a kid? How do you stay connected to people you've lost?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Becoming a blended stepfamily can be fraught for everyone involved. How can your family build trust, function more smoothly and ultimately grow closer? In this episode, NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy shares research on stepsiblings and blended families that can make this process easier.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If a close friend or family member is in need of money, your first impulse might be to help out. But what if they don't pay you back? What if they need more than you can provide? How do you ensure your financial agreement doesn't harm your relationship? There are no hard and fast rules around lending money. Expectations may depend on culture, financial status or even your marital status. Advice on when to give — and how to say no.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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? It can be anxiety-inducing to get around when you don't have a great sense of direction. This episode, experts explain how to gain more confidence while navigating.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Pregnancy complications — like miscarriage, preterm birth or postpartum depression — are incredibly common. But expecting parents can often feel alone if they are experiencing these conditions, or like a second pregnancy is out of reach. This episode, Emily Oster, co-author of 'The Unexpected', on how to deal with complications when they arise, and make your next pregnancy a little smoother.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When was the last time you got lost in a book? These days, the act of 'deep reading,' or reading with intention, can be difficult to practice. Maryanne Wolf, an expert in the science of reading, explains what we lose when we skim — and how to create an environment conducive to deep reading.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Approximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researchers developed a five step plan to prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. NPR's Short Wave talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a team to implement the plan at his own hospital, about how to eliminate pain during shots.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates are rising among people under age 50. This episode, we explore how you can lower your risk and make sure you catch colorectal cancer early.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

No matter how old you are, having a happy birthday is one of life's great pleasures, says birthday enthusiast Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming. You just need to figure out what that means for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Etiquette coach Myka Meier revisits traditional wedding customs, including the cost of wedding gifts — and how much a mother-in-law should contribute to the matrimonial budget.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply live together, but share resources and create community. In this episode, co-living enthusiasts explain how it works and how to decide whether it's right for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine with the help of hearing experts — and get surprising advice on phone volume, noise exposure and Q-tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps home gardeners pick which plants to grow. But recently, roughly a quarter of the country has moved zones. What does this mean for your backyard plants? This episode, how to understand the changes to the hardiness zone map and other factors to think about when planning out your garden.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Introducing solids to your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens and safety to help you and your little one succeed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 too. We'll talk about those tasks — and go beyond the number-crunching to explore how our mental health affects our finances. This episode originally published August 15, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

"A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body," says science writer David Baron.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rooming with other people can be tricky. Here's how to negotiate a living environment that's safe, comfortable and pleasant for everyone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal with unexpected requests and more.A previous version of this story incorrectly said the company Square takes a "chunk of your tip." A representative from Square says while they charge a fee based on the whole transaction, including tip, the worker still gets the full amount of their tip.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Having dirty dishes in the sink isn't a moral failure. Therapist KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, has developed a framework for keeping up with house cleaning without feeling overwhelmed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You can strain your eyes if you stare at a screen for too long, say eye doctors — and that can cause eye fatigue, headaches and blurry vision. Nip those symptoms in the bud with these eye care tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life is full of tedious and time-consuming administrative tasks. Here's how to conquer your 'life admin' so you can get back to real life. This episode originally published September 25, 2019.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our bodies need protein to maintain muscle. That's important because muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then declines. In this episode, tips about understanding how much protein you really need.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What happens if your car runs out of power on a road trip? Is it better to buy an EV now or wait until you need a new car? A roundup of smart questions from our listeners.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Credit scores determine whether you can get a mortgage, credit card, auto loan and more. So if your score is subprime, how do you bump it up to above a 700? In this episode, find out how to read your credit report, navigate collections and negotiate payments.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. In this episode, revisit your relationship with procrastination — and learn tools to kick the habit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fish populations are dwindling around the world due to overfishing. Here's how to make the right choices when dining out or buying fish at the market.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Yes, there will be meltdowns. But there will also be joy. Tips on which baby gear to pack, how to prepare your child (and yourself) for the long journey – and how to make the trip fun for everyone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The longest relationship of your life might be with your sibling. But there aren't many tools for navigating the complex dynamic that can develop between childhood and adulthood. This episode addresses childhood misunderstandings, resentment, forgiveness and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Happy leap day! What will you do with your extra 24 hours? Whether you want to slow down and make time stop or just make sure to enjoy the time you've got, we've picked tips from some of our favorite episodes on how to spend your time wisely.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The popular weight loss drug Ozempic makes shedding pounds seem like magic. But the reality is more complicated, says family physician Dr. Mara Gordon. She explains why it's hard to talk about Ozempic without addressing weight stigma and diet culture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A good siesta can offer significant mental and physical health benefits. Here's how to take a nap that won't affect your nighttime sleep — and will leave you feeling energized.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mastering a new hobby, like bowling or baking, can be a frustrating process. But experts say it doesn't have to be that way. If you set yourself up for success at the start and allow yourself to make mistakes — you can stick with it. This episode originally published October 26, 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Called 'supercommunicators,' these people have the exceptional ability of creating authentic connections with others — just by listening and talking.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You don't need to be an expert to grow a nest egg. We'll cover how to build your portfolio, when to sell (or not sell) stocks and how to avoid fees.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you have boxes filled with photos, artwork and artifacts from when you were a kid? Here's how to decide what to keep and toss — and manage the emotions that come up along the way.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Gottmans have been studying marriage and relationships for 40 years. In a new book, Fight Right, they explain how successful couples resolve their conflicts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Just about every major streaming service has raised its subscription fees. At the same time, there are more programming bundles, membership deals, ad-supported subscriptions and streaming services overall. NPR TV critic and media analyst Eric Deggans shares a streaming strategy to help you get the most bang for your buck.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Just starting your career? Elainy Mata, host of the Harvard Business Review podcast New Here, offers advice on how to deal with issues that aren't part of the job description.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offers five accessible ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's tricky to talk to younger kids about sex. This episode helps parents get past the confusion and embarrassment around sex education so they can raise healthy, responsible kids. This episode originally aired December 17, 2019.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There are many decisions that go into getting a tattoo. You need to choose the right artist, design, style and placement. Veteran tattoo artist Noemi Barajas shares tips for first-timers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality and change your habits to limit indoor air pollution. This episode originally aired on May 9th, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you often find yourself in the center of other people's drama? Intervening when you wish you didn't? These practical tips can help you draw boundaries and stay in your lane.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Worry you're drinking too much coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug — and explain why caffeine may not deserve its bad reputation. This episode originally aired on March 7, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Becoming a mother is a complicated life transition. That postpartum feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster, not recognizing your body in the mirror and thinking that you've lost yourself is all part of the process. This episode offers guidance for mothers on how to get their footing, manage expectations, get support and prioritize time for themselves. These insights are also great for people who are in their support network.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you've been experiencing negative feelings like panic or anxiety for more than a few days, you might be in distress, says psychiatrist Dr. Kali Cyrus. Here's how to keep those emotions in check.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When money's tight, it's hard to save for a rainy day or pay off credit card debt. But it's not impossible, says Monique White, a financial expert and the head of community at Self Financial, Inc.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life happens. Sometimes we get injured or sick — and of course we get older. As we change, so should our exercise routine. Here's how to adapt your fitness plan to meet your body where it is.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Feeling overwhelmed, panicked or anxious? Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz offers simple techniques to improve your mood and calm your body and mind in minutes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Last fall, NPR's Body Electric challenged listeners to take part in a study with Columbia University. Over 20,000 people signed up to incorporate movement breaks into their day. So ... did it work?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you grew up playing music or you never progressed beyond "Hot Cross Buns," it's not too late to pick up a new instrument. Let fun lead the way and lose yourself in the joy of learning. Joel Snape, who picked up piano at age 40, offers tips for beginners.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Is it OK to exercise before you hit the hay? Sleep for less than 5 hours a night? Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins sets the record straight to help you get better sleep.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do's, don'ts and current best practices for resume-writing from career coach Cynthia Pong.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You don't have to be a marathoner or a gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. And that sort of "go big or go home" mentality can actually be a block to getting movement. This episode, we bust common misconceptions about exercise so you can get moving in a way that feels good to you. This episode originally published December 15, 2018.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The new year is a great time to update your budget, say financial experts. Here's what you can do to curb your spending, save for emergencies and keep your investments on track.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Happy New Year! If you want to make a resolution that sticks, the key to success is creating what's known as a SMART goal. This episode outlines how SMART goals work and how they can help you use your time for the things that matter most.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. You don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many people are told that running is not for them because of their body type. We talk to Martinus Evans, a running coach and the author of "Slow AF Run Club," about how you can start running in the body you have. This episode was originally published June 22, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Traci Thomas, host of the hit book podcast 'The Stacks,' shares 6 surprising tips on how to find your next great read. One tip? Don't be afraid to judge a book by its cover. This episode originally published on July 20, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do. (This episode originally aired in October 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Overdose deaths among teenagers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to opioids like fentanyl. Experts say drug education that focuses on harm reduction, an approach that focuses on safety rather than abstinence, could help save lives. Here's how to start the conversation with young people and how to respond in an emergency.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Some queer and trans people may experience rejection from their families after coming out. And so instead, they may have a chosen family: a loving network of friends and other nonbiological kin. Daniel Blevins, founder of Stand In Pride, an organization that helps LGBTQI people create relationships with parent figures, explains how to find friends you can lean on for support.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Between long-held traditions, unfair expectations and clashing personalities, the holidays can be a perfect storm for conflict. Therapist John Kim helps untangle three holiday conundrums.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Is your aunt asking too many personal questions? Is your cousin talking your ear off about politics? These coping techniques can help you navigate sticky social situations at family holiday parties.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episode was originally published July 10, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Designer Elaine Griffin explains her philosophy when it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, Hanukkah and all your winter festivities: Begin the process with intention — and don't be afraid to depart from tradition.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attacks to dementia and premature death. Primary care physician and author of the new book Project UnLonely Dr. Jeremy Nobel offers tips to feel less lonely and open up to connection again.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How cold is too cold? What kind of gear should you wear? And how do you stay motivated to workout outside when the weather is dreary? Cold-loving runners and a doctor share their advice to get moving during the winter. This episode originally published January 19, 2023Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Firearms are the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Take these life-saving precautions to protect kids — whether or not you own a gun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

These conversation starters get at the heart of your values, including how you deal with conflict, your attitude toward gender roles and your relationship with money.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Not sure which cause to support or how much to give? Kevin Scally of Charity Navigator has some advice to help you make the right decisions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being thankful doesn't have to happen just once a year. Creating a daily gratitude habit can improve our mental and physical health. This episode, ways to be grateful all year long. This episode originally published November 21, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Your ancestors don't have to feel like a distant memory. In this episode, spiritual practitioners and Indigenous educators offer cross-cultural guidance on how to set up a special place to honor them. Plus, how to dig into genealogical records.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dipping in cold water is a growing trend. It's not just for the thrill — people who cold plunge say it helps with anxiety, metabolic health and more. But is there science to support those claims?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Can't wait to take your bra off at the end of every day? A professional bra fitter explains how to find a bra that makes you feel comfortable and cute.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

But if you have to, here's some advice. Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel site Going.com (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), shares the best days to fly and what to do if your flight gets delayed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tired of swiping through dating profiles on your phone? Maybe it's time to get out there and meet people in real life. A sexuality and relationship educator shares advice about how to meet new people, strike up conversations and move on from a love interest if the vibe isn't there.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The average American generates five pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reduce your household trash by listing your output and taking these simple actions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise in children as a result of reduced time outside and screen usage. TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi talks to Maria Liu, an optometrist, about how to slow down this progression and how adults can protect their eyes, too.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

​A sister relentlessly picks on her brother despite their mom's best attempt to make peace between them. Psychologist Becky Kennedy shares advice with a parent who feels out of ideas — and patience.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's open enrollment season, meaning it's time to pick a health care plan. But it can be confusing to decipher all the acronyms and lingo of health care — so how do you pick the right health care plan for you? This episode, we break down commonly used terms and offer a strategy to help crunch the numbers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Soup can be a flexible, cozy meal that allows you to experiment in the kitchen. But to make a delicious one, you need to get some fundamentals down first. Chef Sohla El-Waylly offers her best tips on everything from creating a yummy broth to ensuring you get your cook time right.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help double or triple survival rates. In this episode, we'll explain the basics of this emergency procedure so you can feel empowered to help in a life-or-death situation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It can be anxiety-inducing to deliver a speech in front of an audience. How do you capture people's attention? What do you do if you stumble? A speechwriter and a speech coach share their best tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Three people who've spent time living with their parents as adults share advice on how they've coped with their situation. Don't compare yourself to others, they say — and find ways to still live your life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In this episode, we offer shame-free solutions for digging out of debt. This episode originally published on April 11, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Haven't figured out your costume yet? Don't sweat. Stylist Sophie Strauss explains how to create a Halloween outfit that's unexpected, fun and won't break the bank.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Baking pans, legal help, language classes and more — libraries can provide so much more than books. See if your local branch offers these free or discounted resources and services.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Last weekend, militants from the terrorist group Hamas killed more than a thousand people, including children, in an attack on Israel while also taking hostages. Israel has ordered a full siege of Gaza, where nearly half of residents are under 18 years of age. The news is alarming for anyone — especially for children, who may be left grappling with questions about why other children are among those affected, and whether they are safe. In this episode of Life Kit, NPR's Becky Sullivan gives us advice on how to talk to children about the violence in Israel and Gaza.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you're recuperating after an illness or injury, it's normal to not feel like yourself. Your body needs time to heal so you can get back to your regular activities. Physician Gavin Francis shares practical tips on active healing, deciding which activities to spend your energy on, and pacing yourself while still testing your limits.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your finances. In this episode, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change. This episode was originally published on February 28, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

To live a more climate friendly life, invest in home appliances and vehicles that run on electricity, not fossil fuels, say sustainability experts. Here are a few energy-saving solutions to consider.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Patric Richardson, host of 'The Laundry Guy' on HGTV, wants you to change the way you wash your clothes. Go ahead and wash those darks in warm water — and embrace the express cycle.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When we think about romance, many of us have a specific script in mind. Two people date, fall in love and get married. But that traditional path doesn't work for everyone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teeth, from finding a good dentist, to home teeth whitening, to the best brushing techniques. This episode originally published on February 27, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Congratulations! You've been accepted into college. Now you've got to find your way around campus, pick out classes, make new friends, and figure out a plan to graduate — on time. Here's how to make it easier. This episode originally published on September 3, 2019.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rethink your relationship with fiber, the dietary superhero of food — and learn clever ways to add more of it to your diet.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Giving in to your kid too much can be harmful to their development. Take the 'Test of Four' to examine your relationship with your child — then find out how to say 'no' and enforce rules that stick.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Updated versions of the mRNA vaccines roll out this week. Experts say they offer good protection against current COVID variants. Who should get them, and when's the best time to roll up your sleeve?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares advice on keeping your long-term financial goals in check and fending off the subconscious urge to automatically increase spending when your income increases. This episode originally published on July 14, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard, shares helpful tips on how to slow down while eating — including saying 'The 5 Contemplations' by Buddhist master Thích Nhất Hanh.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

I'm struggling to get my husband to make a family budget with me. Whenever the topic comes up, he completely gets defensive. How do I get him to talk to me about money?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

An entomologist shares surprising insights about the invasive bug, which is wreaking havoc on crops and trees across 14 U.S. states. Plus: A poster with our facts that you can print out at home.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Art professionals explain how to look at paintings and sculptures like an expert — and how to make the most out of a museum visit. This episode originally published January 10, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everyone should consider a prenuptial agreement before getting married, says family law attorney Theresa Viera. Here's how to talk about it with your partner and decide if it's right for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The three-year federal pause on student loans is expiring soon. If your financial circumstances have changed, or you just need an explanation of the many payment plans out there, here's a refresher course on how to pay off your student debt.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Environmentally-friendly living isn't an all-or-nothing equation: think of it as a spectrum of greens. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, green cleaning is one easy way to dip your toe into the green living waters. These tips will help you get started. This episode originally published July 11, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Studies have shown that spending time in the forest, what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Here's how to reap these benefits on your next hike.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When are white lies harmless or hurtful? Experts weigh in on when it's appropriate to tell a lie, explain how lying can lead to more lying and share tips for cutting back if you want to break the habit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 prep techniques that can alleviate stress and save money. This episode originally published January 31, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Go easy on the Q-tips. Watch your phone volume. And if you're experiencing hearing issues like muffled sounds or tinnitus, see a professional. This comic offers advice on how to care for your ears.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Just like your health, your finances need checkups too. Here are 5 good habits to do every year to help you reach your financial goals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Heritage language learners are different from people learning a second language for the first time. They often grow up hearing it, but that can come with its own set of challenges. Experts offer their advice on how to learn your heritage language. This episode originally published May 31, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among people under 50. In this episode, we explain the risk, symptoms to look out for and how to get screened.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change, answers questions about how to find a job.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

My brother-in-law was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence. We haven't shared any of these details with our kids, ages 7 and 9. When should we tell our children where he is and what he did?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Have you ever done a chocolate bar taste test? Hosted a themed hangout? Ideas to keep yourself entertained (and on a budget).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Many of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. It might not disappear entirely, but you can find ways to comfortably perform everyday tasks like cooking. This episode offers strategies for minimizing your pain when making a meal – like chopping and loading an oven with minimal discomfort.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's time to get your MBA — the easy way. We're sharing an episode from Planet Money's Summer School. In this lesson: Everyone has a million dollar business idea (e.g., "Shazam but for movies"), but not everyone has what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You'll hear two case studies with founders who learned the hard way what goes into starting a small business and a biz school professor who chimes in to explain the fundamentals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Play isn't just fun. Researchers argue it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. We'll help you figure out your play personality and how to prioritize play in your life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Losing a pet can be devastating. Here's how to process the loss of your special friend and open yourself up to the love and lessons they left behind.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Salads are so often hit or miss. Here's how to make a salad that's nutritious, easy to make and a joy to eat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Traci Thomas, host of the hit reading podcast The Stacks, explains how she finds books she can read from start to finish. Some of her ideas may surprise you!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Parents aren't the only people who help raise kids or invest in their wellbeing. Uncles, aunties and family friends make great role models too.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Buying a car can be intimidating. This episode will help you strategize to avoid all the potential pitfalls, so you can drive away with a good deal. This episode originally published February 18, 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everyone has a story to tell. Writing a memoir is more than just documenting your life — it can help you process what you've gone through, capture a moment in history for descendants and help others make sense of their own lives. Here's how to get started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's easy to feel stuck with a bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of other options out there.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We've got a step-by-step guide for that SOS moment when you haven't pooped in days and days.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In college, I became close with a diverse friend group. Years later, we still stay in touch via text. Some people rely on our group to manage their anxiety. The norm in the group is to reassure whoever is most upset, even when that person is wrong.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from psychotherapist Luana Marques can help you overcome a fear of flying.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Supreme Court has decided to strike down the Biden administration's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt. The decision impacts tens of millions of Americans – so what can student loan borrowers do to prepare now that the plan is over? NPR's education correspondent Cory Turner gives context and advice for borrowers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 at any age.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that! In this episode, learn which type of grill to choose, how to maintain a fire, how to create different temperature zones, and other basics and safety tips. This episode originally published May 24, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Martinus Evans, author of "Slow AF Run Club," explains what running is and what it isn't. And for people interested in starting a routine, he shares tips on pace, gear and form.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ultra-processed foods are tasty, cheap and everywhere. But they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy lays out ways to spot and avoid ultra-processed foods during your next grocery run.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's time to make room for more naps. Tricia Hersey, also known as the 'nap bishop' and author of the book "Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto," explains why relaxation and leisure are human rights — especially for communities of color. This episode originally published October 13, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's wedding season. If you've been invited as a plus-one, here's the etiquette you need to be the best guest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's easy to be fooled by AI-generated images and other content. We talk about how to identify them, how media literacy can help, plus how to use these tools responsibly.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Does your landlord have to fix that leak? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you live in one of the nearly 44.1 million renter households in the U.S., here's how to spot rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode a lease.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Canadian wildfires are causing poor air quality in parts of the U.S. The health effects of smoke and poor air quality are dangerous. Here's how to stay safe when the air quality is unhealthy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dreams have inspired works of art, led to breakthroughs in organic chemistry and helped people process their deepest fears and emotions. They're not just weird little movies our brains put on while we sleep. In this episode, we explain why we dream — and how to get more out of them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Video games get a bad reputation that's often unwarranted. But kids do need guidance in using them wisely. Here's how to help them, starting with spending some time with the games your kids can't put down.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

I've been in a loving relationship with my husband for years. We're incredibly compatible except for our sex life. The sex started off great, became less interesting over the years, and now it's non-existent. I'm considering divorce even though the rest of our relationship is fine. Initiating a divorce feels cruel, but I also feel like I'm settling and watching time slip away.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 tips for saving money on the food you cook at home.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

No matter your skin tone, sunscreen keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But to use it right, you need to know a few things: What SPF to use, how often to reapply and the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen. We explain what to look for on the back of a sunscreen bottle and how to use it effectively.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There's no need to give up on a sweater with a hole in the elbow or a shirt with a tear in the collar. Visible mending is beginner friendly, highly creative and helps extend the life of your clothes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Anxiety can feel awful and overwhelming. But it can also be a helpful warning signal — telling us when we're in danger or out of alignment with our true feelings. We share tips on how to turn down the dial on your anxiety symptoms, so you can listen to what they're trying to tell you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dating in search of "the one"? Relationship therapist Jeff Guenther, known as Therapy Jeff on TikTok, says that might not be practical. If your goal is a successful, long-term partnership, having realistic expectations and a clear understanding of your values is vital. We'll help you break up with your fantasy partner, do some relationship math and learn what it takes to build a successful partnership based in reality.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you're moving into a summer sublet or your forever home, friendships are important to feeling settled in a new place. So how do we do that? A friendship coach walks us through how we can be more vulnerable and resourceful in adult friendships.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 to you. This episode originally published Jan. 5, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shopping secondhand is a good way to be more sustainable, explore your personal style or score a deal. We have tips from some diehard thrifters so you can find those hidden gems.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy but far fewer for renegotiating your sense of self. Life Kit spoke with author and journalist Chelsea Conaboy about how pregnancy impacts the brain and how to embrace the changes that parenthood brings.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips on how to limit indoor air pollution.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you on this intimate and powerful journey.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If your parents pay for your college, do they have a right to demand to see your grades? Berna Anat, the author of Money Out Loud, shares advice on defining financial expectations and boundaries.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ever leave the doctor's office confused or with unanswered questions? Talking to doctors and other medical professionals can be hard — whether they're good at their jobs or not. We'll give you the tools to get more out of your appointments. We'll talk about how to choose a provider, prepare for your visit, ask the right questions, and get your provider's attention if they're not hearing you. To support our work at NPR and listen to the show sponsor-free, sign up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to take charge as a parent, stop trying to control your child, says psychologist and author Shefali Tsabary. Her new book, "The Parenting Map," lays out a step-by-step guide for creating conscious parent-child relationships.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How do you cope when your partner keeps a secret that impacts your personal finances? Meredith Goldstein of the Love Letters podcast from The Boston Globe talks with a couple who worked through financial troubles in their marriage that threatened their hard-earned sense of security.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Getting into therapy comes with its own hurdles, but what about knowing when to stop it? Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has advice on how to figure out when it's time to end therapy and what actually to say when you do. Depending on the situation, ending with your therapist could involve anything from ghosting to a sit-down conversation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You don't need binoculars and a trip to a nature preserve to go birding. If you've ever paused to appreciate a bird, you're already well on your way. Here are some tips to up your game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The current inflation rate in the US is 5 percent. And most big bank savings accounts offer interest rates much lower than that. In this episode, you'll learn how to protect your savings against inflation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Too overwhelmed to tidy up? KC Davis, author of the book "How to Keep House While Drowning," suggests a clean-up strategy that homes in on trash and clutter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you've ever thought about running for office — your town council or school board, the state legislature, or even Congress, this episode is for you. We'll tell you where to start and how to navigate everything from campaign fundraising to building a "kitchen cabinet." This episode was originally published on October 17, 2019.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you've decided not to have kids, your life will look different from what you might have seen growing up. Here's how to build your child-free life, with or without a long-term partner. We talk about finding community, planning for the future, making a financial plan and responding to some of the comments and judgments of other people.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There are lots of jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree and pay well. Here's what to consider if you're thinking about a job in the trades — from assessing your options to choosing a training program. This episode originally published April 26, 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In this episode, we offer shame-free solutions for digging out of debt.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Saying goodbye can be tough, especially if you're parting ways for good. But grief counselor and patient advocate Isabel Stenzel Byrnes says the art of saying goodbye to loved ones can be learned and practiced.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

She loves her boyfriend's parents, but their generosity feels inappropriate. Maya Lau, host of the podcast Other People's Pockets, weighs in on how to move forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How should you prepare in advance for a job interview? We discuss what questions to prep for, how to choose an outfit you feel your best in, and what to do if you get nervous. Plus, we walk through a mock interview to model how to answer common questions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Getting ready for a trip is fun until you have to start packing. These tips for packing a carry-on will help you figure out what you need in your bag (and what you don't!) so you can have peace of mind while traveling.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being a teenager is hard. There are emotional highs and lows every day. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, parents can learn to ride the wave of emotional management with their teens. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Damour about her book "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There's an estimated $195 billion of medical debt in America. But just because a medical bill comes in the mail doesn't mean you have to pay that exact price. Here's how to eliminate, reduce or negotiate a medical bill.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

From monstera to snake plants, we'll walk you through how to care for your houseplants properly. Plus, troubleshooting tips for knowing when your plant needs water and how to get rid of pests.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How do we learn to trust what our bodies tell us and express it to others? Aerialist Adie Delaney speaks with TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi about how communication, trust and safety in trapeze can provide valuable lessons on consent.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Not all friends are meant to last forever. Here are 5 things to remember if you're processing the loss of a friendship — or trying to save one that matters to you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With Dr. Evalene Dacker, we lay out the science of STIs and then give you language to talk about them and, more broadly, about sex, with a potential partner. Because for something so fun, sex can be hard to talk about.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high. (This episode originally ran in November 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Restrictive expectations of masculinity can be perpetuated by anyone and impact how we view ourselves and others. We spoke with experts for tips on how you or those in your life can begin to redefine masculinity.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

These conversation starters get at the heart of your values, including how you deal with conflict, your attitude toward gender roles and your relationship with money.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Stuck between two conflicting desires and can't seem to move forward? Psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock shares an exercise called "My Two Conflicting Selves" to help people find a compromise. (This episode originally ran in October 17, 2022).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Poet Ross Gay knows a thing or two about finding joy in life's most difficult moments. He talks with It's Been a Minute host Brittany Luse about his new book of essays, "Inciting Joy" — which covers the complexity of joy, the beauty of grace, and meaning in life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this episode, we talk about who can be a mentor, how to structure the relationship, and how to have tricky conversations with your mentees. Also, how to make sure it's not a one-sided relationship.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Are you drinking too much coffee? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We asked two experts how they would give the period talk. Here are six pieces of advice — including the science of periods, management techniques, and how to know when something is wrong.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

An employee struggles to cope with her boss's constant oversharing and negativity. Journalist and host of the podcast Work Appropriate Anne Helen Petersen shares advice for establishing boundaries ... with your boss.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your finances. In this episode, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We asked experts to answer five questions about how to properly care for your teeth. Here's what they said about finding a dentist, whitening your teeth at home, and whether daily flossing is necessary.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and helps you plan ahead for next year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fashion may not have been at the top of your priority list over the last two years. If you're ready to shake the dust off, here's advice from the experts — from purging your closet to taking fashion risks in a way that feels true to you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

1 in 5 Americans are acting as unpaid caregivers. The work can be meaningful but also stressful. Caregivers give advice about how to approach the job, find support and make time for yourself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Earthquakes strike at a moment's notice. That's why having a plan in place is key. In this episode, emergency and disaster experts share their tips to help prepare you and your family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Logan Ury, a behavioral scientist at the dating app Hinge, says making dating decisions based on initial chemistry alone is a losing battle. In this episode, dating coach Damon Hoffman speaks with Ury about her book, How to Not Die Alone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sitting all day isn't good for your health. Long stretches glued to a chair can increase the risk of heart disease and early death. Thankfully, new research shows that five minute walk breaks can be powerful in offsetting those risks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Three years into the pandemic, one spouse is ready to lift lockdown. The other? Not so much. Epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera shares ideas on finding compromise and managing a risk budget.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Veggies help kids grow and develop, but it can be hard to convince them to eat their broccoli. These research-backed tips can help you encourage your kids to eat more veggies — or at least try them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How much should you spend on a date? Who should pick up the bill? Can you talk money on the first date? Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, shares the results of a recent survey on finances and dating.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 that receiving one. 'SELF magazine' editor-in-chief Rachel Wilkerson Miller shares her best tips for birthdays, Valentine's Day or any other occasion.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 prep techniques that can alleviate stress and save money.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Are you a 'Parisian perfectionist'? How about a 'messy perfectionist'? Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes there are 5 kinds of perfectionists in the world. Find out which one you are.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

​A sister relentlessly picks on her brother despite their mom's best attempt to make peace between them. Psychologist Becky Kennedy shares advice with a parent who feels out of ideas — and patience.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Got a side hustle and not sure how to handle your money? Financial coach Paco de Leon, author of 'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances,' explains why you should put your freelance funds into a separate bank account and how to prepare yourself for tax season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir and sports medicine specialist Dr. Kelechi Okoroha explain how runners should dress when temperatures drop to the 50s, 30s and below.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This is the story of one particularly devious octopus who lost a limb, was captured by humans — then managed to make an escape from its aquarium tank back into the ocean. This episode comes from our friends at 'Terrestrials,' a podcast presented by Radiolab for Kids.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change, answers questions about how to find a job now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviews Aubrey Gordon, author of the book " 'You Just Need To Lose Weight': And 19 Other Myths About Fat People." Gordon explains how the concept of 'anti-fatness' keeps fat people on the margins of society.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lowering individual greenhouse emissions may be easier than you think. Here are some New Year's resolutions experts agree have an impact in addressing climate change.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Can you successfully motivate someone else to change? Clinical psychologist Jody Adewale shares advice with a letter writer feels put off by her partner's lack of direction.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everyone can have a profound connection with a work of art. You just need the right mindset and attitude. Art professionals share tips on how to navigate museums and observe paintings and sculptures.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life Kit's Andee Tagle talks to networking coach Lynda Peralta about how to present her personal life and her professional life on Instagram. See how her experiment went, then try it out for yourself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Happy New Year! Team members at Life Kit share some of their favorite tips they are looking to trying in 2023, from how to start an art habit to how to get kids to listen better. For more great New Year's resolution ideas, check out npr.org/newyears.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You don't have to be a marathoner or gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. In fact, that die-hard mentality can actually deter you from getting movement. Here's how to start a fitness routine that you'll actually stick to.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When is the best time to start a new habit? And why are some habits easier to practice than others? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman, author of 'How to Change,' explains how to get a behavior to stick.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. Done well, it can be a memorable highlight. Done badly, it can be a total cringefest. Here's a helpful way to remember how to give a terrific toast, whether it's at a New Year's party or at wedding reception.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you know someone struggling with despair, depression or thoughts of suicide, you may be wondering how to help. Psychologists and researchers explain how to recognize the warning signs and what to do and say when a loved one is in crisis.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This guide — which comes with a fun brochure you can download and print at home — offers advice on how to pick a film, get outside your comfort zone and deepen your enjoyment of movies.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Want to skip the champagne and cocktails this holiday season? Here's how to take a break from drinking alcohol — including in social settings — and start healthy habits.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Would you ever consider going to therapy with a friend? In this episode from NPR Invisibilia, two best friends — who are so close they call themselves brothers — were drifting apart, so host Yowei Shaw asked psychotherapist Esther Perel to help. This episode was recorded in collaboration with Perel's podcast, Where Should We Begin?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

An ideological difference over adopting versus shopping for a pet causes a rift between friends. Tania Israel, a professor of psychology, shares advice about how to have difficult conversations with people you care about.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

One in five Americans who have had COVID have experienced symptoms lasting three months or more. How can patients navigate this chronic illness? And how can the people in their lives provide comfort and strength? In this episode from our friends at It's Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse talks to the editor and a contributor of a new book, 'The Long COVID Survival Guide.'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Creating a relationship with your partner's family can be hard work. Experts share how to navigate 5 tricky situations, including dealing with in-laws who can't seem to stop giving unsolicited advice.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Traditions can foster a sense of unity with the people we love and help pass down cultural values. But what happens when these events no longer make sense in our lives?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you're interested in learning more about your family history, genealogist Mica Anders says to get creative. Look through newspaper archives, census data, vital records and more. And who knows, you may find some unexpected gems in the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It can be awkward to discuss money when you're in a new relationship. Financial therapist Amanda Clayman suggests following what she calls the "five components of financial intimacy" to get the conversation started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Between long-held traditions, unfair expectations and clashing personalities, the holidays can be a perfect storm for conflict. Therapist John Kim helps untangle three holiday conundrums.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Improv comedy is about more than making people laugh. It can help performers be more creative and self-assured — and combat anxiety, both on and off stage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Worried about deadlines, errands or your holiday to-do list? Reframe your relationship with dread with these simple exercises, from drawing the things that scare you to scheduling worry time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A couple clashes about how much money they need to save before having children. This episode is from our friends This Is Uncomfortable's podcast series on fights about money.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Maintaining healthy boundaries is a way of taking care of your closest relationships, but setting those boundaries can be hard. The process starts with asking yourself what you need. (This episode originally ran in January 2021.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There will probably be long lines, delays and overbooked flights, says aviation journalist Benét Wilson. So take steps to prepare for these situations and make the journey a little more pleasant.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being thankful doesn't have to happen just once a year. Here are two meaningful ways to show gratitude all year long, a practice that can improve your mental and physical health.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

My partner is constantly texting his former coworker and even spent the night at her house. He says they're just friends, but I don't like it. How can I trust him when he ignores my boundaries?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In her new memoir, 'The Light We Carry,' the former first lady shares her philosophy on the relationships we have with our partner, our family and ourselves. 'You have to evolve with it,' she says.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Your ancestors don't have to feel like a distant memory. Spiritual practitioners share cross-cultural guidance on how to set up a ritual and an altar to honor them at home.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Assuming you live to be eighty, you have just 4,000 weeks to live. While that may come as a brutal dose of reality, it's also an opportunity to think about how you're spending that time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The prices of goods and services have gone up. How much of that is due to Ukraine or the pandemic? What can our elected officials do to lower prices? And how does inflation slow down? NPR's Marielle Segarra and Stacey Vanek Smith tackle listener queries.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Credit card rewards programs can offer big perks like airline miles and hotel upgrades. Finance journalist Katherine Fan explains how to choose the right card and what to know before signing up.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A mother debates whether she should talk to the groom about the issue. Catherine Newman, an etiquette columnist for Real Simple magazine, gives her advice.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Want to start making authentic Mexican cuisine at home? Here's what you'll need in your pantry and your fridge to get started, according to two Mexican chefs and cookbook authors.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Safety experts explain how to prevent harm in nightlife settings like bars and clubs. That includes how to project an air of confidence with your body language — and how to effectively say "no."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Party planning experts say to send out invites at least 6 weeks in advance. That can give guests ample time to mark their social calendars — and prepare for the big bash. Read on for more tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early or you'd like to become more of a morning lark, here are a few habits that can help you set yourself up for success at that first alarm. (This episode originally ran in November 2021.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life Kit teams up with NPR Education to answer some common questions about student loan relief, including: What's the application process like? What loans qualify for debt relief? What if you have multiple loans?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

She cared for her stepdad through illness and death. Now she's disheartened that her siblings only seem to care about the inheritance. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin weighs in.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Stuck between two conflicting desires and can't seem to move forward? Psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock shares an exercise called "My Two Conflicting Selves" to help people find a compromise.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Called "special time," the strategy is widely recommended by children's health professionals to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. Here's a guide on how to do it with your kids at home.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For R&B darling Omar Apollo, music has been a powerful way to showcase his Mexican American culture and queer identity. In an episode with NPR's Alt.Latino, he explains why that takes courage and confidence — and a little soul-searching too.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Known to her fans as the 'nap bishop,' Tricia Hersey, author of the new book 'Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,' explains why relaxation and leisure are a human right — especially for communities of color.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

More than 25 million Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While IBS symptoms present in the gut, it turns out that stress and anxiety can actually exacerbate symptoms. Here's how to identify triggers for IBS, eat a diet that decreases gas and bloating — and learn where to seek help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Step 1? Throw your expectations out the window, says NPR's Noor Wazwaz. Your dish won't be the same as the one you grew up eating — and that's OK. Here's how to add your own unique spin to a family dish and pass on it on to the next generation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Pop musician and reality dating series host Betty Who gives advice to a letter writer who asks if she should give her boyfriend an ultimatum because she's ready to move in together — and he isn't.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's almost time to vote. NPR's Miles Parks explains what research can tell us about how to combat fake political news — and why it's so tricky to separate fact from fiction.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains why adapting the attitude of a croissant is more likely to create meaningful job connections — and shares ways to make networking feel more natural.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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 experts explain why that's not a good idea.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Psychotherapist David Defoe offers advice to a letter writer who is concerned about how to help their grieving father.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hurricane Ian is rapidly intensifying, and with that there are predicted storm surges of up to 18 feet. We'll walk you through how you can to stay safe during heavy rain on the road.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being offended by something that someone did or said can be upsetting — but it doesn't have to eat away at us. Mental health experts share how to slow down and gain clarity when things get personal.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It all starts with the assumption that your kids have good intentions and want to do the right thing, says Becky Kennedy, a psychologist and host of the Good Inside parenting podcast.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A daughter tries to rebuild trust with her parents after they secretly ran a background check on her boyfriend. Therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab shares insight on how to move forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In four steps, experts Eve Rodsky and Jacqueline Misla explain how to fairly split domestic work with a partner or roommate. Don't forget to print out the handy zine!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life Kit host Marielle Segarra asks friends and family for advice on how to overcome her new-job jitters, meet new colleagues at NPR — and stay confident.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What's more, the letter writer hates her husband's writing style. Should she bite the bullet and read his novel? Or can she pass? Family therapist Kiaundra Jackson offers her two cents.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Humans have a tendency to make snap judgments and assumptions due to our cognitive biases, says Woo-kyoung Ahn in her book 'Thinking 101.' So how do we fight them?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Psychologist Marisa Franco, author of a new book on the science of making and keeping friends, shares how to deepen the bonds in our platonic relationships.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

They target the original coronavirus strain and the omicron subvariants causing most of the current infections. And they're available at pharmacies, clinics and doctors' offices around the country. Should you get one? And if so, when?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The bride said she was "pissed" because her future sister-in-law was bringing two unauthorized guests. Rachel Wilkerson Miller, editor-in-chief of Self magazine, explains how to smooth things over.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Exercising doesn't have to feel like a chore if you approach it like a video game, say fitness gamification researchers Dr. Mitesh Patel and Elizabeth Lyons. Strategies to have fun while staying active.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their families. These steps can help you prepare for the conversation with your loved ones. (This episode originally aired in February 2022.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to food writer Melissa Clark about her new book, "Dinner in One: Exceptional & Easy One-Pan Meals" — and gets tips on how to cook flavorsome weeknight dinners without a sink full of dirty dishes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A secretary asks if she should tattle-tale on a colleague who wrote an anonymous negative review about her. Career coach and HR professional Shanita Williams weighs in on the conundrum.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mastering a new hobby, like bowling or baking, can be a frustrating process. But experts say it doesn't have to be that way. If you set yourself up for success at the start and allow yourself to make mistakes — you can improve your chances of sticking with it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

School health classes in the U.S. rarely include instruction about sex for LGBTQ students. Here's what it could look like if they did. (This episode originally aired in April 2021 and was updated in August 2022.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vinh Pham, physical therapist and author of "Sit Up Straight: Futureproof Your Body Against Chronic Pain with 12 Simple Movements," explains why mobility exercises and good posture may be your best defense against muscle and joint pain.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in July, some advocates and people who had experiences with the mental health system voiced concerns about 988. Life Kit talks to Aneri Patani, national health correspondent with Kaiser Health News, about how the hotline works, its purpose and the potential risks of calling 988.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For many Black people, transitioning to natural hair can feel frustrating, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Experts share what you need to know about growing out natural hair, from washing it and styling it – to learning to love it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you're posting frequently on social media, there's a chance that someday, one of those posts may make you a target of online harassment. Digital security expert Harlo Holmes and artist and independent researcher Ra'il I'nasah Kiam share tips on what to do if that happens — and how to tighten up your privacy online.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Is the ability to endure hardship and adapt to difficult life situations always a good thing? Psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker Lourdes Dolores Follins revisits the concept of resilience — and explains why it's OK to let yourself feel angry or frustrated sometimes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

So you're planning the perfect candlelit evening — or the perfect road trip, or the perfect afternoon at home. Where do you start? A playlist, of course. NPR Music's Bobby Carter showed us how he crafts them. (This episode originally ran in December 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the U.S., there's a relentless focus on positivity. But as we all know, with life comes death — and with happiness, sadness. Susan Cain, author of Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, opens our eyes to the transformative power of melancholy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

High inflation and a possible recession is making life more expensive. Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to manage debt as interest rates increase and prepare for an economic downturn.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Survivalist and adventurer Bear Grylls shares his advice on facing fear, preparing for the worst and the power of courage to get you through any situation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Deciding to move in with a partner can be an exciting step. Cohabitating can also be challenging and bring up anxieties. Here's what to think about — and discuss — before you decide to move in together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When your smartphone can hold thousands of photos, it's tempting to snap away. But that approach may not actually help you capture the best moments. These tips on creating stunning images will help you more meaningfully document your trips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Many trans and nonbinary people choose new names during their transition. Here's advice if you're considering adopting a new name — from brainstorming name ideas to navigating the paperwork to change your name legally.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Take this quiz to assess your digital habits — then learn how to engage with your electronic devices in a way that's intentional and appropriate.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When it comes to having an adult relationship with your parents, there's plenty of baggage: the friction of family history or the weight of unsaid expectations. Here's how to set healthy boundaries and understand generational trauma to help you have a grown up relationship with your parents.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Having a baby is one of the biggest and most expensive life changes a person can experience. Farnoosh Torabi, editor-at-large at CNET Money, shares what you need to know about budgeting for a baby.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If the words "crypto," "Bitcoin," "blockchain," "mining," feel overwhelming or confusing Life Kit is here to help. In this episode, experts to demystify cryptocurrencies and give you the tools to decide whether buying some is a good option for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Talking about abortion can be complicated, even with adults. How do you talk about the medical procedure and the politics around it with kids? NPR's Ailsa Chang gets tips from Dr. Elise Berlan and parenting expert Reena Patel.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fast fashion takes a toll on the environment and on workers. Here's how you can shop more sustainably and build a closet with a better impact. This episode originally published March 8, 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

More families are dealing with their children feeling anxious, depressed – even thinking about or attempting suicide. But mental health professionals say that suicide is preventable. This episode, how parents and family members can play an important role in the mental health of their child.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares advice on keeping your long-term financial goals in check and fending off the subconscious urge to automatically increase spending when your income increases.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Having a crush is natural - they're a part of human biology. Sometimes, acting on it is a great, healthy step — or it can create a lot more trouble than it needs to. Certified dating coach Damona Hoffman walks us through how to handle a crush in several common scenarios.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Environmentally-friendly living isn't an all-or-nothing equation: think of it as a spectrum of greens. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, green cleaning is one easy way to dip your toe into the green living waters. These tips will help you get started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Have you ever felt resentful or responded passive-aggressively to a request on your time or energy? That's a sign your boundaries are being crossed – and it might be because you haven't set them clearly. Therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab shares advice on how to set boundaries — and stick to them — in your daily life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Car ownership can be intimidating — and expensive — especially when it comes to upkeep. Auto educator and journalist Chaya Milchtein shares tips to help you maintain essential safety features in a car, how to find the right mechanic for you and when it's time for a new car.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

About 600 people in the U.S. die from heat related causes each year. While our bodies have ways to dissipate heat, sometimes they just can't keep up with extreme temperatures. Here are four tips from experts on how to stay safe and cool in extreme heat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's a horror to think your kid could be a victim in a violent act of racism, sexism or other radicalization. It's a whole different kind of fear to think they could be the perpetrator of that act. Here's how to spot the signs of radicalization and how to talk to kids about what they're seeing online.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Negative age beliefs can impact us on social, psychological and even physiological levels. Here's how to deconstruct ageism and reframe your beliefs about aging with tips from Becca Levy, author of Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Talking to kids about civics is kind of like talking to kids about sex - avoiding the conversation can have some really negative consequences. Here's how to talk to kids about civic participation, from discussing our hard history to taking action. This episode originally aired in November 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetnista, for tips about how to separate needs from wants, stop stress-spending and save for the future. This episode originally aired in September 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The dating game can be hard, but navigating the dating world for the first time as a queer person can mean even more complexity – and a lot of room for creativity. Here's how to face your dating fears, find queer community and practice comfortable communication while staying true to you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Food is more than just fuel for your body. Food is a connection to the stories of your ancestors, and the stories of your descendants. In this episode, a culinary historian, a professor and a nutritionist share their advice on how to carry on culinary traditions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Code Switch host Gene Demby and comedian Hari Kondabolu are both new fathers, and they're both learning to raise kids who will have very different identities and upbringings than their own. It's left both of them reflecting on some big questions: How will they teach their children about race? What are the elements of their childhoods that they want to pass on? And what, exactly, is a father anyway?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When your days are packed, it can be hard to find some "me time" time to unwind. You might find yourself staying up past your bedtime, scrolling on social media or watching an extra episode of your latest show, That's called "revenge bedtime procrastination." These tips can help you overcome it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When was the last time you did something just for fun — not to make money, or be productive, or because someone else wanted you to? These five tips can help you approach starting a hobby. This episode originally published in May 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying, or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from associate professor of psychiatry Luana Marques, Ph.D. can help you overcome a fear of flying.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For decades, the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision protected abortion access and reproductive health decisions. Now, that has been overturned. Here's what you need to know about birth control, emergency contraception and terminating a pregnancy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Activism can look like big gestures of protest, but it can also look like baking cupcakes for a charity bake sale or reading at an after school program. These tips will help you find joy in activism while avoiding burnout.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The idea behind dating apps is to make finding a connection easier — but that's not always the case. These expert tips will help you make the experience less anxiety-inducing, whether you're looking for something long-term or casual. This episode first aired in August 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you want to save for a vacation or retirement, build generational wealth for your kids or figure out how to split expenses with a partner, Life Kit answers your personal finance questions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Heritage language learners are different from people learning a second language for the first time. They often grow up hearing it, but that can come with its own set of challenges. Experts offer their advice on how to learn your heritage language.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Atlantic hurricanes are more intense and have heavier rainfall due to the effects of climate change. These tips will help you prepare for hurricane season before disaster strikes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The news can be devastating, and tragic events can be incomprehensible for adults — so how do we talk about them with kids? Child development experts offer advice on what parents, teachers and other caregivers can say to help kids process all the scary news out there.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Saying 'no,' speaking up for yourself and being less than perfect can be hard for many Asian Americans to do. Psychologist Jenny Wang has tips on how to address them with yourself and your loved ones.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that! In this guide, learn the basics from which type of grill to choose, to how to maintain a fire and create different temperature zones, to tips on tools and safety.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Now that you have your diploma, you'll need to focus on a different piece of paper: a résumé. Here's how to think about what you want to do and then go out and get a job — maybe even a career.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Follow these exercises to help you build the skills and confidence to start singing, whether in your car or at the karaoke bar.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The fear of missing out isn't confined to our social lives; worrying about whether we're missing out on new experiences, content, trends and even investments can create an existential crisis. Psychologist Aarti Gupta explains how FOMO shows up in our lives and how to battle it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The world has changed a lot since the internet. Remember asking people for directions? If you miss the days pre-internet (or wonder what it was like), Pamela Paul, author of 100 Things We've Lost To The Internet, gives us a few ways you can reconnect with an analog way of life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When you're in a familiar place, it's easy to go on autopilot and fail to notice the small joys that surround you. Artist and author Jenny Odell shares tips on how to pay attention to and appreciate what's right in front of you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Raising kids is among the most essential work humans do, and yet it's rarely valued as skilled labor. Angela Garbes, author of Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change, guides us through a shift in mindset to help give mothering the value it deserves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Minding your budget while eating the foods that nourish you takes a little planning — but it's possible. Dietitian Shana Spence shares her tips to help you shop and keep your fridge stocked without breaking the bank. This episode first aired in October 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you forgot to order flowers for that special occasion, or you just want to flex a new creative muscle, here's how to DIY a professional-looking bouquet with grocery store flowers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. If you're giving a new year's toast, a best man or maid of honor speech, or any other toasts this coming year, we've got some tips to make sure people remember your toast with fondness and not horror.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Using your health insurance doesn't have to be on an "in-case-of-emergency" basis. Learn how to make the most of your coverage by taking advantage of preventative care, strategically timing procedures and getting exercise classes covered.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Our friends at It's Been a Minute speak with Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy about their new book, Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay. They explore seven emotions — uncertainty, anger, burnout, comparison, perfectionism, despair and grief — with hopes to normalize conversations on these "big feelings" and share what they've learned in that process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Storytelling creates connections and builds community. In this episode of Life Kit, storytelling coaches from The Moth give a step-by-step guide to telling good stories.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

More companies are offering hybrid work schedules, allowing office workers to split their time between the office and home. A hybrid set up has plenty of benefits, but can be challenging to navigate. These tips can help you and your team ease into it. (This episode originally aired in July 2021.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

From the songs of sparrows outside your apartment window to the purple crocuses bursting into bloom in a nearby park – all that nature you're observing could actually be helpful to scientists. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a community scientist.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Now that a federal judge has thrown out mask mandates on public transportation, many people are wondering, "How safe is it to use these forms of travel if many people aren't masked?" In this episode Life Kit, learn how to assess your risk and make the best choice for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Climate change calls for long-term, systemic solutions, but that doesn't mean we can't all strive to live more sustainably. Life Kit is here with solutions from your kitchen to your closet.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Enjoying the outdoors can look like anything from walking the dog to celebrating Indigenous culture — you don't have to hike the tallest mountain peaks or go camping to love nature. Learn how to find your footing in nature in a way that works best for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Autistic people are constantly forced to suppress who they are as a means of pleasing a neurotypical world. Social psychologist Devon Price not only wants to give them permission to take off that mask and be themselves, but believes that doing so allows everyone to lead happier lives.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Bird migration season is starting. But across North America, their populations are in trouble. We asked experts for 8 everyday steps you can take to lend them a hand.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When the discomfort of conflict arises, it can be hard to know what to do, especially in the workplace. Get the tips you need to become a conflict-resolving superhero.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Here's advice from the experts on cultivating a personal style — from purging your closet to taking fashion risks in a way that feels true to you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you have enough fun in life? Catherine Price, author of The Power of Fun, explains the three components of true fun and how to tap into this powerful, everyday source of joy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Biking is a great way to get to work – it's good for the environment, and it can be faster than driving or public transit. If you ever had an inkling that biking might be for you, now is a good time to give it a try.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explains when too much pleasure-triggering dopamine upsets the delicate balance of pleasure and pain our brains need to feel "normal," which can lead to long-term pain and addiction. In today's dopamine-filled world, here's how keep that balance in check.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you have big plans for a vegetable garden or a tiny pot of window sill herbs, this episode will help you get your green thumb. We cover the basics of hardiness zones, understanding good soil, and building raised beds so you can turn garden dreams into reality. (This episode originally ran in April 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In an introduction to Korean American cooking, New York Times food writer and cookbook author Eric Kim walks us through pantry essentials, quick-fix recipes and how to start making Korean American food that feels authentic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's tax season (insert collective groan here). But don't worry: in this episode of Life Kit, CPA and tax analyst Kimberly Washington offers helpful advice on maximizing your refund, what deductions to remember and how the child tax credit impacts your tax filings this year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Calling all working parents and caregivers! We see you, and we know you don't have much time. Career coach Daisy Dowling shares time management tips to help working parents find sanity and joy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rather than striving for a life with no regrets, Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret, suggests embracing regret and learning from it. He outlines the four most common categories of regret and explains how looking back can help us move forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork — bills to pay, appointments to make, forms to sign, carpools to organize. Here's how to conquer the responsibilities on your to-do list so you can get back to your life. (This episode originally ran in September 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Asking to speak to the manager isn't going to get the results you want. In this episode, negotiation consultant Craig dos Santos gives tips on how to make a customer service representative your collaborator instead of your enemy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Long distance friendships are a common reality of adulthood, as we move around for school, work or family. While they might require some planning and creativity to keep up, there's no reason to let physical distance keep you from staying connected.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's been two years since our lives changed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Producers of NPR's Life Kit look back on the most valuable lessons they learned that will shape their lives moving forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether it's depression, anxiety, burnout or something else, if you're struggling with your mental health at work, it can be hard to know what your options are and how to seek help. Here's a look at the stigma around mental health at work, how to spot an issue and what to do about it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We make so many basic decisions each day that it's easy to fall into "analysis paralysis." We explore where indecision comes from, why so many of us are sweating the small stuff and what you can do about it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Picking a form of contraception can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth control works, your preferences, side effects and more. This episode presents the facts so you can choose the contraception that works for you. (This episode originally aired in February 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

DIY home maintenance can be intimidating. Mercury Stardust, better known as the Trans Handy Ma'am on TikTok, is a maintenance technician with 14 years of experience. She walks us through one simple thing you can do to build your confidence, the four tools that should be in everyone's toolkit and when to call in the professionals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way and architect of the famous creative practice "Morning Pages," has spent her career teaching "creative unblocking."In her new book, Seeking Wisdom: a spiritual path to creative connection, she combines the creative practices of The Artist's Way, with a new intentional practice – prayer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer shares tips on calming your nerves when the headlines won't stop. Take a break and learn about how to better process worry. (This episode originally aired in October 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Improvising in the kitchen takes a lot of practice. But when you get to that point in the recipe where you realize you're out of white wine/fresh garlic/brown sugar/whatever you absolutely MUST have for this recipe, being able to swap in another ingredient can really come in handy. Chef and author Kenji López-Alt and cook and food writer Deb Perelman walk us through the basics of food substitutions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

July is Disability Pride Month. Do you find yourself avoiding conversations on disabilities? A disability rights activist shares ways to be a better ally and to destigmatize disability in America.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A running coach and athlete with a background in exercise science shares tips on building your mileage and finishing your first race injury-free.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Wealth isn't just cold hard cash, says strategic investor Pamela Jolly. It's whatever you value, meaning generational wealth can take lots of forms. Here's how to be strategic about leaving a legacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

According to the field of attachment theory, each person has a unique attachment style that informs how that person relates to intimacy: secure, anxious or avoidant. We talk with Amir Levine, a neuroscientist and co-author of the book Attached, about how your attachment style can impact your relationships.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Poet Ross Gay sees joy all around him. In infinity scarves, orchards, pawpaws, even weeds. He explains the subtle mindset shift that allows him to let in more self-compassion and more joy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Breakups come in all shapes and sizes — slow dissolves, out-of-nowhere endings — and maybe you even initiated the breakup. But they all have a few things in common. Mainly, they can hurt. These six tips can help you move forward after a breakup.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Losing is inevitable, but failure doesn't have to be. Learn how to reframe the way you look at loss, with the help of a former NBA player, a therapist who helps clients build unconditional self-worth and an entrepreneur who challenged himself to experience 100 days of rejection.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Getting your finances in order can be intimidating, especially for freelancers, creatives and side-giggers. Financial planner and artist Paco de Leon shares simple, holistic advice for tuning up your finances.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their families. These steps can help you prepare for the conversation with your loved ones.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Even if you've gotten a tarot reading before, you may be intimidated by the cards or wondering whether you're cool enough to learn. Tarot reader and writer Michelle Tea walks budding readers through each card in a tarot deck, shares reading tips and ways you can incorporate tarot into your self-care practice.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Passion and work often feel inextricably linked, but that's a fairly new phenomenon — and maybe it shouldn't be the expectation. Sociologist Erin A. Cech talks about why the career-passion combo favors privilege and can lead to burnout.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

"Likeability" is a loaded word. And try as we might, none of us has full control over who likes us. Journalist and podcaster Alicia Menendez, author of The Likeability Trap, says who we like is shaped by who we are — and often, likeability is a way of shielding biases in the workplace. (This episode originally aired in June 2021.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do. (This episode originally aired in October 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you recently searched the internet for "dog trainers near me," there's a good chance you became immediately overwhelmed by the options, certifications and vocabulary. There is a lot of information out there! So we consulted some experts on where to start. Here's what they say.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Time is money. But often, especially in the creative industries, trying to advance your career can mean literally selling yourself short. It's commonplace and borderline expected, depending on where you are in your career, to have to offer time and labor for free or for deeply discounted rates to get work. In this episode of Life Kit, journalist Juleyka Lantigua-Williams shares tools for advocating for yourself and your paycheck, as well as reflections on the value of betting on yourself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For those in emerging adulthood, there's endless pressure from all sides to chase an extraordinary standard in every aspect of life. But writer Rainesford Stauffer says the so-called milestones are more unrealistic than ever. Now's the time for creativity and carving your own path — and she's got some tips from her book, An Ordinary Age, to get you started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When's the best time to start a new habit? And what makes some stick while others fall by the wayside? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's new book, How to Change, breaks down the research about how to leverage human nature instead of working against it to achieve your goals. (This episode originally aired in May 2021.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Jasmine Marcelin shares how she has conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who have doubts about getting vaccinated. (A version of this episode originally aired on NPR's Short Wave.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Money talks, but how do you make sure your money is sending the right message? Ethical investing isn't magic, but it's one way to try and put your money where your morals are. Here's what you need to know before you get started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you ever try to be creative, but no matter how hard you try, struggle to access that spark in your head? This episode explains how to escape that creative rut — and it all starts with taking intentional breaks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Singlehood is not the waiting room of life. It's unfair to think single people can't create meaningful lives that are filled with purpose and love. We promise no cheesy advice, but rather tips for how to find peace with singleness and live a full life on your own terms.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Amid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. In this episode, infectious disease doctor Ibukun Kalu answers listeners' questions on the latest COVID variant, daycare and travel for unvaccinated children.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you wince every time you open up your credit card app or feel stressed just thinking about personal finances, here's how to curb money avoidance and train your brain to face your money woes head-on.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In 2022, 40% of New Year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on weight loss. Why do we set these goals for ourselves? Diet culture, the social expectations that value thinness and appearance above all else can impact how we view our bodies and treat others. The good news is, we can free ourselves from this mindset.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's counterintuitive, but an effective way to manage our negative reactions to life's stressors actually involves slowing down and paying very close attention. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction, explains how to begin a meditation practice — and how doing so can help you seize the present moment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Feeling blocked with it comes to starting an exercise habit? You can actually get the health benefits of exercise with just 22 minutes of exercise a day — and you might be surprised what "counts" as exercise. Kiss your excuses goodbye! (This episode originally aired in December 2018.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. If you're giving a new year's toast, a best man or maid of honor speech, or any other toasts this coming year, we've got some tips to make sure people remember your toast with fondness and not horror.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Thinking about taking a break from drinking? Here are ways to help you make a plan, navigate tricky social situations and reassess your relationship with alcohol so you can experience the benefits of dry January. (This episode originally aired in January 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everyone needs a little alone time, but during this pandemic, you may have felt like you had too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance back! This episode breaks down research behind what makes even small bouts of solitude restorative and what to do when you're alone too much. (This episode originally aired in July 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Holiday gift exchanges can feel like a burden, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Here are tips from a shopping expert on how to give more thoughtful presents — without breaking the bank. (This episode originally aired in December 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We asked for your questions on navigating the holiday blues. Clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior guides us through some rough patches involving family, money, loneliness and safety.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When we lose a loved one, it can feel like we've lost a part of ourselves. And for good reason, our brains are learning how to live in this world without someone we care about in it. In this episode, psychologist Mary-Frances O'Connor explains what happens in our brain when we experience grief. (A version of this episode originally aired on NPR's Short Wave.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shopping secondhand can ease the environmental burden of holiday consumption — and save you money, too. Here are three tips to help you start cutting down this season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being self-critical comes naturally for a lot of people. It's easy to focus on the one bad review or the tiny flaw in an otherwise perfect presentation. Psychologist Joy Harden Bradford walks us through some strategies to quiet down those negative thoughts, including how to monitor and interrogate your negative self-talk and replace it with positive self-talk.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hosting family and friends during the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn't need to be. Conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker discusses ways anyone can host a meaningful, memorable gathering. (This episode originally aired in July 2021.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The holiday season is well underway, and with it, a fresh batch of worries over the latest COVID-19 variant, omicron. For those planning end-of-year celebrations and travel, NPR senior science and health correspondent Maria Godoy breaks down the latest coronavirus news.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Even among the closest of friends, conversations about money and privilege can be awkward. In this episode from Life Kit and The Cut, author Otegha Uwagba discusses how we can break that ice — before it's time to split the check.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

People are late for lots of reasons — being overly optimistic, not accurately gauging how much time it takes to actually get somewhere, even being afraid of being early. Time management coach Rashelle Isip shares some tactics that can help you embrace punctuality and avoid that awkward apology for being tardy ... again.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As we inch toward the holidays, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith shares how she's processing grief, a subject at the center of much of her work. (This episode originally aired in December 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What does it mean to be a kinder, more caring neighbor? From Daniel Tiger's world of make-believe to Winnipeg, here's how to plug into your community, practice small acts of kindness and boost your mood. We'll also think critically about being neighborly when things get complicated.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Freezing your eggs can open doors for your fertility. It's also emotional, time-consuming and expensive. Here are some things to think about before you decide to freeze your eggs — and what to know if you do, including how much it costs and how to prepare for the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When someone comes to you for advice, where do you start? This episode explores how to give good advice to the people you care about. Hint: It's not always about fixing someone's problems.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Having good conversations is an art form. To help you out at end-of-year gatherings, NPR's Sam Sanders tapped longtime radio host and podcaster Celeste Headlee for her tips for really listening and connecting.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Just in time for Thanksgiving, self-taught baker Lauren Ko shares her tips for making tastier — and more beautiful — pies.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making a family recipe for the first time can be daunting. Will it turn out just like you remembered? For those cooking for the holidays, podcaster Noor Wazwaz walks us through what to remember in the kitchen.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Learning stories about our loved ones helps us understand their lives and make sense of our own story. Here are five tips to guide you as you document your family history.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Beloved books editor Petra Mayer believed that all you have to do to be a 'real writer' is to write. We're re-running this episode in honor of Petra who died on Saturday. We hope Petra's generosity, wit and passion for story will help shut down those distracting voices and honor the stories you have to share. (This episode originally ran in April 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family. New York Times food writer Eric Kim shares easy recipes for salt-and-pepper roast turkey breast and a make-ahead stuffing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Writer Suleika Jaouad has made a career out of covering folks living in the 'in between' spaces — starting with herself. Diagnosed with leukemia at 22, she embraced writing as a way to regain narrative control of her life. She shares lessons on making peace with uncertainty and transforming isolation into creative solitude.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Most students who want to transfer colleges don't. The process can be complicated and confusing and differ from state to state and institution to institution. Despite these hurdles, transferring is a common route to a four-year college. So how do you make the process go as smoothly as possible? Start early, stay organized and find a good fit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Getting enough sleep helps you focus, retain information and helps to fortify your immune system. For parents and caretakers struggling to get their little ones to bed on time, here are tips on establishing healthy sleeping habits — that can benefit your entire family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early or you'd like to become more of a morning lark, here are a few habits that can help you set yourself up for success at that first alarm.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What should you do when there's a flash flood warning? In this episode, we'll walk you through why we're seeing an increase in flood events, what you should keep in your car in the event of a flood-related emergency, and how to get from point A to point B safely, if you have to drive during heavy rains.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help. (This episode first ran in November 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ahead of the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow this weekend, we're sharing this episode from our friends at It's Been A Minute with Sam Sanders.In this episode, Sam chats with climate experts Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist and writer, and Kendra Pierre-Louis, senior climate reporter with the podcast 'How to Save a Planet.' Together, they answer listener questions about everything from how to talk to your kids about global warming... to how to deal with all of this existential dread.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Your skin is your largest organ. If you want to care for it without getting sucked into a wormhole of pharmacological-sounding jargon, this guide to building a basic skin care routine is for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It can be incredibly gratifying to harness mastery of a skill. But why is learning new things so hard? In this episode, we'll explore that question and give you three steps to start learning something new. Now all you need to do is decide what it is you want to learn!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The climate crisis is here, and if you feel climate anxiety, that's a totally normal response. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or numb when you start thinking about the bigger picture, but it's important to let yourself feel all those emotions, says ecotherapist Phoenix Smith.In this episode, Smith talks about tools to acknowledge and use these feelings for the decades to come.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Unread emails can be a source of anxiety for a lot of people. So instead of trying to read, filter or delete everything in your inbox, what if you just ignored it?In this episode, New York Times technology reporter Taylor Lorenz shares how spending less time on email and changing the way she thought about online communication has increased her productivity and given her back hours of time.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, and knowing where to start can feel daunting. But a birth plan can help!In this episode, Martina Abrahams Ilunga and Gabrielle Horton of NATAL, offer guidance on creating a birth plan that works for you, and makes it simple for your support system to pitch in.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Picking health insurance takes a lot of work. It's not a one-size-fits-all type of situation, and there are a lot of confusing terms that come up every year. You also need to consider your general health and finances. So how can you make sense of it all? That's where we come in. In this episode of Life Kit, we'll have experts guide you on where to look for coverage, how to narrow down plans — and how to get trustworthy help if you need it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You've only got 4,000 weeks to live — give or take. While that may come as a brutal dose of reality, it's also an opportunity to think about how you're spending that time.In this episode, we talk to Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, about the idea of time management, why none of us will ever be in control, and how we can better decide what we spend time on, and ultimately, the moments that make up a life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Strength training is a great way to exercise efficiently while preventing injury. But it can be nerve-wracking if you're worried about what other people think of you at the gym.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Food is more than just fuel for your body. Food is a connection to the stories of your ancestors and the stories of your descendants.In this episode of Life Kit, Michael W. Twitty, nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, and professor Devon Mihesuah share their advice on how to strengthen the ties to your food traditions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you feel like you're not an organized person? Deb Perelman of the blog and cookbook Smitten Kitchen says she can relate. But when it comes to the kitchen, she's got a system that works for her. In this episode, she shares her tips for home-cooks working in small spaces with Shereen Marisol Meraji about it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The five-day workweek can feel as preordained as the number of minutes in an hour, but it hasn't always been the norm. Workers fought for a Monday-to-Friday schedule before it became standard in the U.S. in the 1930s. Since then, the nature of work has changed a lot, and now, workers are once again fighting for better conditions, says U.K.-based researcher Will Stronge.In this episode, Stronge, who co-wrote the book Overtime: Why We Need a Shorter Working Week, discusses what has changed since the '30s and what a shorter workweek offers workers and organizations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rage, fear, possessiveness, sadness or all of the above — we all experience romantic jealousy differently, but the common denominator is the feeling of that inner alarm bell going off telling you you're going to lose your special someone.When mishandled, feelings of jealousy can lead to anything from internal strife to actual violence. But cultivated correctly, it can also be a "beautiful opportunity" to "deepen our awareness of what we want, who we care about and who we are". In this episode you'll hear how you can unlock jealousy's power.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens to potential college students to fill out on Oct. 1 for the 2022-2023 school year. Here's how to fill out the form to get money for college — and why you should apply now instead of waiting.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Research shows that suicide is preventable. And while surveys have shown that Americans know this, they might not know how to help someone who may be at risk.It's National Suicide Prevention Month, and we're looking at ways you can help if you know someone who is struggling.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Reading at school is one thing, but reading at home is important too. Though with busy schedules filled with after school activities, homework and lots of tech at kids' fingertips, it's not always easy to convince kids that reading isn't a chore. In this episode, Diana Opong helps us discover that there is so much joy — and value — to be found in reading aloud as a family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We don't question whether our pets, friends or family have earned their right to exist, so why do we sometimes think about our own lives in those terms? What we learn about the value of productivity and the negative connotation of "laziness" is part of the problem, says social psychologist Devon Price.In this episode, Price, author of Laziness Does Not Exist, shares tips for rethinking the concept of laziness and how feeling "lazy" is actually a useful signal from our bodies and our deepest selves.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Getting interrupted. Getting ideas stolen. Being talked over and ignored in meetings. This happens to women, people of color and marginalized workers a LOT.So what should you do when you get interrupted or talked over or have an idea stolen in a meeting? In this episode, Stacey Vanek Smith, author of the new book Machiavelli For Women, goes over four ways to be heard in the workplace.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you know it or not, you know somebody who is autistic. So if you think autism doesn't affect you, you're wrong, says Eric Garcia.In this episode, Garcia, author of We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation, talks about myths surrounding autism, how to talk about it and how to help your autistic loved one live their most fulfilling life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Contemplating dating when you're 50 or older can feel daunting. But to find love, you usually have to date.In this episode, relationship experts give their best tips for figuring out what you want in a new relationship and getting back into the dating scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Exercise is important, but balancing exercise with mental health and your own body confidence can be a tricky thing to pull off.In this episode, we talk to experts about how to keep comfortable in your body as it changes, and how to find that balance while exercising.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Medical transition-related treatments like hormone replacement therapy are associated with overwhelmingly positive outcomes in terms of both physical and mental health for transgender people. But, it can be hard to know exactly how to get started.In this episode of NPR's Short Wave, reporter James Factora explains where to start, common misconceptions about HRT, and the importance of finding community through the process.You can read James' full reporting for VICE here.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Anxiety can feel like the enemy, and it's easy to want to obliterate those feelings. But that might not be the best approach, according to Wendy Suzuki.In this episode, Suzuki, author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion, outlines strategies to turn that sinking feeling into something productive.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

More companies are offering hybrid work schedules, allowing office workers to split their time between the office and home. A hybrid setup has plenty of benefits but can be challenging to navigate. These tips can help you and your team ease into it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it — especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off debt.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Receiving feedback doesn't necessarily have to be terrifying, according to Shanita Williams, a feedback coach, professor and author of Feedback Mentality.In this episode, Williams and Stacy-Marie Ishmael, a writer and editor, provide five tips to make receiving feedback a little less scary and something that's just part of doing the work.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether it's an apartment or a house, finding a place to rent can be taxing. It takes research, a disciplined budget and a strong sense of your priorities to find a place where you can feel like yourself.In this episode, we're giving you the ultimate checklist of things to consider as you're looking for your next place to live, including a detailed list of questions to ask the property manager.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Returning to in-person schooling is both a relief — and a source of great anxiety — for a lot of parents this year. The pandemic is still happening. The Delta variant is surging. And millions of children are too young to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The news changes fast — updates on vaccine trials and breakthrough infections seem to roll in every day — but there's still a lot the whole family can do to stay as safe as possible.In this episode NPR health reporter Pien Huang shares tips from public health experts — all parents themselves — for keeping kids safe at school.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you want to dip a toe in the starry seas of fantasy and science fiction, but you just don't know where to start, Pop Culture Happy Hour is teaming up with Life Kit for a handy beginner's guide. What's the difference between sci-fi and fantasy? Is there one at all? We'll cover all that and throw in some reading recommendations to get you going.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

People are making up for time lost during the pandemic. Weddings are happening again. People are hosting cookouts, and going on vacation. Some people are heading back to in-person school and adjusting to working from the office again. But the health crisis is not over, and people in different parts of the country are taking very different approaches to that fact.These different approaches and thoughts are presenting some tricky situations, like asking people if they have or plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, or requesting that someone mask up.To talk through some of situations, NPR's Michel Martin spoke with Steven Petrow, an opinion columnist with USA Today, who's been writing about matters of etiquette, among other things.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Massella Dukuly understands that the simple act of giving somebody feedback can be terrifying. But her job as director of learning and development at LifeLabs Learning is to teach people how to give good feedback.In this episode, Dukuly shares five things to keep in mind as you're giving feedback to another person.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Becoming a parent is challenging, and the same is true for those becoming stepparents. In this episode, we talk to experts — some of whom are stepparents themselves — about how you can navigate the process. They share their do's: let the biological parent deal with discipline — and their don'ts: don't say anything to the child that you wouldn't want them to repeat to the other parent.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Talking about money can feel intimidating, even taboo. But it's also the key to fostering a closer connection with your partner. In this episode, financial therapist Amanda Clayman breaks down five crucial elements to a healthy financial relationship with your significant other.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If you've noticed that your kid put on some weight during the pandemic and you're not sure what — if anything — to do about it, you're not alone.Weight is an incredibly fraught topic — and an imperfect indicator of health. As parents, a kid's sudden weight gain can be hard to know how to tackle — the last thing we'd want is to do anything that might create poor body image for our children or set the stage for eating disorders.We spoke to doctors and specialists who work with kids. In this episode, they share their tips for how to get kids back on track and support healthy habits.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hi Life Kit listeners! We want to share an episode from another podcast we think you'll really enjoy. It comes from our friends at CNN's Chasing Life. It's hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and it helps listeners find balance in their lives. This episode is all about something very important — getting a good night's sleep. Dr. Gupta talks with experts about why we sleep in the first place, the latest research about sleep and how we get a full night's rest. Hope you enjoy!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The idea behind dating apps is to make finding a connection easier — but that's not always the case. These expert tips will help you make the experience less anxiety-inducing, whether you're looking for something long-term or casual.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Be it snail mail, a text message, a work email or a birthday card to grandma: good personal writing can foster authentic connection, boost your creativity and brighten someone's day. But personal writing can be tough. In this episode, Courtney Taylor, a senior writer at Hallmark Cards offers tips to make finding the words a bit easier.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Having elementary-aged kids at home can mean a maze of tough decisions about how to run your family and what's right for your small children. Economist Emily Oster offers ways to streamline decision-making with strategies — and data — that work in the business world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Becoming a mother is a huge, complicated life transition that can rock every fiber of a person's being. The process even has its own name: matrescence.That postpartum feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster, not recognizing your body in the mirror, thinking that you've lost yourself—it's all part of the process. Yet, not a lot of people talk about it, leading many new moms to think that there's a problem with them if they feel anything but joy. In this episode, host Grace Bastidas of Parents Latina offers guidance for mothers trying to make sense of this life stage. Here are five takeaways that can help moms-to-be (and moms already in the thick of it) get their footing, ​​including tips on how to manage expectations, get the support you need and prioritize time for yourself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Money can feel like a taboo topic in a lot of households, but talking about it regularly can take the awkwardness out of it.Kids see and do everything that we do, and that's true when it comes to money, says financial expert Jen Hemphill.In this episode, Hemphill shares her top tips for financial literacy for kids and families, including how to start those conversations and creating a healthy money mindset for everyone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Despite its legal-sounding moniker, a relationship contract isn't a binding agreement. Rather, it's a tool for couples to express their needs and work together to craft the parameters of their own unique relationship roadmap: including anything and everything from health and housework, to sex and intimacy.Writer Mandy Len Catron says crafting a relationship contract is a powerful exercise that "steers couples away from those problematic, passive notions of romance and toward agency and thoughtfulness in our love lives."In this Life Kit episode, Catron shares her tips and takeaways for creating a useful relationship contract.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you're a longtime fan or just thinking about how and where to get started in YA, we've got you covered with some recommendations, some thoughts about what YA is and is not, and some things to look for as you wade into the inviting but turbulent waters of Young Adult fiction.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Investing is the most powerful way that we can save for retirement, college for our children and similar long-term goals. But if you're just getting started it can be hard to separate the good advice from the bad.In this episode, NPR Life Kit host Chris Arnold offers up a few tips for those who are just entering the world of investing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Even the most amicable split is world-changing for young children. Here are a few key tips for grown-ups trying to help their kids navigate this big transition.(This episode originally published April 26, 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy