Life Kit

The heart wants what it wants, but it's rarely that simple. Advice columnist Meredith Goldstein and psychologist Monica O'Neal — two longtime love experts and real-life friends — answer burning questions about work wives and friend zones, just in time for Valentine's Day. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally published November 7, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

There are ways to travel on a budget without completely draining your bank account — but you might have to let go of the over-the-top luxury travel images you see on Instagram. In this episode, we'll help you travel with intention, save ahead and maximize travel tools to get the best deals and savings on the trips you want to take. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Posture doesn't mean standing up straight or gliding across a room with a book on your head. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down the meaning of healthy posture and how you can nurture it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Have you ever met someone who is exceptionally easy to talk to? Someone who – simply through good conversation – gets you to open up? These are all common traits of "supercommunicators" — people who are consistently able to create authentic connections with others just by listening and talking. In this episode, journalist Charles Duhigg talks about how anyone can become a "supercommunicator." This episode originally published February 20, 2024. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want in your everyday life. This episode originally published April 11, 2024. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

You want to support your loved one on their special day — but that can come with a steep financial cost. How do you choose between the three destination weddings? How do you say no to a friend's big event without damaging your relationship? In this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle breaks down the cost of being there: how much big celebrations like a bachelorette trip or baby shower might cost you and what to do if you're worried about your budget. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease stress and more. In this episode, we cover what exercise and activities count as cardio, how to reap its benefits and how much to do. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Even if you dislike cooking, you still have to eat every day. In this episode, Margaret Eby, author of You Gotta Eat: Real-Life Strategies for Feeding Yourself When Cooking Feels Impossible, shares practical tips for getting meals on the table. Plus, Samin Nosrat, author of Salt Fat Acid Heat, offers expert advice on how to become more confident in your kitchen. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

It's easy to set big goals — but will you stick with them? The buddy system can help. In this episode, we talk about how to find an accountability partner and build a lasting, productive relationship. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz talks about some of the 75 evidence-based tips from her book Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. This episode originally published Jan. 15, 2024. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Looking to be more active in the new year? Here are four expert tips on how to fit movement into your hectic schedule and stay motivated with research-backed strategies. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

As we say goodbye to 2024, let's also bid farewell to some less than ideal money habits — like unnecessary impulse purchases, credit card debt getting out of hand and the trap of lifestyle creep. This episode will give helpful tips on how to start the new year on good financial footing. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock of the year. Reporter Kyle Norris talks with Buddhist Lama Rod Owens about how to get reflective during this time. Plus, a creative exercise to help you look back from cartoonist Nicole J. Georges. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

If you want to drink less or give up alcohol completely, it's natural to feel scared or anxious at first. What do you do at parties? What if people think you're boring? And how can you deal with temptation? Casey Davidson, sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, has tips for those starting a sobriety journey. And she argues that everyone would benefit from an evaluation of when and how alcohol shows up in their lives. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR 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. This episode originally published December 12, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR 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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a mass-produced dupe. In the moment, it's difficult to resist the temptation of making a purchase. But with a few pointed questions, you can make sure you've done your due diligence and buy something guilt-free. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

New research shows that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to tune up your body's internal clock. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes what matters. This episode originally published January 4, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy