Life Kit

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

Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is solid on this trend. She shares the many health benefits of walking after eating: better digestion, more balanced blood sugar levels and a healthier gut microbiome. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Holiday family gatherings can be stressful. But what if moments of tension could be a moment for growth. Psychotherapist Daniel Olavarría weighs in on questions from listeners with tricky family dilemmas. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Winter is back. The days are shorter, the cold air hurts when breathing in and a warm bed seems more appealing than the outdoors. For some, remaining active and social can be challenging once the clocks roll back an hour. But should we let winter keep us from living our lives? In this episode, health psychologist Kari Leibowitz discusses her new book, How To Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. She gives tips about how to enjoy winter and explains how a slight change in perspective can go a long way in the winter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

When a friend's loved one has died, what do you do? Send flowers? Condolences? Distract them? It can be hard to know how to support a grieving friend. You want to be there for them, but you also know there's not much you can do to heal their pain. This episode, reporter Julia Furlan talks to grief experts about the most effective ways to show up for someone. And she shares insights from the times she's supported her own friends through their loss. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

As we enter a period of high personal spending, here are 5 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money during the holidays and year-round. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Searching for the perfect gift for a loved one doesn't have to be stressful. With some clever thinking, buying a present can be even more fun than receiving one. 'SELF magazine' editor-in-chief Rachel Wilkerson Miller shares her best tips for the holidays, birthdays or any other occasion. This episode was originally published on February 2, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club, explains what running is and what it isn't — and why anyone who wants to run can run. And for people interested in starting a routine, he shares tips on pace, gear and form. This episode originally aired on June 22, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Holiday travel is stressful — especially if you're dealing with family baggage on top of your actual baggage. But with some patience and boundary setting, you can keep your cool. This episode, how to prepare for holidays with family: mindfulness techniques that will work this season and year-round. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

A basic guide to boogying down, whether that's at a wedding, a dance studio or alone in your kitchen. In this episode, experts offer tips on how to shake off that self-consciousness and find the beat. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR 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.' This episode originally aired on Nov. 16, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Chef and TV host Prue Leith may be an exacting judge with the bakers on The Great British Bake Off. But when it comes to the rest of us, she thinks we could all cut ourselves a bit of slack in the kitchen. That's the idea behind her new cookbook, Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom. It includes flavorful and simple recipes — but also dozens of practical cooking hacks from her 65-year culinary career. From peeling garlic to rescuing over-whipped cream, she offers strategies that can help you reduce waste and prepare tricky foods with ease. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The paper of life — birth certificates, tax information, medical records and other important documents — all have to go somewhere. But keeping track of all these files and actually organizing them can feel like a headache. Professional organizer Kacy Paide walks through how to get started, what to toss and how to make a system that you'll actually stick to in moments of stress. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Did you grow up in a household where food was left out all day? Do you wash chicken before cooking it? If so, you might need this refresher course on food safety. Guidance on how to prepare, cook, serve and store food this holiday season — without giving yourself or your loved ones food poisoning. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Picking a health insurance plan can be confusing and frustrating. There are endless acronyms and it's hard to predict what your health needs will be in six months. This episode, we break down some of the terms and share guided questions to help you choose the plan that's best for you. This episode was originally published Oct. 31, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy