

Life Kit
NPR
Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together. Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. You'll support the show and unlock exclusive curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Episodes
Mentioned books

47 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 19min
How to cut down on drinking
Casey Davidson, a sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, shares her journey and insights on reducing alcohol consumption. She tackles common fears about social situations and offers practical tips for navigating life without drinking. Davidson emphasizes the importance of reevaluating alcohol's role in our lives and highlights the growth that comes from forming deeper connections without it. She also provides strategies for enjoying sober activities, helping listeners find fulfillment and clarity on their sobriety journey.

104 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 20min
Clear out your clutter
Star Hansen, a certified professional organizer, shares her expert insights on decluttering. She emphasizes the emotional toll of clutter and its connection to our fast-paced lives. Hansen highlights the importance of understanding clutter dynamics in shared spaces and offers strategies for overcoming feelings of overwhelm. She encourages listeners to tackle small projects with intentionality and fosters creativity through cost-effective organization methods. Get ready to transform your space and mindset with her practical tips!

56 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 25min
How to stop overanalyzing romantic relationships
Allison Raskin, a writer, podcaster, and mental health advocate, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of romantic relationships. She discusses how to keep dating in perspective, emphasizing mental health and the importance of not relying on one partner for all emotional needs. Raskin encourages a light-hearted approach to early dating, advocating for seeing multiple people to reduce pressure. She also explores healing after heartbreak, offering practical self-care strategies to manage grief and promote self-worth.

179 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 18min
Should I buy that thing? A framework to help you decide
Navigating consumer pressure requires savvy decision-making skills. Learn to distinguish between needs and wants to avoid impulsive buys. Explore emotional triggers that lead to shopping, using techniques like the HALT acronym for self-assessment. Discover practical tips for evaluating purchases and understanding pricing, along with the crucial benefits of mindful spending. The journey to wise buying choices is emphasized through personal anecdotes and strategies for thoughtful financial management.

77 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 15min
How to optimize your circadian rhythm
Will Stone, NPR health correspondent, dives into the captivating science of circadian rhythms and how light impacts our health. He discusses groundbreaking UK research revealing that excessive evening light could increase the risk of premature death. Stone shares practical tips to adjust light exposure, emphasizing the importance of natural daylight and minimizing nighttime brightness for better sleep and mental well-being. Discover how tweaking your environment can significantly enhance your body's internal clock and overall health!

303 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 14min
7 tiny hacks that can improve your to-do list
Transform your to-do list into a powerful productivity tool! Discover the significance of personalizing your task list to align with your goals. Learn effective strategies for creating meaningful lists that prioritize fulfillment over mere productivity. Explore methods like time blocking and the two-minute rule to boost focus on what truly matters. Uncover how to balance daily tasks with bigger objectives and ensure your lists enhance well-being instead of controlling it.

75 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 13min
Why you should take a 'fart walk' after a meal
Maria Godoy, NPR's science and health correspondent, dives into the fascinating trend of 'fart walks'—those post-meal strolls gaining traction online. She discusses how these short walks boost digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels. Godoy highlights the positive impact on gut health and nutrient absorption, revealing how simply walking can lower diabetes risk. With a blend of science and humor, she emphasizes integrating this easy habit into daily life for better health outcomes.

38 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 20min
Dear Life Kit: My family stresses me out around the holidays
Licensed psychotherapist Daniel Olavarría shares expert insights on managing holiday family stress. He discusses turning moments of tension into opportunities for personal growth. The conversation explores the challenges of including partners in family gatherings and emphasizes the importance of open communication and boundary-setting. Listeners learn how to navigate complex family dynamics, especially during times of grief, while honoring traditions and embracing new experiences. Daniel's advice empowers individuals to foster healthier family interactions this holiday season.

82 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 23min
How to thrive, not just survive in winter
Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist and author of "How To Winter," shares insightful strategies for thriving during the cold months. She discusses how a shift in mindset can transform our winter experience, highlighting research from Norway on maintaining mental health amidst harsh conditions. Leibowitz emphasizes the importance of embracing winter's rhythm, including rest and reflection, as well as cozy atmospheres that foster creativity and connection. She encourages listeners to savor the beauty of winter and find joy in seasonal rituals.

43 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 21min
How to support a grieving friend
Julia Furlan, a reporter known for her insightful storytelling, shares her experiences around supporting friends through grief. She discusses the delicate balance of providing comfort and understanding, emphasizing empathy over clichés. Furlan highlights the importance of presence in supporting the grieving, suggesting simple gestures can truly make a difference. Additionally, expert insights help unravel the complexities of grief, advocating for sincere expressions of sympathy that acknowledge the profound pain of loss.