

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

113 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 19min
How a buddy system can help you reach your goals
Setting big goals is easy, but sticking to them can be tough. The buddy system emerges as a game-changer, offering the support needed to achieve personal goals. Discover how accountability partners boost motivation through regular check-ins and shared commitment. Learn the art of finding the right match for your accountability style and enjoy the benefits of friendship while staying focused. Overcoming obstacles together makes the journey not only easier but also more enjoyable!

104 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 23min
Stressed? Try one of these quick resets
Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and author of Stress Resets, shares her insights on quick techniques for managing stress effectively. She discusses 75 evidence-based tips, emphasizing the importance of identifying stress triggers. Listeners learn unique strategies such as 'Name That Emotion' and 'Sing Your Thoughts' for better emotional regulation. Taitz highlights mental resets like humor to combat negative thoughts and the value of small acts of kindness in enhancing overall well-being.

135 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 15min
How to move more this year
Discover the vital role of physical movement for overall health, like food and water. Learn effective strategies to integrate more activity into your mundane routine, especially after the festive season. Find out how personal motivation and enjoyable exercises can boost your movement, even in a busy life. Explore fun workouts from dance classes to running apps and uncover practical tips to keep your active lifestyle exciting and sustainable. Embrace the journey and stay motivated!

128 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 19min
Financial habits to leave behind in 2025
As 2025 approaches, it's time to ditch harmful financial habits like impulse buying and lifestyle creep. Experts share tips for mindful spending and budgeting that encourage a healthier financial future. Learn effective strategies for negotiating bills, especially medical costs, and discover how to manage credit card debts wisely. By reflecting on past practices, listeners can start the new year with a clearer financial path and actionable strategies to enhance their overall well-being.

70 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 20min
Take a moment to reflect before the new year
Kyle Norris, a talented reporter, chats with Buddhist Lama Rod Owens, known for his insights on mindfulness, and cartoonist Nicole J. Georges, who shares creative reflection techniques. They discuss the importance of stillness and self-care during the holiday season. Listeners are encouraged to carve out solitary moments to rejuvenate amidst holiday chaos. Unique exercises, including journaling and drawing, help reflect on accomplishments and set intentions for the new year, promoting personal growth and clarity.

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!