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Life Kit

Life Kit

Tools To Help You Get It Together
Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal
Donna Grethen/Getty Images/Ikon Images

Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal

Friendships inevitably shift over time — and during COVID-19, you might be facing more changes than usual. But those shifts in relationships aren't necessarily a bad thing. Life Kit consulted the experts about how to take a hard look at friendships — and how to break up with a pal, if that's the best route to take. This episode originally ran on August 21, 2019.

Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal

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What 'The Rocket Years' Can Teach Us
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What 'The Rocket Years' Can Teach Us

There's often a lot of pressure put on a person's 20s. Stay career focused? Or make it a time of exploration? In this episode, Elizabeth Segran talks about her book, The Rocket Years: How Your Twenties Launch the Rest of Your Life. She offers advice for anyone who wants to be more intentional about their life choices.

What 'The Rocket Years' Can Teach Us

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Why Forgiving Someone Else Is Really About You
Angela Hsieh for NPR

Why Forgiving Someone Else Is Really About You

Deciding to forgive is a big step. After all, you're the one who's been harmed! But it turns out that forgiving someone actually has benefits for your mental health. The practice of radical forgiveness can help you process hurt and anger — and ultimately find peace.

Why Forgiving Someone Else Is Really About You

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It's Pretty Easy To Level Up Your Coffee Game — Here's How
Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

It's Pretty Easy To Level Up Your Coffee Game — Here's How

You don't need to get super fancy with your morning coffee at home. All it takes are a few strategies to elevate your coffee game. Whether you use a drip machine or pour-over, paper filters or French press, this episode will help you get to know what kind of coffee you like and how to make it a little better.

It's Pretty Easy To Level Up Your Coffee Game — Here's How

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How Solitude Can Help You Regulate Your Mood
Kristen Uroda for NPR

How Solitude Can Help You Regulate Your Mood

Everyone needs a little alone time, but with the current pandemic, you might have either too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance back. This episode breaks down some of the research behind what makes even small bouts of solitude restorative and what to do when you're alone too much.

How Solitude Can Help You Regulate Your Mood

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New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started
Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started

Attention new campers! This episode will get you ready for your first car camping trip so you'll feel comfortable and confident in being a responsible member of the outdoor community. We'll discuss what to bring camping, how to make meals, how to stay safe and how to honor the land.

New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started

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When It Comes To Screens, Kids Need A Guide — Not A Disciplinarian
Lindsey Balbierz for NPR

When It Comes To Screens, Kids Need A Guide — Not A Disciplinarian

Some parents think the best way to manage a child's screen time is to set hard limits. But those rules are particularly difficult to keep during a pandemic, when screens are a lifeline for all of us. So what should the rules be? Sonia Livingstone and Alicia Blum-Ross, coauthors of Parenting For A Digital Future, explain why being too strict about screen time might not be the best strategy for your kids — or the whole family.

When It Comes To Screens, Kids Need A Guide — Not A Disciplinarian

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A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board
Photo illustration by Eslah Attar/NPR

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board

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. This episode explains what to look for on the back of a sunscreen bottle and how to use it effectively.

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains Why You Need To Get On Board

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Taking A Trip To Visit Grandparents Or Older Relatives? Tips To Reduce The Risk
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Shots - Health News

Taking A Trip To Visit Grandparents Or Older Relatives? Tips To Reduce The Risk

If you miss your mom and dad — or they miss their grandkids — how safe is a summer trip? Older people are more likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus, so consider these tips to reduce risk.

Taking A Trip To Visit Grandparents Or Older Relatives? Tips To Reduce The Risk

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Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It
Shannon Wright for NPR

Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It

One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look and how to ask.

Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It

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What You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks
Becky Harlan/NPR

What You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks

Face masks are crucial for curbing the spread of the coronavirus. This episode goes over some best practices when it comes to face masks, including how to wear a mask properly, the protection given by cloth vs. surgical masks, and how to safely take a break.

What You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks

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'Me And White Supremacy' Helps You Do The Work Of Dismantling Racism
Therrious Davis for NPR

'Me And White Supremacy' Helps You Do The Work Of Dismantling Racism

There's been a lot of talk about the work white people need to do to understand their role in racism. Layla Saad's book, Me and White Supremacy, helps readers do just that. Saad explains why it's important to dig into the uncomfortable work, why being an ally isn't enough, and ideas to combat white supremacy in your everyday life.

'Me And White Supremacy' Helps You Do The Work Of Dismantling Racism

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Why Does My Plant Look Sad? 6 Tips For Raising Happy Houseplants

If your plant is rootbound — where the roots have wrapped around the inside of the pot and are outgrowing it — it might be time to upgrade to a bigger pot. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

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Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Why Does My Plant Look Sad? 6 Tips For Raising Happy Houseplants

Eager to bring new plants home, but aren't sure where to begin? This episode will get you started with the basics of houseplant care — from watering schedule to light conditions. Because anyone can become a green thumb with a little time and attention.

Why Does My Plant Look Sad? 6 Tips For Raising Happy Houseplants

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End-Of-Life Planning Is A 'Lifetime Gift' To Your Loved Ones
Maria Fabrizio for NPR

End-Of-Life Planning Is A 'Lifetime Gift' To Your Loved Ones

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. But the reality is that even a small amount of planning ensures our final wishes are honored — and makes it easier on our family and friends. This episode will help you get started on making a will and an advance directive, even if you don't have a big estate.

End-Of-Life Planning Is A 'Lifetime Gift' To Your Loved Ones

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Want To Be Happier? Evidence-Based Tricks To Get You There
Clare Schneider/NPR

Want To Be Happier? Evidence-Based Tricks To Get You There

Everyone wants to be happy, and science has some answers. In this episode, Laurie Santos, the host of The Happiness Lab podcast, shares the science of cultivating gratitude and reframing positive thinking.

Want To Be Happier? Evidence-Based Tricks To Get You There

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A Black Mother Reflects On Giving Her 3 Sons 'The Talk' ... Again And Again
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A Black Mother Reflects On Giving Her 3 Sons 'The Talk' ... Again And Again

It's Been A Minute host Sam Sanders talks with Kenya Young, executive producer of Morning Edition and mother of three boys about "the talk" that Black parents have with their kids.

A Black Mother Reflects On Giving Her 3 Sons 'The Talk' ... Again And Again

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Navigating The Coming Out Conversation — From Both Sides
Wednesday Holmes/ @hellomynameiswednesday for NPR

Navigating The Coming Out Conversation — From Both Sides

Coming out looks different for everyone and is a continuous process. WNYC Studio's Nancy hosts talk with people about their coming out stories to learn what went well, what could have gone better, and what to say if someone comes out to you.

Navigating The Coming Out Conversation — From Both Sides

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Not Sure What You're Feeling? Journaling Can Help
Becky Harlan/NPR

Not Sure What You're Feeling? Journaling Can Help

Journaling helps you process emotions and gain insight. But you don't have to write for an hour a day or keep a beautiful bullet journal to get the benefits of journaling. This episode helps you get started with helpful journal prompts, even if you're wary about putting your feelings out there.

Not Sure What You're Feeling? Journaling Can Help

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Kids Know How To Occupy Themselves. We Need To Let Them Do It
LA Johnson/NPR

Kids Know How To Occupy Themselves. We Need To Let Them Do It

American parents often feel like event planners for their kids. There's a pressure to make sure kids are entertained and content every minute of the day. NPR's Michaeleen Doucleff says kids can be trained to occupy themselves.

Kids Know How To Occupy Themselves. We Need To Let Them Do It

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'Interrupt The Systems': Robin DiAngelo On 'White Fragility' And Anti-Racism
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'Interrupt The Systems': Robin DiAngelo On 'White Fragility' And Anti-Racism

You may not think of yourself as racist, but Robin DiAngelo says that "nice white people" are still complicit in racist structures. DiAngelo has tips to help white people break from apathy, interrupt racist systems and commit to anti-racist practices.

'Interrupt The Systems': Robin DiAngelo On 'White Fragility' And Anti-Racism

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