Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's Science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around. This episode originally published September 3, 2024. Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en"target="_blank" >@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit"target="_blank" >Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at <a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org"target="_blank" >lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's Science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around. This episode originally published September 3, 2024. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's Science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around. This episode originally published September 3, 2024. Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Boost your mood in 15 minutes

Memories from your past can affect your self worth in the present. Marisa Franco, psychologist and author of the book Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, shares a memory-updating technique you can use daily to boost your self-esteem and feel more secure. Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en"target="_blank" >@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit"target="_blank" >Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at <a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org"target="_blank" >lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Memories from your past can affect your self worth in the present. Marisa Franco, psychologist and author of the book Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, shares a memory-updating technique you can use daily to boost your self-esteem and feel more secure. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Memories from your past can affect your self worth in the present. Marisa Franco, psychologist and author of the book Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, shares a memory-updating technique you can use daily to boost your self-esteem and feel more secure. Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Feeling insecure? Try this memory-update exercise

Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s necessary for close, authentic relationships, says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and the author of a new book, The Art of Fighting. But sometimes it can be hard to know if it's worth getting in the weeds with someone. In this episode of Life Kit, Parker shares questions to ask yourself before you bring up an issue, how to handle different conflict styles and why it's a good idea to schedule time to fight. Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en"target="_blank" >@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit"target="_blank" >Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at <a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org"target="_blank" >lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s necessary for close, authentic relationships, says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and the author of a new book, The Art of Fighting. But sometimes it can be hard to know if it's worth getting in the weeds with someone. In this episode of Life Kit, Parker shares questions to ask yourself before you bring up an issue, how to handle different conflict styles and why it's a good idea to schedule time to fight. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s necessary for close, authentic relationships, says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and the author of a new book, The Art of Fighting. But sometimes it can be hard to know if it's worth getting in the weeds with someone. In this episode of Life Kit, Parker shares questions to ask yourself before you bring up an issue, how to handle different conflict styles and why it's a good idea to schedule time to fight. Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Want more intimacy in your relationships? Conflict could help

Quitting is often associated with failure. But choosing to walk away from a goal can help you save time, identify what you truly want and create space for other pursuits. This episode, how to evaluate your goal, figure out its cost and know when it's time to throw in the towel. This episode was originally published on Aug. 18, 2025. Show notes: Read a comic version of this episode <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5403630/signs-its-time-to-quit"target="_blank" >here</a>. Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en"target="_blank" >@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit"target="_blank" >Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at <a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org"target="_blank" >lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Quitting is often associated with failure. But choosing to walk away from a goal can help you save time, identify what you truly want and create space for other pursuits. This episode, how to evaluate your goal, figure out its cost and know when it's time to throw in the towel. This episode was originally published on Aug. 18, 2025. Show notes: Read a comic version of this episode here. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Quitting is often associated with failure. But choosing to walk away from a goal can help you save time, identify what you truly want and create space for other pursuits. This episode, how to evaluate your goal, figure out its cost and know when it's time to throw in the towel. This episode was originally published on Aug. 18, 2025. Show notes: Read a comic version of this episode <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5403630/signs-its-time-to-quit" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Quitting is sometimes the right decision. Here's how to know when to walk away

If you're a new or soon-to-be parent, free time is at a premium. And sorting through different investment account options is confusing and time-consuming. On this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks you through different savings methods, from the new Trump accounts, to classic 529 plans, to custodial brokerage accounts, and will help you prioritize which method to use.  Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en"target="_blank" >@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit"target="_blank" >Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at <a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org"target="_blank" >lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

If you're a new or soon-to-be parent, free time is at a premium. And sorting through different investment account options is confusing and time-consuming. On this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks you through different savings methods, from the new Trump accounts, to classic 529 plans, to custodial brokerage accounts, and will help you prioritize which method to use. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

If you're a new or soon-to-be parent, free time is at a premium. And sorting through different investment account options is confusing and time-consuming. On this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks you through different savings methods, from the new Trump accounts, to classic 529 plans, to custodial brokerage accounts, and will help you prioritize which method to use.&nbsp; Follow us on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nprlifekit/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nprlifekit</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/life-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up for our newsletter here.</a> Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lifekit@npr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifekit@npr.org</a> Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

How to jumpstart your child's financial future

If you use credit cards in an intentional way, you can free up some valuable perks. We geek out on strategies to make credit cards work for you. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

If you use credit cards in an intentional way, you can free up some valuable perks. We geek out on strategies to make credit cards work for you. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

If you use credit cards in an intentional way, you can free up some valuable perks. We geek out on strategies to make credit cards work for you. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Boost Your Credit Card IQ

Falling off the exercise wagon more than you'd like? These strategies, based on economics and the science of habit formation, can help. Plus, you get to binge-watch TV. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Falling off the exercise wagon more than you'd like? These strategies, based on economics and the science of habit formation, can help. Plus, you get to binge-watch TV. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Falling off the exercise wagon more than you'd like? These strategies, based on economics and the science of habit formation, can help. Plus, you get to binge-watch TV. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" rel="noopener noreferrer">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

How To Make Exercise A Habit That Sticks

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. Support public media by joining NPR+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening and helpful curated playlists by topic for Life Kit.

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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. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening and helpful curated playlists by topic for Life Kit.

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. Support public media by joining NPR+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plus.npr.org</a>. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening and helpful curated playlists by topic for Life Kit.

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