The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score
March 5, 2026
Friendships thrive when individuals avoid keeping score of effort and instead look for complementary skills that each person brings to the relationship.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain
March 3, 2026
Pain is fundamentally a brain-mediated experience that can exist or persist even without current tissue damage, as evidenced by phantom limb pain.
Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat
March 2, 2026
The safest car seat is the one that fits your child and car correctly every single time, and all new car seats sold in the U.S. meet a federal minimum safety standard, meaning expensive seats do not inherently offer better crash protection.
4 myths about women's health
February 26, 2026
Beyond annual mammograms, women must assess lifetime breast cancer risk using tools like the BCRAT calculator and consider factors like breast density and family history to determine the best screening plan, potentially including MRIs.
Want to protect your money? Diversify your investments
February 24, 2026
The Rule of 120 (120 minus your age) provides a simple starting point for calculating your optimal stock versus bond allocation, suggesting more stocks when younger and fewer as you age.
How to plan your dream vacation
February 23, 2026
Before choosing a destination, define your trip's mission by considering what you want to gain (e.g., relaxation vs. adventure), your budget, and your available time.
Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave
February 19, 2026
To boost physical energy, improve gut health by consuming fibrous foods and cruciferous vegetables, and supercharge your circadian rhythm by getting morning sunlight and implementing consistent overnight fasting.
How to 'shift' your emotions
February 17, 2026
Avoidance is not always detrimental to emotional processing; strategically taking distance from an intense emotion can allow for better perspective and resolution later.
4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life
February 16, 2026
Negotiation is a common activity in everyday life, extending beyond professional settings to situations like compromising with friends or family, and applying formal tactics can improve daily contentment and agency.
Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)
February 12, 2026
Cuticles are a critical protective barrier for the nail unit and should not be trimmed, bitten, pulled, or picked, as they seal the nail matrix from invaders like bacteria and fungus.
Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?
February 10, 2026
Prior authorizations are required by insurance companies to potentially prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, but the criteria for triggering them are often unclear, leading to frustration and delays for both patients and doctors.
Why We Should Hang Out Won T Make You Real Friends
February 9, 2026
To turn acquaintances into real friends, be specific when inviting them to hang out and schedule the meeting soon, as compressed time together in the early weeks is crucial for relationship momentum.
Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend’s female friendships stress me out
February 5, 2026
High-stakes relationship conversations should be approached with compassion and care (a "handshake") rather than accusation (boxing gloves) to ensure the partner remains receptive.
Money tips no one taught you
February 3, 2026
When evaluating investment fees, understand that a 1% management fee against a 6% expected return means sacrificing one piece of a six-piece pie, not one piece of a 100-piece pie.
7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)
February 2, 2026
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith outlines seven distinct types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative—which address different energy deficits beyond just sleep.
Shoveling snow can be dangerous. Here's how to protect yourself
January 31, 2026
Shoveling snow for just 10 minutes can cause most people to reach about 97% of their maximal predicted heart rate, making it a major stress test for the heart.
Clever kitchen hacks from ‘Bake Off’ judge Prue Leith
January 29, 2026
Cooking should be a pleasure, not an endurance test, and simple recipes or shortcuts can provide just as much satisfaction as elaborate ones.
How to save a life with CPR
January 27, 2026
Bystander CPR, which doubles or triples survival rates for cardiac arrest victims, should be initiated immediately after ensuring scene safety and calling 911, without pausing to check for a pulse.
How to interpret the new dietary guidelines
January 26, 2026
The new dietary guidelines present a confusing disconnect between the food pyramid, which emphasizes red meat and cheese, and the written guidelines, which maintain the long-standing recommendation to limit saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calories.
A snowstorm is on the way. Here’s what to do.
January 22, 2026
Understand the difference between a winter weather watch (heads up), advisory (expected, below threshold), and warning (expected, meets threshold) to gauge preparation urgency, but always prepare for potential issues even with lower alerts.
The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better
January 20, 2026
The core strategy discussed in this episode of Life Kit, "The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better," is "special time," a research-backed practice proven to strengthen caregiver-child bonds and increase a child's likelihood of listening.
Too many goals and too little time? How to focus your attention
January 19, 2026
Focus on one main goal at a time and intentionally choose what you are willing to fail at to achieve that focus.
How to make your solo trip a success
January 15, 2026
Start small with solo travel experiences, such as local day trips or taking a solo day during a group vacation, to build confidence before embarking on longer journeys.
A proven method to make a habit stick
January 13, 2026
Habit formation relies on the convergence of Motivation, Ability, and a Prompt, and the Tiny Habits method emphasizes making the behavior extremely easy (high Ability) to ensure success even with low Motivation.
Tips to save money across all parts of your life
January 12, 2026
Cut costs at the grocery store by bulking up meals with inexpensive, versatile ingredients like cabbage and lentils, and by planning meals and shopping strategically (e.g., before the weekend or at the end of the day for bakery items).
Stressed about sleep? Don't make these mistakes
January 8, 2026
If you are experiencing acute or chronic insomnia, relying solely on better sleep hygiene is insufficient; instead, consider evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI).
How to build a village
January 6, 2026
To build a village, start by hosting something that excites you, as the best way to get a seat at the table is to host the table.
The science of losing weight
January 5, 2026
Weight loss, even a modest 5% of body weight, can yield significant metabolic health benefits, but maintaining weight loss requires permanent lifestyle changes.
How to set resolutions you'll actually keep
January 1, 2026
New Year's resolutions should be specific and concrete enough that you know definitively whether you accomplished them by the end of the day.
Get into strength training in 2026
December 30, 2025
To build muscle, you can use lighter weights for more repetitions or heavier weights for fewer repetitions, as long as you substantially challenge your muscles by training relatively hard.
Avoid these common financial mistakes
December 29, 2025
When borrowing money, approach lenders as a business partner by comparison shopping for the best terms, prioritizing credit unions for potentially lower interest rates, and never co-signing a loan unless you are fully prepared to cover the debt yourself.
Want to take a break from alcohol? Here's where to start
December 25, 2025
To successfully transition away from alcohol, one must first assess the specific roles alcohol plays in their life and then actively plan 'sober treats' to replace the needs alcohol was fulfilling.
How to be a better gift giver
December 23, 2025
Gifts communicate care and recognition by showing the recipient, "I see you for who you are and the things that you're interested in."
How to talk about death and dying
December 22, 2025
The dying process is often shocking and painful because it is rarely discussed beforehand, leading to unpreparedness for physical changes like altered breathing or appearance.
How to get a great haircut
December 18, 2025
Finding a trusted stylist involves researching their portfolio, paying attention to reviews that mention how the cut grows out, and asking specific questions about their cutting techniques (e.g., wet vs. dry cutting).
Dear Life Kit: I have the same holiday drama with my family every year
December 16, 2025
None extracted
How to cope if you can't find a job
December 15, 2025
Long-term unemployment is a traumatic event that can trigger freeze, fight, flight, or fawn responses, and recognizing this response pattern is the first step toward coping.
Watch out for these holiday scams
December 11, 2025
When shopping online, always research vendors by searching their name alongside terms like "scam," "fraud," or "complaint," and use a credit card for stronger consumer protections.
How to maintain emotional intimacy in long-term relationships
December 9, 2025
Being close and comfortable in a long-term relationship is not the same as sharing emotional intimacy, which requires ongoing effort and vulnerability.
What to know about prostate cancer
December 8, 2025
Early stage prostate cancer generally does not cause symptoms, making routine screenings like the PSA blood test crucial for detection.
How to optimize your circadian rhythm
December 4, 2025
Exposure to bright nights is associated with a significantly higher risk of premature mortality, while bright days are associated with a lower risk, suggesting a critical dose-response relationship between light exposure and longevity.
Curious about investing? Here's what to know
December 2, 2025
Retirement investment options like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs offer different tax benefits, and utilizing an employer match is crucial as it represents free money.
The key to a less frantic holiday season
December 1, 2025
Focus on connection over perfection during the holidays to reduce stress and increase meaningful experiences.
It's OK to run slow AF
November 27, 2025
To combat the inner critic when starting to run, give that voice a name and persona so you can consciously dismiss its unhelpful commentary.
Don't fall for these marketing tactics this holiday season
November 25, 2025
When feeling a sense of urgency while shopping, pause and question if the urgency is real, as retailers use this tactic to prevent thoughtful purchasing.
How to actually look forward to winter
November 24, 2025
Acknowledge winter as a natural time for rest, restoration, and moving slower, allowing yourself to hibernate instead of fighting the season.
What to do if you're losing your hair
November 20, 2025
Hair loss is common in women, affecting up to half of them in their lifetime, and can be emotionally devastating despite not being life-threatening.
How to work with your social anxiety
November 18, 2025
Practice social courage by consistently engaging in small social interactions to build a "social callus" and become more comfortable with being uncomfortable.
5 fitness and mental health tips for men
November 17, 2025
Manliness, as defined by Brett McKay of The Art of Manliness, is about developing virtues like prudence, courage, and strength, rather than a cartoonish idea of being burly.
Dear Life Kit: I’m sick of all this unwanted attention
November 13, 2025
When dealing with unsolicited, judgmental advice, ground yourself in what you know to be true about yourself and discern whose opinions you will accept versus those you will leave aside.
Having good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight
November 11, 2025
Good posture is defined not by a static ideal, but by being adaptive, dynamic, and fit for the activities one needs to perform, focusing on pain prevention rather than appearance.
How to afford food when money is tight
November 10, 2025
Utilize resources like the National Hunger Hotline (1-866-3-HUNGRY) for up-to-date information on local food pantries, soup kitchens, and Meals on Wheels, and veterans should check with the VA social work office for additional benefits.
How to repair after a fight with your partner
November 6, 2025
Repair is the single most important ingredient for developing healthy, long-term, secure-functioning relationships, involving a five-step process outlined by couples counselor Baya Voce.
Smart home decoration tips from designer Vern Yip
November 4, 2025
Before decorating, determine the intended function and desired emotional feeling of a space, ensuring all occupants participate in this foundational discussion.
How to get lower prices on prescription drugs
November 3, 2025
When facing unexpected high prescription costs, the first steps are to check for simple errors, look for online coupons (like those on GoodRX), and ask the pharmacist about discounts.
How introverts and extroverts can be better friends
October 30, 2025
To improve friendships between introverts and extroverts, one must first understand the fundamental differences in how they orient energy and recharge, while resisting the urge to judge behaviors based on personal assumptions.
Want to avoid flight delays this holiday season? Follow these tips now
October 28, 2025
To minimize flight disruptions during the holidays, book early morning, non-stop flights and avoid checking luggage if possible.
Do collagen supplements really work?
October 27, 2025
While some randomized controlled trials suggest collagen supplements can improve skin wrinkles, hydration, and elasticity, high-quality studies not funded by industry found no significant association.
How parents can be screentime role models
October 23, 2025
A parent's own technology use and attitudes are the single biggest indicator of a child's relationship with their devices, outweighing the impact of setting rules.
Frustrated by a relationship? Questions to ask yourself to move forward
October 21, 2025
When assessing a bothersome relationship behavior, first clarify if it is negatively impacting you (hurtful/harmful) or if it is merely something you dislike, potentially stemming from external influences.
How to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired)
October 20, 2025
Naps should be considered supplemental sleep, an appetizer to the main nighttime sleep session, which remains the bedrock for restorative rest.
Roy Choi's tips for healthy and flavorful meals
October 16, 2025
Healthy and flavorful meals are achievable by dedicating time to weekly meal preparation, including cutting produce and making pastes/sauces in advance.
Coming up with a business idea that takes off
October 14, 2025
A successful business idea, or what Rachel Rogers calls a "million-dollar offer," must provide a transformation, be in demand, be enjoyable for the entrepreneur, and be scalable.
How the local library can save you money
October 13, 2025
Libraries offer a vast array of non-book items and services for borrowing or free access, including museum passes, tools, streaming media, and specialized assistance like legal or social work consultation.
Dear Life Kit: I'm at my breaking point
October 9, 2025
Avoiding difficult truths in a friendship, such as a friend returning to an abusive partner, reinforces the avoidance dynamic the friend might be using in their own relationship.
How to support a loved one through cancer treatment
October 7, 2025
Support a loved one by thinking about your specific strengths and offering help that naturally aligns with what you are good at, rather than expecting them to ask for specific things.
In credit card debt? There’s a path out
October 6, 2025
You do not need to avoid credit cards forever; having at least one in good standing is ideal for building credit, but paying the full statement balance monthly is necessary to avoid interest charges.
How to talk toddler
October 2, 2025
Fighting toddler feelings is futile because you cannot reason with someone operating in a different developmental reality, so parents should avoid getting worked up alongside them.
Can you afford to make a big life change?
September 30, 2025
Before making a major life change, one must use a financial framework, such as Jill Schlesinger's 'fabulous five' steps, to move beyond fantasy and conduct a sober financial analysis.
It's soup season! Get cooking with these tips from Sohla El-Waylly
September 29, 2025
The backbone of a delicious soup is a flavorful broth, which can be homemade (meaty, veggie, or steeped) or supplemented with bouillon in a pinch.
A smarter way to pick the right college
September 25, 2025
In "A smarter way to pick the right college" from Life Kit, higher education journalist Jeffrey Selingo argues that students and parents should look beyond the prestige of top-ranked universities and focus on factors like supportive first-year experiences, opportunities for connection with faculty and peers, and real job experience to find a college that is a better fit.
Why anxiety is a superpower
September 23, 2025
Anxiety, while feeling awful, serves as a crucial warning signal or 'check engine light' for our brains, indicating potential danger or something being 'off' in our lives.
How to maintain a healthy interracial relationship
September 22, 2025
Intentionally discussing and celebrating racial and cultural differences is crucial for building strong interracial relationships.
What to do when your health insurance denies coverage
September 18, 2025
Preventative care services are legally mandated to be covered by health insurance plans without out-of-pocket costs under federal law, but appeals are often necessary due to billing errors or coding mistakes.
Overcoming romantic obsession
September 16, 2025
Limerence, an intense romantic infatuation, can be understood as a neurochemical addiction driven by intermittent reinforcement, similar to gambling, where the brain's 'wanting' drive persists even when 'liking' diminishes.