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Life Kit

Tools To Help You Get It Together
Taylor Swift joked that 'jet lag is a choice.' A sleep expert has thoughts about that

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs embraces Taylor Swift after defeating the San Francisco 49ers during this year's Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Swift, who flew in from Tokyo to attend the game, jokingly told him, "jet lag is a choice." Ezra Shaw/Getty Images hide caption

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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Taylor Swift joked that 'jet lag is a choice.' A sleep expert has thoughts about that

Plus, six tips on how to stay alert and minimize sluggishness when traveling rapidly across multiple time zones.

4 mental health issues Asian Americans face — and how to overcome them
Kim Ryu for NPR

4 mental health issues Asian Americans face — and how to overcome them

Saying 'no,' speaking up for yourself and being less than perfect can be hard for many Asian Americans to do. Psychologist Jenny Wang has tips on how to address them with yourself and your loved ones.

4 mental health issues Asian Americans face — and how to overcome them

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Want to lend a friend money? Ask yourself if you can afford to never see it again
Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Want to lend a friend money? Ask yourself if you can afford to never see it again

Lending money to family and friends is a tricky business. What if they don't pay you back? What if you don't have the cash? Financial experts weigh in on the topic.

Want to lend a friend money? Ask yourself if you can afford to never see it again

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In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster tackles the emotional toll of difficult pregnancies
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In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster tackles the emotional toll of difficult pregnancies

The economist made a name for herself using data to challenge the accepted rules of pregnancy. Now, she's returning to the topic with a book on how to navigate its complications.

In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster tackles the emotional toll of difficult pregnancies

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What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?

Rhaina Cohen and her husband live in a row house with another couple and their two children in Washington, D.C. Cohen says they wanted to share a home with people who they were excited to live with — and who they could depend on. From left to right: Cohen, her husband, her housemate's child and her housemate. Rhaina Cohen hide caption

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Rhaina Cohen

What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?

People who've lived in co-ops, communes, group houses and 'intentional communities' share four questions you should ask yourself before taking the leap.

This cake-shaped zine may help you have your happiest birthday yet

No matter how old you are, having a happy birthday is one of life's great pleasures, says Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming, author of How to Have a Happy Birthday. Click here to download this cake-shaped zine to print and fold at home — the back has helpful birthday tips. Zine by Malaka Gharib/NPR; Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

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Zine by Malaka Gharib/NPR; Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

This cake-shaped zine may help you have your happiest birthday yet

No matter how old you are, having a happy birthday is one of life's great pleasures, says birthday enthusiast Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming. You just need to figure out what that means for you.

This cake-shaped zine may help you have your happiest birthday yet

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Dear Life Kit: Should I spend $1,000 on a wedding gift?
Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/Getty Images/NPR

Dear Life Kit

Dear Life Kit: Should I spend $1,000 on a wedding gift?

Etiquette coach Myka Meier revisits traditional wedding customs, including the cost of wedding gifts — and how much a mother-in-law should contribute to the matrimonial budget.

Dear Life Kit: Should I spend $1,000 on a wedding gift?

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COMIC: To prevent digital eye strain, give those peepers a little love
LA Johnson/NPR

COMIC: To prevent digital eye strain, give those peepers a little love

You can strain your eyes if you stare at a screen for too long, say eye doctors — and that can cause eye fatigue, headaches and blurry vision. Nip those symptoms in the bud with these eye care tips.

COMIC: To prevent digital eye strain, give those peepers a little love

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To read poetry like a poet, don't worry about 'getting it'
Halisia Hubbard/NPR

To read poetry like a poet, don't worry about 'getting it'

April is National Poetry Month. Poets share advice on how to make a meaningful connection with the art form. One tip? Think of the poem like a movie or a play — and you're the director.

To read poetry like a poet, don't worry about 'getting it'

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Earth Day 2025: 8 ways to live more sustainably
Malte Mueller/Getty Images/fStop

Earth Day 2025: 8 ways to live more sustainably

Climate change calls for long-term, systemic solutions, but that doesn't mean we can't all strive to live more sustainably. Life Kit is here with solutions from your kitchen to your closet.

Earth Day 2025: 8 ways to live more sustainably

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A nervous parent's guide to starting your baby on solid foods

To ensure your baby is ready to eat solid food, check for these developmental markers: good head control, the ability to sit upright with minimal support, loss of the tongue thrust reflex and an interest in food. Lindsey Balbierz for NPR hide caption

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Lindsey Balbierz for NPR

Life Kit

A nervous parent's guide to starting your baby on solid foods

Introducing solids to your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens and safety to help you and your little one succeed.

A nervous parent's guide to starting your baby on solid foods

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How to protect your ears: A cartoon guide
Kaz Fantone/NPR

Life Kit

How to protect your ears: A cartoon guide

Go easy on the Q-tips. Watch your phone volume. And if you're experiencing hearing issues like muffled sounds or tinnitus, see a professional. This comic offers advice on how to care for your ears.

How to protect your ears: A cartoon guide

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Parents, it's time to talk to your child about vaping
Marine Buffard for NPR

Life Kit

Parents, it's time to talk to your child about vaping

Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child.

Parents, it's time to talk to your child about vaping

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Having a roommate can be great, but it takes some work to make it work
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Life Kit

Having a roommate can be great, but it takes some work to make it work

Rooming with other people can be tricky. Here's how to negotiate a living environment that's safe, comfortable and pleasant for everyone.

Having a roommate can be great, but it takes some work to make it work

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How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year
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Life Kit

How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year

For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and helps you plan ahead for next year.

How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year

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4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life
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Life Kit

4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life

People often use negotiation tactics in business environments. But you can also use them to get your roommate to clean up, figure out where to eat for dinner or decide on which car to buy.

4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life

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You asked, we answered: Your questions about electric vehicles
Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

You asked, we answered: Your questions about electric vehicles

What happens if your car runs out of power on a road trip? Is it better to buy an EV now or wait until you need a new car? A roundup of smart questions from our listeners.

You asked, we answered: Your questions about electric vehicles

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Do you love seafood? Here's how to eat it responsibly

Mussels from the U.S., Arctic char from Canada and anchovies from the U.S. are often good options if you're trying to eat seafood that's sustainable. HUIZENG HU/Getty; Cbording/Getty; Israel Sebastian/Getty hide caption

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HUIZENG HU/Getty; Cbording/Getty; Israel Sebastian/Getty

Life Kit

Do you love seafood? Here's how to eat it responsibly

Fish populations are dwindling around the world due to overfishing. Here's how to make the right choices when dining out or buying fish at the market.

Do you love seafood? Here's how to eat it responsibly

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