Concentrating is hard. Concentrating during a pandemic is even harder. Some experts say the key to focusing isn't forcing yourself to work — but taking strategic breaks to let your mind and body wander.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Burnout is common across the globe. In this episode, experts unpack the signs of burnout and how you can gain more control over your work and your life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Is unemployment taxed? What about stimulus checks? The pandemic has changed a lot when it comes to filing taxes. In this episode, we break down the filing process and tackle common COVID-19-related tax questions with a CPA.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Is an indoor visit between vaccinated friends safe? How about a hug with Grandma, even when young relatives haven't gotten their shots? The CDC released their guidelines for fully vaccinated people last week. Here's an explanation of what they advise, from NPR's Short Wave team.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Plenty of people put off seeking therapy because of the stigma, cost and inconvenience. Here are four tips to help you make your first appointment, even virtually. (This episode originally ran in January 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Intimate partner violence is widespread and traumatic. Here's how you can help a friend or loved one in an abusive relationship.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fast fashion takes a toll on the environment and on workers. Here's how you can shop more sustainably and build a closet with a better impact.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everyone has different boundaries. In this episode, we'll talk through what consent is and how to get clear about what you're comfortable with — so you can communicate that to others.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this episode, NPR's Sam Sanders talks with Short Wave host Maddie Sofia for answers to listener questions about the vaccine. (Here's the story we reference about improving your face mask protection: https://n.pr/2MCba0l.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. Experts talk through what to consider.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Whether you're completely fed up or just ready for the next thing, quitting a job can be stressful and complicated. Here's how to make a game plan and leave a good legacy. (This episode originally ran in Jan. 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Changing workplace culture isn't the job of marginalized employees. But knowing how to manage your boss or document your daily work can help employees of color — even if it just shows you when you've had enough. (This episode originally ran in Sept. 2020).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making a career switch can be daunting — but it's doable. In this episode, audio producer Keisha "TK" Dutes breaks down how she made her own switch, and how you can too. (This episode originally ran in Oct. 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Negotiations expert Mori Taheripour shares her tips on asking for more money at work — and what to do when the answer is no, or there's just not money in the budget.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

From informational interviews to applications, landing your first job after college is always hard. A pandemic makes it even tougher. This episode originally ran in 2019, and we've updated it with information about landing a job during the pandemic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A strong mentor can help you inside and outside of work. In this episode, we'll give you tips on finding the right one to help you achieve your goals. (This episode originally ran in September 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Human touch is essential. But in a socially distanced world, lots of people are starved for it. Figuring out what feels good to you, from a long hot bath to something more intimate, can be the first step to getting that much-needed touch. (Yes, this episode includes discussions of sex and sexuality.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You might remember Mandy Len Catron from her hit Modern Love essay about going through 36 questions to fall in love. You might have even tried those questions yourself. Catron's book is called How to Fall in Love With Anyone, and Vice's Rachel Wilkerson Miller spoke with her about it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's normal to avoid conflict. But if you approach conflict as problem-solving, it might not be so bad. Here's how to turn a fight into a constructive brainstorming session. (This episode originally ran in August 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

You can't fully show up for the people in your life until you know how to do the same for yourself. In this episode, we talk with Rachel Wilkerson Miller, author of The Art of Showing Up, about how to take care of yourself. (This episode originally ran in May 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making (and tasting) chocolate is an art. In this episode, a cocoa expert guides us through the world of chocolate and how you can appreciate it to its fullest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Logan Ury, a behavioral scientist at the dating app Hinge, says making dating decisions based on initial chemistry alone is a losing battle. In this episode, dating coach Damona Hoffman speaks with Ury about her new book, How to Not Die Alone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Everyone needs a little alone time, but these days, you might have either too much "me" time or not enough. Here's how to find a balance and get the restorative benefits of time by yourself. (This episode originally ran in July 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making money from a hobby takes a lot of work — and strategy. In this episode, host Ruth Tam gets some advice from independent business owners and financial experts about how to make it work.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In her most recent book, poet Maggie Smith compiled notes to self, and says that writing them was her way of 'trying on' hope.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Impostor syndrome: it's the voice in the back of your mind telling you that you're a fraud, and that your peers are all smarter and more creative than you. In this episode, host Diana Opong speaks with experts about how to squash that voice.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. Revisit your relationship with procrastination — and learn tools to kick the habit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Maintaining healthy boundaries is a way of taking care of your closest relationships, but setting those boundaries with family can be hard. The process starts with asking yourself what you need.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alexi Pappas is an Olympic runner, an actor and, now, a memoirist. In her new book, Bravey, she shares her struggles with mental health and learning to seek help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When was the last time you had a meal without looking at your phone, or took a day off without answering a work email? Journalist Celeste Headlee spoke with therapist Amelia Aldao for her tips for taking a break.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

If your home workout routine isn't much of a routine, we're right there with you. A personal trainer joined NPR's Maria Godoy to talk tips for carving out time and space at home for exercise.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. (This episode originally ran in October 2020.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A clean home can feel like a fresh start. Here's how to build a cleaning routine without getting overwhelmed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Many Americans remain unsure about whether to get the coronavirus vaccine. If you're talking to people in your life about getting it, make sure to lead with empathy and acknowledge what you don't know.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Breaking up is tough, no matter how sure you are in your decision. In this episode, certified dating coach Damona Hoffman walks us through the steps to go through in the process, and the small decisions that can make a big impact on how you'll come out on the other side.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When the headlines are terrifying, how can parents make sure kids get the facts without traumatizing them? Whether it's a school shooting, a global pandemic or an insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, child development experts have some advice. (This episode originally ran in March 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. Here's how to plan for a move — and save money in the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Making a hard decision can be agonizing. What if you pick the wrong thing? In this episode, an Oxford professor walks us through a different approach: What if there isn't a best alternative?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Here's how to organize them, from tagging them to backing them up. We've got tips from the experts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

BJ Fogg's book "Tiny Habits" explains that making small changes in behavior requires just a little motivation and lots of celebrating — and can have a big impact. (This episode originally ran earlier this year.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Biology makes it hard to lose weight, so don't beat yourself up. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to . But we'll explain science, which might help you be kinder to your body. (This episode originally ran in 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Got an intimidating tower of unread books looming on your nightstand? This episode will help you pick up more books and get through them quicker. (This episode originally ran in 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Being a sneakerhead looks different in a digital world, where shoes sell out in minutes and YouTubers review new kicks. NPR's Jeff Pierre shows us how to navigate it all — and trust your inner sneakerhead.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When it comes to characters like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, parents often play along with elaborate charades. But what should grown-ups do when kids ask tough questions? (This episode originally ran in 2019.)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Socializing in the great outdoors is safer during the pandemic, but lower temperatures can make it tough. NPR's Sam Gringlas got some tips to stay toasty.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alcohol sales are high and Americans are drinking more during the pandemic. If you're thinking of cutting back or even taking a break, you're not alone. Life Kit talked to the experts about how to do that.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Americans are reporting an increase in mental health challenges and suicidal ideation because of the coronavirus. If someone you know is struggling, here's how you can help.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The holidays are extra stressful this year. Psychologist and author Andrea Bonior offers some tips, whether you're feeling stressed, angry, lonely or guilty.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy