A little research can go a long way when brainstorming a Halloween costume. Personal stylist Sophie Strauss says she looks to recent pop culture — shows, movies, celebrities, trending news stories or phrases — as a fun place to start. Cavan Images/Getty Images/ hide caption
To free up more time in your life, writer Caroline Sylge proposes a creative idea: Give yourself a "say no" retreat. It's a day to look at your calendar and thoughtfully decline obligations in the next few weeks and months. Juan Moyano/ Moment RF/ Getty Images hide caption
One clever way to celebrate the season? Put a rest day on your calendar. As the days shorten, you may feel lower energy when the sun sets at 5 p.m. instead of 8. So create the space in your life to recharge. Hannah Churn for NPR hide caption
Don't let negative thoughts or fear mess with your performance. Psychologist Cindra Kamphoff, who helps athletes and business leaders keep their confidence in high-stakes situations, offers anxiety-busting tools from her new book. Anton Vierietin/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption
One way to boost self-esteem is to update a troubling memory about yourself, says psychologist Marisa Franco. As your current self, go back in time and give your younger self the reassurance you needed to hear back then. It can give your current self a sense of catharsis. Malaka Gharib/NPR hide caption
Working on trivial things instead of what you're supposed to be doing? That's a sign of procrastination, writes Itamar Shatz in his new book, Solving Procrastination. It's also a hint to one of our quiz questions below. La Cassette Bleue/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption
Back-to-school season can still be an opportunity for a refresh, even if you're not headed back to the classroom. Maria Korneeva/Getty Images/Moment RF hide caption
Finding missing items is an art and a science. The next time you misplace your house key, try these strategies to hunt it down. Allie Sullberg/for NPR hide caption
Feeling stuck, bored or restless in life? You might be ready to start a side quest. In video games, it's a mission that deviates from the main storyline, helping to build the world's lore . In real life, it's an activity that doesn't serve any other purpose than bringing more whimsy into your day-to-day. Westend61/Getty Images hide caption
By building balance and strength in a few key areas of the body, you can alleviate or even prevent common pregnancy aches. Amy Kiefer, a certified personal trainer, and Holly Keskey-Koester, a fitness instructor, demonstrate a few movements. Footage: Expecting and Empowered. Video: CJ Riculan/NPR hide caption
