Today’s Solutions: January 24, 2025

Lifestyle

Alongside taking care of other people and the planet, make sure you take good care of yourself. The Lifestyle section at the Optimist Daily has solutions for everyday wellbeing on topics like food, beauty, fashion, and the latest trends. Curious about caring for houseplants, eating plant-based, or parenting tips? It’s all in there.

Woman holding her long-haired cat

New research shows that cats track their owners movements

All cat owners and lovers know that cats are special and intelligent creatures, and this new study led by Dr. Saho Takagi at the University of Kyoto in Japan confirms this. Takagi’s research reveals cats’ ability to track their owners as they move about the house, and show signs of a genuine Read More...

Red ladder against a cloudy blue sky

Have to make a tough decision? This “ladder rule” strategy can help

At least occasionally, we’ll find ourselves in a high-pressure situation where we must make a difficult decision quickly. Major life decisions deserve our undivided attention, but the business of life tends to get in the way and we end up feeling frazzled and spread thin. If you can relate to Read More...

Pouring tea from a teapot

Who spilled the tea? The answer is physics

The science behind an important unexplained everyday occurrence in our world has finally been described. Called the “teapot effect," it refers to an experience many of us have probably had: We go to pour a piping hot beverage out of a teapot too slowly, and end up with unwanted tea all over the Read More...

diverse group exercise

This kind of exercise is most effective for alleviating anxiety

A study led by scientists at the University of Gothenburg has revealed further information about the connection between physical activity and mental health, in particular, relief from anxiety. The link between exercise and reduced risk of depression has already been established thanks to past Read More...

Lisbon city at dusk

It is now illegal for employers in this country to contact workers after hours

Implementing employment policies that encourage a healthier work-life balance for employees can go a long way in benefiting both staff and employers. With that in mind, Portugal’s government has recently approved a set of new labor laws that protect employees’ working conditions. One of the Read More...

young man helps elderly blind man cross the road

This app connects the blind with guides for safer city travel

This month, UK-based startup Travel Hands, a spin-off from digital accessibility company VIP World Services, plans to launch an app designed to help visually impaired people navigate the busy streets of the London metropolitan area. Back in 2013, Travel Hands founder and CEO Ishan Jha was Read More...

person prepares to preserve shredded vegetables in a mason jar

Minimize your food waste with these 5 preservation methods

Here at The Optimist Daily, we love sharing practical ways people can help combat climate change right at home. While the climate crisis may leave us feeling helpless and overwhelmed, there are small actions that we can take that will propel us in the right direction and empower us. Food waste Read More...

woman poised to shop online with credit card in hand and laptop open on desk

Shop sustainably with these ethical online marketplaces

Online shopping is a modern-day convenience that many of us enjoy, however, the biggest online marketplaces often have questionable ethics practices. Luckily, there are other lesser-known marketplaces that are committed to ethical and sustainable business practices, support independent artisans, Read More...

a beautiful Black woman smiles and stretches after a good rest

5 Ways to rest for renewed energy levels

What does it mean to rest well? Resting doesn’t just mean closing your eyes and hoping for the best—there are varied approaches to rest that can suit the spectrum of needs we go through daily. Read through these five different ways to rest to see which kind(s) your body is craving the most at Read More...

Man and dog sleeping on a bed

What is the ideal bedtime? Science has a new answer

If you live in the US, daylight saving time has probably thrown your sleep schedule for a loop, but the good news is that if you’re working on getting back to a regular sleep and wake time, researchers have new insights into what time you should be striving for. Researchers from UK Biobank Read More...