Today’s Solutions: December 16, 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.

Book Excerpt: How To Be A Frie

Book Excerpt: How To Be A Friend (In an Unfriendly World) by Barnet Bain

How To Be A Friend (In an Unfriendly World) by Barnet Bain At The Optimist Daily, we believe that real, tangible change often begins with the simplest acts of humanity: listening deeply, showing up for one another, and choosing connection in a world that feels increasingly divided. That is why we Read More...

Turn off the lights: the simpl

Turn off the lights: the simple nighttime habit that could protect your heart health

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A growing body of research suggests that a dark bedroom isn’t just nice for sleep. Getting your shut-eye in a pitch black room may actually be vital for long‑term heart health. A new study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions Read More...

Is it rude to ask if someoneâ€

Is it rude to ask if someone’s sick before a holiday hangout? Here's what the experts say

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM 'Tis the season of hosting, gathering, feasting! For many of us, this time of year is basically one long parade of hugs, handshakes, shared desserts, and recycled indoor air. It’s also, unfortunately, prime time for the cold and flu carousel to spin at full Read More...

Shereen Arent and Sambhali U.S

Shereen Arent and Sambhali U.S. help uplift 80,000+ women and girls in India

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Women and youth empowerment through education Welcome to the final week of The Optimist Daily’s Annual Local Changemakers series, where we’ve spent five weeks celebrating community-rooted leaders driving bold solutions across the globe. We close this Read More...

How to handle confrontation th

How to handle confrontation the right way with expert tips for managing conflict

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Confrontation is often something people dread. It can cause anxiety and discomfort, but that does not always have to be the case. Addressing disputes head-on is essential for personal development and relationship building. Experts agree that confrontation, Read More...

The top 5 things to put away b

The top 5 things to put away before Thanksgiving guests arrive, according to a designer

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Preparing your home for Thanksgiving often means juggling recipes, guest lists, and seasonal décor. But according to interior designer Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios in Dallas, one of the most powerful ways to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere has Read More...

Shower the People: How Gwen Wa

Shower the People: How Gwen Watkins built a mobile hygiene hub and a legacy of dignity

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Dignity and wellness access for underserved populations Welcome to the fourth week of The Optimist Daily’s Annual Local Changemakers series. This week, we highlight leaders ensuring that basic human needs like hygiene, nourishment, and health are met with Read More...

Why your cat is obsessed with

Why your cat is obsessed with boxes (and what evolution has to do with it)

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every cat parent knows this familiar scene: you splurge on the perfect toy, only to watch your feline friend climb inside the packaging instead. There is something about a simple cardboard box that cats find almost magnetic. And according to a growing body of Read More...

How a pop-up apple orchard is

How a pop-up apple orchard is turning surplus into joy and helping New Yorkers in need

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As Thanksgiving approaches, Manhattan is getting an unexpected gift: a pop-up apple orchard right in the heart of the city. And behind this sweet surprise is The Farmlink Project, a college-student-founded nonprofit that has become one of the most inspiring Read More...

How a small idea on two wheels

How a small idea on two wheels grew into a community kids can’t wait to join

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM By the time the first bell rings on Fridays in Montclair, New Jersey, something remarkable has already unfolded across town. Children burst out of their houses balancing backpacks and helmets, neighbors wave from porches, and parents gather on sidewalks as Read More...