Today’s Solutions: November 17, 2024

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.

4 ways to relax and unwind usi

4 ways to relax and unwind using bath salts

Amidst all the stress of these uncertain times, it’s vital to find ways to relax. One great way to help you unwind is by using bath salts (the sprinkle-in-the-bath kind, not the turn-you-into-a-zombie kind). Typically, they’re made from Epsom salt and essential oils. You can add a scoop to Read More...

This summer berry has skin-soo

This summer berry has skin-soothing properties

If you’ve seen black raspberries at the farmer’s market, you probably thought they were just blackberries. This self-disguising fruit is a variant of the original red raspberry and new research shows it could help beat summer skin allergies. Black raspberries have been long studied for their Read More...

Compost bin in the garden.

Throwing food waste in the trash is now illegal in Vermont

Vermont has long been praised as one of the greenest states in the US, and rightfully so. In 2019, the Green Mountain State passed into law the most comprehensive ban on single-use plastics in the US, setting a commendable standard for other states to follow. In 2020 a bid to further their Read More...

Petition website Change.org to

Petition website Change.org to dedicate $6 million to racial justice

Change.org is a petition website that has been hugely instrumental for getting online communities to rally together in order to amplify a particular message or demand. The two biggest petitions ever seen on the website call for justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, two names we should all Read More...

Why this startup is giving ren

Why this startup is giving renters a financial stake in their apartments

When someone rents an apartment in a new complex in Columbus, Ohio, they can now also get a financial stake in the building. The property is the first to partner with Rhove, a startup that wants to help shrink the wealth gap between renters and homeowners by offering “rentership,” an asset Read More...

Mental health: Learn the diffe

Mental health: Learn the difference between ‘loneliness’ and ‘being alone’

For the past few years, we’ve been told that loneliness is a public health crisis, as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes each day. The messaging is that we’re people—people who need people—and spending too much time by ourselves is a major problem. Oh, but at the same time, Read More...

The Optimist View: How consume

The Optimist View: How consumers, companies, and our furry companions scored a win

"Cruelty-free is becoming the standard. Not just in California, in general." - Katie Mukai BY LAUREN GOODMAN A couple of weeks ago, you may have seen an Optimist Daily story in your inbox about a proposed California bill that would ban the use of twelve ingredients in cosmetics. This Toxic-Free Read More...

Closeup of leaves of grass

These easy-to-grow plants will help repel mosquitos from your garden

No one wants to be pestered by mosquitos while sitting in their garden. At the same time, almost everyone loves to be surrounded by lush plants. Fortunately, there are low-maintenance plants you can put in your garden that will both spruce up your garden and keep mosquitos at bay. Here you’ll Read More...

Self-doubt: When to listen to

Self-doubt: When to listen to it—and when to ignore it

Confidence in your abilities can get you through a rough patch and help you move ahead, but there are times when self-doubt can help you avoid making a mistake. The key is in knowing the difference between the doubts that are serving us and those that are holding us back, says Margie Warrell, Read More...

How to avoid a mid-afternoon c

How to avoid a mid-afternoon caffeine crash

If you’re guilty of indulging in a cup of coffee, or three, every morning, you may find yourself experiencing fatigue and irritability mid-afternoon. Otherwise known as a caffeine crash, this slump can put a damper on your day, but understanding what causes it can help you avoid it in the Read More...