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.
Young Virginians will receive free books thanks to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
For Dolly Parton, the journey of imagination begins with a book. Inspired by her childhood favorite, "The Little Engine That Could," the renowned country singer established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that sends one free book to children under the age of five each month. This Read More...
Is "zone 2 cardio" the new HIIT? A beginners' guide to this upcoming exercise craze
So, what exactly is the hype around zone 2 cardio that’s popping up on all our social feeds? Let's break it down into simpler terms. When we talk about "zones," we're referring to distinct levels of exertion during exercise, which are frequently classified according to heart rate. Consider Read More...
Study reveals best strategy for reducing anger (no, it's not venting)
Finding the best way to handle anger can feel like traversing a maze. We've long believed in the cathartic value of venting, comparing it to releasing pressure from a boiling kettle. However, current evidence indicates otherwise. Ohio State University did a comprehensive meta-analysis Read More...
Could kombucha tea’s microbial magic be the secret to effortless weight loss?
In their search for weight loss remedies, researchers discovered an unexpected ally: kombucha tea. This ancient fermented elixir, which has a contentious flavor, is now emerging as a possible game changer in metabolic health. A recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Read More...
5 small and practical ways to support a friend through depression
When a loved one is struggling with depression, it's easy to feel helpless. However, you do not need to be a therapist to make a significant difference. According to Boston-based therapist and depression specialist Alexandra Vlahakes, PsyD, "There are things you, as a friend, can do to support Read More...
Canada's landmark move toward free contraception
On Saturday, March 30th, in a historic step toward improving women's health, Canada unveiled a breakthrough effort to provide free contraception to all women of reproductive age. During a press conference in Toronto, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the government's commitment to Read More...
How to land your dream job (even if you don't have much experience)
So you've found your dream job, but the job description appears to be written for someone with a long list of skills and experience that you don't have. It's easy to become discouraged in such circumstances. However, don't let this dissuade you. As Jason Patel, founder of Transizion, emphasizes, Read More...
3 ways to use the solar eclipse to deepen your child’s love of science
As the complete solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 approaches, parents and educators have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to pique children's interest in astronomy. One captivating technique is to compare historical ideas about eclipses with present scientific answers. By comparing and contrasting various Read More...
A guide to self-kindness: transforming negative self-talk into positive affirmations
As we go through the motions of daily life, it's tempting to listen to our inner critic's constant commentary. Negative self-talk, or the constant stream of self-criticism, destroys our sense of value and robs us of happiness. This issue is brought to light by Jennifer Mulholland and Jeff Shuck in Read More...
The undeniable brain-boosting power of hands-on activities
The human hand is a natural masterpiece, capable of delicate movements and exquisite manipulation that no other species on Earth can match. However, modern life is increasingly focused on basic actions such as tapping screens and pushing buttons, which distances us from sophisticated hand Read More...