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.
Semi-automatic washing machines are perfect for the thrifty apartment dweller
If you live in the US, you’ve probably never heard of a semi-automatic washing machine. A semi-automatic is typically lightweight and comprised of two side-by-side tubs encased in plastic, one for washing, one for spin-drying. These washers are extremely popular in Asia, and there’s an Read More...
Thank-you notes: Here’s why you should write them more often
When was the last time you wrote a thank-you note to someone? If you can’t remember the last time you sent one, a recent study may explain why. According to the new research, people chronically underestimate the power of expressing gratitude and overestimate how awkward it will be, which may keep Read More...
Healing the world by slowing down
Every family has two or three qualities they prize. In one family, parents praise their children for being good at sports; in another, for being musical or socially adept. At our house, speed was highly esteemed. The faster you could do a thing, the better. I turned out to have a knack for it. As Read More...
Meet the teens who are turning their backs on social media
It’s widely believed that young people are hopelessly devoted to social media. The teenagers of Generation Z, according to this stereotype, tweet, gram, Snap, and scroll. But for every young person hunched over a screen, there are others for whom social media no longer holds such an allure. These Read More...
How mindfulness is being used to treat sexual dissatisfaction
The applications of mindfulness are not limited to inducing calmness, treating depression, or encouraging healthy eating. Now, with huge numbers of men and women reporting sexual dissatisfaction, it is being applied to our relationships too. Have a look here to see how mindfulness can put an end to Read More...
How to turn restlessness into positive energy
Do you ever have a little too much energy? Maybe you’re jittery or realize you’re breathing fast for no apparent reasons. If this sounds familiar, here are seven positive ways to harness that energy for the good of your mind and Read More...
For less stressful travel, try doing these things before you leave home
Even though going on travels is supposed to be fun and exciting, often times it can also be stressful. Research shows that even small trips over relatively short distances are associated with higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Fortunately, the more mindful we become of our anxiety Read More...
How self-compassion can boost your performance in many aspects of life
Being kind and understanding to yourself in the face of adversity is known as self-compassion, and it’s been the subject of a great deal of research over recent years. Why? Because psychologists are discovering that self-compassion is a useful tool for enhancing performance in a variety of Read More...
These five practices are the simplest way to live a long life
If your objective is to live a long, healthy life, leaping from one health fad to the other isn’t exactly a well-reasoned strategy for improving our health. Instead, all you really need to do is stick to these five low-risk lifestyle Read More...
Home Runs and Horticulture: Urban Gardens Hit the Big Leagues
Think Global, Eat Local Part II By Sadie Wilbur, Editorial Intern, August 2018 Gardening has a power that is political and even democratic. And it is a political power that can be applied constantly, whereas one can only vote or demonstrate occasionally.—Wendell BerryJust behind centerfield wall Read More...