Today’s Solutions: January 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.

Breaking the ice: Swedish city

Breaking the ice: Swedish city combats winter loneliness with "say hello" campaign

In the frozen embrace of Luleå, where daylight dwindles to mere hours, plunging into icy seawater becomes a ritual. For Katariina Yliperttula, a dip before work is about more than braving the cold—it’s an invigorating thrill. "It’s like a happiness rush afterwards," she says, recounting her Read More...

woman wraps gifts with eco-friendly and reusable furoshiki

7 sustainable alternatives to wrapping paper

The season of giving and receiving gifts is just around the corner. Although giving loved ones presents has a great impact on your (and their) mental health, it is also of utmost importance to be mindful of the impact gift exchanges have on the environment. Stanford University estimates that the Read More...

Recovering from family gatheri

Recovering from family gatherings: your essential guide to recharge and reset

A flurry of family visits might leave you reeling and wondering, "What just happened?" The intensity of spending time with family may be emotionally and physically demanding, whether the commotion has just ended or looms on the horizon. Psychologists have dubbed this phenomenon "family jet Read More...

Opting out: 4 alternative move

Opting out: 4 alternative movements to redefine Black Friday

Right now, the Black Friday shopping festivities are undoubtedly engulfing our screens and storefronts. It's easy for consumerism to take center stage, but nonetheless, amid the consumption frenzy, emergent movements provide respite for people wanting a break from the buying frenzy. Here are four Read More...

Study shows children of gay da

Study shows children of gay dads thrive

Researchers dug into the lives of families with gay fathers in a landmark study published in the journal Family Process, challenging prevalent preconceptions and shedding light on the resilience and success of these family dynamics. Contrary to some belief, children born to homosexual couples Read More...

Ways to make your Thanksgiving

Ways to make your Thanksgiving celebration more eco-friendly this year

Thanksgiving, a time of thanks and feasting, frequently has an unanticipated environmental cost. From extra food waste to increased carbon emissions, the holiday season may have a significant impact on our planet. However, choosing eco-friendly options does not imply foregoing the joy of Read More...

35 years later: Tracy Chapman

35 years later: Tracy Chapman is first Black woman to win CMA Song of the Year

Tracy Chapman makes history at the Country Music Awards (CMAs), becoming the first Black woman to win the coveted Song of the Year award with her timeless song, "Fast Car." The unfading allure of "Fast Car" "Fast Car," which was published in 1988, has weathered the test of time, becoming an Read More...

Parental leave revolution: Sou

Parental leave revolution: South Africa's landmark decision sets new standards

South Africa plans to pioneer shared parental leave, making it the first country in Africa to implement this provision. The country's highest court recently declared that both parents had the right to time off following the birth or adoption of a child, allowing them to determine how to divide a Read More...

Unlocking the treasure trove:

Unlocking the treasure trove: your guide to second-hand furniture shopping online

Venturing into the world of second-hand furniture is not only a treasure hunt but a sustainable way to furnish your space without breaking the bank. Whether you want to give your findings a modern facelift or keep their vintage charm, online thrift shopping is the way to go. Lindi Vanderschaaf, a Read More...

Meet Filkin’s Drift, the

Meet Filkin's Drift, the band walking 870 Miles to promote environmentally friendly touring

In a world where music has no boundaries, the environmental impact of touring has frequently taken a back seat. But now, two musicians from Birmingham, UK, are upending the music industry by embarking on an 870-mile eco-tour along Wales' gorgeous coast. Meet Seth Bye and Chris Roberts, the Read More...