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.
Ideas for solo dates: how to enjoy "me time" and practice self-care
In a world full of social interactions and shared experiences, dating yourself may appear unusual or even scary at first. However, as Cassie Ekstrom, a therapist who specializes in anxiety and life transitions, argues, going on solo dates can lead to personal growth, better self-confidence, and a Read More...
How We Rock the Spectrum creates inclusive play spaces for neurodivergent kids
Tiera Turner faced a predicament that many parents of neurodivergent children can relate to when her first son was diagnosed with autism in 2019. She couldn't find a place where her child could be himself without having to apologize or explain himself. Turner has two sons with autism and has Read More...
This magnetic 'workout mat' for cell health may revolutionize muscle growth
Picture a 'workout mat' built just for cells, a cutting-edge technology that mimics the mechanical pressures our muscles experience during exercise while inflicting no harm. MIT researchers made this ground-breaking notion a reality, providing hope and new potential for a variety of muscular Read More...
Young driver fatality rates in the US are falling, thanks to education and technology
The newest Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report contains excellent news for young drivers in the United States. There has been a dramatic decline in crash and mortality rates among drivers under the age of 21 during the last two decades. While they remain the most dangerous group on Read More...
Meet Sara Khadem, an international chess master fighting for freedom
In a world where conformity may squash ambitions, an Iranian chess champion, Sara Khadem, took a courageous step that echoed a cry for independence. She accomplished something spectacular last December in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Sara, an International Master, competed without a hijab, which was a Read More...
American Women Quarters Program celebrates achievements of remarkable women
In a special run of quarters to be minted for 2025, the Treasury Department announced that five extraordinary women will have their own remarkable place on US coins. These individuals are the result of a four-year journey in the American Women’s Quarters Program, which was created to honor Read More...
Healing together: navigating collective grief with compassion and resilience
Grief is a profound human experience, and when it manifests as communal grief, its repercussions ripple throughout society, affecting our emotional well-being and even our nervous systems. As grieving and trauma therapist Gina Moffa, LCSW, points out, sadness isn't confined to the loss of loved Read More...
Thrills and chills: how horror films can improve your mental health
The mere mention of legendary horror films such as "The Exorcist" and "Silent Night, Deadly Night" conjures up images of terror and revulsion. But did you know that, despite making spectators squirm and cringe, some films may be beneficial to their mental health? In this investigation, we look into Read More...
How a healthy sex life boosts seniors' cognitive health
Researchers discovered an intriguing link between regular sexual activity and cognitive health in senior persons in a study published recently in The Journal of Sex Research. Based on data from The University of Chicago's National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSLHA), the study intended Read More...
Cracking the case: Is joint cracking harmful or simply satisfying?
Many of us have been warned about cracking our knuckles due to stories of arthritis and joint problems. Is there any truth to this age-old legend? The story of Donald Unger, who cracked his knuckles for 50 years without developing arthritis, sets the ground for a more in-depth investigation of Read More...