Today’s Solutions: December 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.

The art and science of masteri

The art and science of mastering the "flow state”

Flow, also known as being "in the zone," is a state of heightened creativity that leads to unprecedented productivity and pleasant consciousness. Psychologists believe it may even hold the key to long-term happiness, acting as the brain's fast lane to achievement in a variety of fields, including Read More...

Struggling to maintain your ap

Struggling to maintain your appetite in the face of excessive stress? These 3 tips will help

Stress can harm your appetite, making it difficult to find the motivation to eat—even when your stomach is empty and rumbling. Stress, whether caused by work pressure, relationship issues, or looming deadlines, can suppress your appetite or cause symptoms such as nausea, making dinner a Read More...

Discover the refreshing benefi

Discover the refreshing benefits of mint water, your summer hydration solution

Nothing beats a cool drink on a hot summer day. While sugary drinks may tempt you, there is a healthier option that promises to quench your thirst while also improving your health: mint water. Let's explore the myriad reasons why you should make mint water a staple in your summer hydration Read More...

Overcoming loneliness: 4 ways

Overcoming loneliness: 4 ways to make real connections and build community 

Have you ever considered how your brain interprets loneliness? Surprisingly, it recognizes it as a threat. Loneliness is more than simply a passing mood; it is a major risk factor for a variety of health problems. Loneliness can have serious consequences for our health, including sadness, anxiety, Read More...

Young Virginians will receive

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”

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...

Could kombucha tea’s microbi

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

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 t

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 (e

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...