Today’s Solutions: January 19, 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 boy sits on a bench and plays the game online Minecraft in the Park

Exclusive version of Minecraft helps kids with autism learn social skills

The popular video game Minecraft isn’t usually considered a tool that can help people improve social skills and learn how to build relationships—in fact, many people consider playing video games an antisocial activity. However, the opposite is true of Autcraft, an online version of Minecraft Read More...

two older people happily driving on a road flanked by greenery on a moped

What’s the secret to a longer life? Optimism of course!

Do you want to live a longer, fuller life? Well, according to this study published earlier this month in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, you should seriously consider cultivating higher levels of optimism.  According to the new study, which involved almost 160,000 women of a range Read More...

Chicago

Chicago will give 500 dollars each to 5,000 households

Sometimes, getting money to those who need it can become a complicated task. Organizations aiming to provide health or living relief can do great work, but not everyone needs help with healthcare or rent. Additionally, organizations that require oversight require staff, and that costs more Read More...

Skater doing a ollie against a blue background

15 tips to feel more energized throughout your day

Is your second cup of coffee barely pulling you through the morning? If you’re feeling perpetually tired, you could need to make some changes to your sleep or lifestyle habits, or maybe both. Here are some ideas for jumpstarting your energy levels.  1. Revamp your bedtime More than 1 in 3 US Read More...

metal safety razor for shaving with an epoxy handle on a white background with greens

Your plastic razor doesn't cut it? Here are some sustainable alternatives

If you're trying to live a more sustainable life, your plastic razor just won’t cut it anymore. Plastic razors aren’t technically “single-use,” but copious amounts of them do end up in landfills all over the world. They only last from three to ten shaves before you have to chuck them, Read More...

concept of Juneteenth freedom day march showing by close up protesting hands sign board

6 ways to bring the Juneteenth celebration to work this year

Last year, Juneteenth was proclaimed a federal holiday, meaning this year is set to be the first time many organizations and businesses will celebrate and observe this meaningful and historic day. On top of giving employees the day off to rest, it’s worth considering celebrating Juneteenth Read More...

The Juneteenth flag waving in the wind.

The symbolism behind the Juneteenth flag

In 2021, President Joe Biden announced that June 19th, shortened to Juneteenth (which is also known as Emancipation Day and/or Freedom Day), will be officially celebrated as a federal holiday. Juneteenth is still in the early years of being officially observed by many businesses and Read More...

Happy Asian senior couple laughing and smiling while holding each other outdoor in the park.

Embracing a long life: 7 reasons to find joy in growing older

Aging can be terrifying, but it can also be beautiful. With age comes wisdom and knowledge. It becomes easier to ride the ups and downs of conflict and we can stop caring so much about what other people think of us. It is easy to associate aging with its less desirable aspects, but embracing all Read More...

Heat exercise

10 tips to keep exercising during the hottest months

While our need to exercise doesn’t stop, neither does the weather, and the summer months are getting hotter and hotter. If you’re going to brave the sweltering sun and still go for a run, here are a few things to keep in mind.  Adapt to the heat Don’t jump straight into your normal routine Read More...

School out

Many US states now allow mental health absences for students

Linnea Sorensen is a 17-year-old student from Schaumburg, Illinois northwest of Chicago. She falls into a funk every time her girlfriend of four years leaves for her six-month stints with the Marine Corps. Linnea has trouble focusing on her schoolwork when she gets like this.  "I'm somebody who Read More...