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.

map of Texas with Uvalde in bold

How to help the Uvalde shooting victims and their families

Just under a week ago, yet another horrific mass shooting took place in the US. At Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire, killing at least 19 children and two adults, along with wounding many others. It may be difficult to know how to help at a time of such Read More...

Same-sex couple in bedroom with their child.

Colorado law gives LBGTQ+ parents rightful custody over their children

The “Marlo Law” has just been signed by gay Colorado Governor Jared Polis to resolve an unfair legal issue that previously denied same-sex parents legal custody over their own children. The bill was named after Colorado House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s child. Esgar gave birth to Marlo Read More...

Empty baby formula shelves at a supermarket (woolworths).

These tips will help you through the baby formula shortage

Due to the pandemic, recalls, and the shutdown of a huge production plant in February, more than 40 percent of the top-selling baby formulas are out of stock across America. Understandably, this has spurred a lot of anxiety for the parents, but if you’re in this situation, these expert tips will Read More...

Aloe Vera

How to grow your own aloe vera plant at home

Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years and is touted for its many useful properties. You may find yourself reaching for a bottle of soothing aloe vera gel when you accidentally cut yourself or spend a bit too much time in the sun. However, in the future, you can ditch the bottle and harvest Read More...

Dance Therapy

Dance the cough away: how Kyrgyzstan folk dance treats COPD

Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) is a very common and also treatable lung disease that can be caused by pollution and smoking. It is preventable, and there are many medications for it, but some medical professionals believe that this doesn’t go far enough to treat the Read More...

Reading on the train

San Francisco BART wants to get riders back with short stories

Many of us have whiled away the minutes on a bus or a train with a book. Now the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, the public transportation authority of San Francisco, is looking to attract riders back to public transportation by distributing short stories at select stations.  The BART will Read More...

Rear view of a couple relaxing on a sofa at home and looking outside a green background through the window of the living room.

Do these things today to save you from stress tomorrow

When it comes to reducing stress, sometimes implementing some practical strategies beats self-care practices. With a few small actions, you can create a future for yourself that is guaranteed to be a little less stressful. Here are five things you can do that might save you from stress tomorrow. Read More...

Berlin public transportation

Germany slashes public transportation costs to reduce fossil fuel dependence

In the energy standoff between Europe and Russia, Germany has taken many measures to accelerate the phasing out of oil and gas. It has resolved to make energy cheaper for homes and businesses. It has pushed plans to put solar panels on every public building by 2025.  Now, Germany has cut train, Read More...

rabbit eating lettuce in garden

7 sustainable strategies to keep rabbits out of your garden

Most will agree that rabbits are adorable. However, if you’re into gardening as much as we are here at The Optimist Daily, and you live in a region with a thriving rabbit population, your feelings toward these cute furry rodents might be… complicated. Rabbits, mice, squirrels, and other Read More...

view of sunburnt woman's back as someone rubs soothing cream into shoulder

How to properly treat a sunburn

This year promises to deliver very hot, very dry weather, especially across central and western North America. This means even though you plan to do everything you can to avoid it, you may at some point discover that you've stayed out a bit too long in the sun, and now you’re dealing with Read More...