Mental Health
Here you can read the latest news and research studies covering mental health. This is also the place to find out about different strategies on how you can reduce stress and boost happiness, and many other ways to look after your mental wellbeing.
Sunshine guilt is real—but you don't have to feel bad about staying in
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever looked out your window on a bright, beautiful day and felt a pang of guilt for staying indoors, you’re not alone. That uneasy feeling, now widely referred to as "sunshine guilt," has entered the modern lexicon, especially as social media Read More...
How to actually feel more positive (without faking it)
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The Optimist Daily team knows better than anyone: between the pressure to “stay positive” and the pull of doomscrolling, finding a realistic middle ground can sometimes feel impossible. We all know that relentless cheeriness isn’t the answer. Neither is Read More...
Want to boost your mental health? These free habits pack a serious punch
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Turns out, the best things in life really are free—especially when it comes to your mental health. A new study out of Curtin University in Western Australia ranked everyday activities by how much they improve mental well-being, and spoiler alert: you Read More...
Sorry, not sorry? Science says sincerity is in your syllables
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Finding the right words to say "I’m sorry" can be hard—especially if you want the other person to know you really mean it. Fortunately, new research offers some gentle guidance: if you want to sound more sincere, it might help to use longer Read More...
Is gardening the most underrated workout? The mind-body benefits of one hour in the garden
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Why pay for produce and a gym membership when your backyard (or a community garden) offers both? Gardening might just be the most efficient way to take care of your body, your mind, and the planet—all in one go. Sure, you could hop on a stair machine or Read More...
Feeling checked out? Here’s how to recognize functional freeze and gently move forward
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You’re up, dressed, answering emails, maybe even making dinner — but something’s off. You feel disconnected, foggy, or emotionally flat. If that rings true, you might be experiencing what mental health professionals call a functional freeze. Unlike Read More...
Why reading aloud to your kids matters—even after they've learned to do it on their own
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many families, reading aloud is a cherished part of childhood—a bedtime story, a favorite picture book, or a well-loved series that unfolds one chapter at a time. But once kids learn to read on their own, many parents understandably ease off. However, Read More...
New vagus nerve stimulation treatment shows 100 percent PTSD recovery in early trial
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For millions of people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), effective treatments can be elusive, and full recovery often feels out of reach. But a promising new therapy developed by researchers in Texas could be changing that narrative—by Read More...
How to spot a good boss: 3 science-backed tips to guide your next career move
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever had a bad boss, you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 65 percent of employees would rather switch bosses than get a pay raise, and nearly half of workers who quit say their manager was the reason. That’s not just a workplace gripe. Read More...
An expert's tips for coping with Mother's Day after losing your mom
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For individuals who have experienced the loss of a mother, Mother's Day can be a trying time. Many people take this day to honor their mothers and let them know how much they care about and respect them. Mother's Day is a wonderful celebration of moms Read More...