Health
Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.
Scientists successfully use CRISPR to lower cholesterol in monkeys
Did you know that as it stands, approximately one person every 36 seconds dies in the US from cardiovascular disease? Thanks to scientists from the University of Pennsylvania and private company Verve Therapeutics, this dismal statistic may soon change for the better. The researchers have Read More...
The Optimist View: Celebrating Mental Health Week
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh In the wake of a pandemic which saw increased rates of depression and anxiety, this year’s Mental Health Month feels Read More...
The psychedelic therapy movement is hitting its stride
We’ve shared before on The Optimist Daily how alternative medications like psilocybin and even MDMA could be used to treat depression and PTSD with more permanent results. With promising studies adding to the body of research supporting these therapies, we are beginning to see a monumental shift Read More...
This simple trick can significantly boost your brain health
We have previously shared a few habits you can integrate into your day-to-day life to improve your brain health. Now, we have another simple trick that you can practice to keep your brain sharp. Using your non-dominant hand The trick comes from neuroscientist and author of Biohack Your Brain Read More...
Mental Health Week Thought Leader: Nedra Glover Tawwab
Social media has been criticized for exacerbating mental health struggles, especially for young users. While online comparison certainly can take a toll on one’s mental wellbeing, when used properly, social media can also be an immense resource for those who are struggling. A growing number Read More...
5 research-backed reasons why it’s important to have fun
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Everyone has a slightly different definition for fun, but whether you love hitting the town with friends or going for a long hike, research shows that having fun is good for your health, both mental and physical. Below, you can find five science-based reasons Read More...
8 Ways to kickstart socialization skills after the pandemic
With so much time spent at a distance from others, it goes without saying, our social muscles have atrophied during the pandemic. Now, as the end of isolation seems to be slowly coming into view, many of us may still feel apprehensive about social contact, despite longing for more of it since the Read More...
Garlic is good for you, but how you cook it matters
Garlic is one of the world’s favorite flavors and, despite its potential for bad breath, it makes its way into most savory recipes. This herb is not only delicious but good for you as well. Garlic contains gut-healthy prebiotic fibers and an enzyme called alliinase, which has antibacterial, Read More...
Psychedelic-like drugs could treat depression without hallucinations
In recent years, scientists have increasingly been investigating psychedelic drugs for their medical benefits — such as treating depression — in controlled environments. While the results have been incredibly promising, there is a catch — these drugs can trigger hallucinations that can be Read More...
A five minute writing exercise to cultivate gratitude
Research has demonstrated over and over again that gratitude is a powerful force for reducing stress, boosting mental health, and increasing happiness. Essentially, recognizing all the good in our lives helps us focus on appreciation, rather than criticism. Writing down what we’re grateful for is Read More...