Today’s Solutions: February 13, 2026

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.

Up-close shot of beer being poured

A beer a day may improve your gut microbiome, study shows

The health of your gut microbiome has many implications for your physical and mental health, from your risk of stroke to anxiety. That’s why taking care of your gut bacteria, such as increasing its diversity, is key to living a healthy life. Research has shown that eating more fermented foods can 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...

Mistletoe Berries

Creating multi-purpose superglue from mistletoe berries

When someone says the word mistletoe, images of kissing at Christmas automatically spring to mind. But what if we told you that the berries from this festive plant can be used for much more than just locking lips? Ancient civilizations have featured these berries in a wide variety of medicines, Read More...

Paris

Lower traffic accidents linked to urban emissions laws

From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, the US and France were more or less the same in traffic fatality rates. In fact, they had both declined by 31 percent from 1979 to 1994. Today, though, people getting around in the US are three times more likely to die than in France. What happened?  Bloomberg 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...

Bumblebees

The shape of flowers reduces parasites transmitted to bumblebees

Bumblebees are furry and critical pollinators that are sadly vulnerable to many things such as heat and predators. Another thing that affects their populations that we can keep an eye out for in our gardens is parasites.  Recent research from North Carolina State University showed that the Read More...

woman walking or hiking in summer nature woods during

Explore the great outdoors this summer without leaving a trace

Whether you’re on a day trip to a nearby hiking trail, or in a remote forest with your camping gear and some adventurous buddies, the sunny summer months are perfect for trekking into the wilderness. However, our excursions can take a toll on the natural landscape, leaving it in less than Read More...