Today’s Solutions: February 08, 2026

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.

Boost serotonin levels to lowe

Boost serotonin levels to lower stress and improve your mood, naturally!

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Keeping up the pace in this hectic world is hard, so it's no wonder we often find ourselves feeling stressed and down. Serotonin, a key neurotransmitter in the brain, is important for mood control and has considerable sway over how we're feeling. Combining Read More...

What does being sober curious

What does being sober curious even mean? Here’s how to explore your relationship with alcohol

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Let’s face it: in many social circles, alcohol is the default. We drink to celebrate, to unwind, to meet new people, to mark life’s big (and not-so-big) milestones. Birthdays? Champagne. Breakups? Wine night. Your coworker’s dog’s half-birthday? Sure, Read More...

5 smart ways to prep your gard

5 smart ways to prep your garden now for a stunning spring bloom

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Spring might feel like a distant dream, but a few mild winter days offer the perfect window to get a jumpstart on your garden. Whether your flowerbeds are still sleeping under snow or already flirting with thaw, there’s plenty you can do now to help your Read More...

Only have 10 minutes? This qui

Only have 10 minutes? This quick burst of exercise may cut your cancer risk

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM We already know working out is good for your heart, your waistline, and your mental state. But it turns out it might also give your cells a leg up in the fight against cancer. And no, we’re not talking about hours at the gym or grueling boot Read More...

What is black ice? How to spot

What is black ice? How to spot and stay safe from this invisible winter danger

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When snowflakes start falling or the rain turns to sleet, most drivers know to be extra cautious. However, not everyone is aware that winter has a trick up its sleeve that’s much harder to see coming: black ice. It’s that nearly invisible, glassy layer of Read More...

A big win for parents: free ch

A big win for parents: free childcare is coming to San Francisco 

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Living in one of the most expensive cities on Earth just got a little easier for families. In a major move to tackle affordability, San Francisco will now offer free childcare to families earning under $230,000 a year, and a 50 percent subsidy to those Read More...

Staying safe while savoring th

Staying safe while savoring the unique beauty of winter hiking

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Winter hiking brings a quieter, more contemplative beauty to the outdoors. Snow-draped trees, crisp air, and tranquil trails offer a special kind of magic. But with this beauty comes challenges: shorter daylight hours, icy paths, and unpredictable Read More...

From past-due to forgiven: ins

From past-due to forgiven: inside North Carolina’s massive medical debt reset

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When Dawn Daly-Mack checked her mailbox one ordinary day, she nearly tossed an envelope she assumed was junk. Instead, she thought twice and opened it, finding a message that was far from mundane. “I opened it up and it said, ‘Your medical bill has Read More...

6 science-backed foods that ca

6 science-backed foods that can help you sleep better tonight

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If sleep is the unsung hero of your wellness routine, you’re not alone in overlooking it. According to the CDC, about one in three U.S. adults report not getting enough rest on a regular basis. And while we often focus on kale salads, workouts, and green Read More...

When to stop drinking coffee i

When to stop drinking coffee if you want better sleep, according to experts

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM That mid-afternoon latte might feel like the boost you need to power through your to-do list, especially when the days are short and the weather begs for something warm. But before you cozy up with a seasonal peppermint mocha at 4:00 p.m., it’s worth Read More...