Today’s Solutions: December 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.

Manchester’s phone-free nigh

Manchester’s phone-free nightclub revives the rave spirit for a new generation

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a culture saturated with selfies, social media stories, and endless scrolling, one Manchester nightclub is encouraging something radical: presence. Amber’s, a newly opened club in Manchester, is reviving rave culture the old-fashioned way—by banning Read More...

How to keep your old computer

How to keep your old computer running longer (and save money doing it)

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM These days, it can be tempting to ditch your current device for the shinier, newer, faster upgrade. But a slow machine doesn’t always mean it’s time for a replacement, and there are a lot of reasons to hang onto our devices longer, not just out of Read More...

The mindful home: simple ways

The mindful home: simple ways to create a peaceful space that supports mental health

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A cluttered space can quietly take a toll on your mind. Studies have shown that excess clutter can increase stress and make it harder to focus or relax. The first step in creating a mindful home is to clear the visual and mental noise. Start small. Let go Read More...

This plant-based leather alter

This plant-based leather alternative is plastic-free and ready to scale

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a breakthrough for sustainable materials, Australian startup Alt. Leather has unveiled a fully plant-based leather alternative that contains no plastics and is made entirely from natural fibers and agricultural waste. The innovative material promises a Read More...

Science-backed trick to make y

Science-backed trick to make your pour-over coffee stronger, no extra beans needed

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever wished your morning pour-over packed more punch without using extra coffee grounds, science has good news for you. Researchers have discovered that how you pour the water—specifically how slowly and from what height—can make a big Read More...

The benefits of shellfish: why

The benefits of shellfish: why clams, oysters, and scallops are great for you and the planet

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you love seafood but worry about mercury, overfishing, or the environmental impact of your meal, there’s good news: Shellfish—especially bivalves like oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops—are both a nutritional powerhouse and an environmental Read More...

How to stay safe during extrem

How to stay safe during extreme rainfall and flooding: expert tips to prepare and protect

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When it comes to extreme weather, preparation is everything. With climate change driving more frequent and intense storms, especially heavy rainfall, knowing how to protect yourself and your home is more important than ever. “Disaster preparation and Read More...

Just one week of cold water sw

Just one week of cold water swimming may strengthen your cells, study shows

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever braved a plunge into cold water, you’re familiar with the jolt it gives your senses. But according to a recent study from the University of Ottawa, this shock might be doing far more than waking you up—it could be recalibrating your Read More...

Seize (back) the day: how to e

Seize (back) the day: how to eliminate your top 3 time wasters

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Even the most motivated individuals can feel the day slip away. Between scrolling through screens, impromptu meetings, and general disorganization, it's easy to end the day wondering where all the time went. While no one can be one hundred percent efficient Read More...

Effective stress management: t

Effective stress management: trade in the ‘fight or flight’ response for ‘tend and befriend’

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When we experience stress, most of us are familiar with the fight-or-flight response. Our bodies prepare to face a challenge or escape danger by increasing heart rate, tensing muscles, and preparing for action. This response made sense for our ancestors, who Read More...