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.
Too much sitting? Cocoa might be your sweetest health hack yet
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you spend long hours glued to your desk, there’s a bit of good news brewing in the lab. Specifically, in a cup of cocoa. A new study from researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK suggests that flavanols, plant compounds found in cocoa, could Read More...
How to recharge your social battery and find your social sweet spot
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Even the most social among us know the feeling: you’re laughing with friends, enjoying yourself…and then, suddenly, you’re done. The chatter feels louder, the room feels smaller, and all you want is to go home. This shift, often called hitting your Read More...
From oven grime to laundry stains: 12 genius dishwasher tablet tricks
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Dishwasher tablets aren’t just for your dishwasher anymore. These powerful, concentrated cleaning agents can help you tackle everything from oven grime to dingy laundry. Experts recommend using packed powder tablets for most of these hacks, since they Read More...
Silver Linings Rescue Ranch proves senior dogs deserve love, care, and a new leash on life
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM 2025 Local Changemakers Series: Compassion-driven sustainability & care for the overlooked Welcome to the first installment of The Optimist Daily's Annual Local Changemakers series. Over the next five weeks, we’re highlighting ten extraordinary Read More...
3 common debt myths that might be hurting your finances
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Debt can stir up a lot of emotions, and pretty negative ones at that, like shame, anxiety, and even fear. But according to financial educator Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino, founder of Wealth Para Todos, we need to strip away the stigma. “It’s just what Read More...
New dementia research highlights two surprising risk factors you can address today
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Dementia research is evolving quickly, and the latest findings offer more actionable steps for prevention. A 2024 report in The Lancet has added two more items to the list of modifiable risk factors for dementia: untreated vision loss and high cholesterol Read More...
Things to consider when deciding on the perfect Halloween costume
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Halloween is approaching, and if you're still unsure about what costume to wear, don't worry! It's natural to feel overwhelmed when there are so many options available. Sophie Strauss, a Los Angeles-based stylist, recommends asking yourself five essential Read More...
How to mouse-proof your home this fall: 5 entry points to seal and what attracts them
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As the temperatures drop, mice are on the move, looking for a warm, cozy place to call home. If you’ve spotted signs of these uninvited guests, such as chewed food boxes, droppings, or the pitter-patter of tiny feet, don’t panic. Understanding how mice Read More...
A novel idea: how one D.C. book vending machine is uplifting local authors
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Just steps from the White House and tucked beside the bustle of Western Market food hall, a brightly lit vending machine is turning heads. But it’s not dispensing snacks or sodas. This one offers up something a little more nourishing: books. It’s Read More...
5 fall lawn care mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead, according to an expert)
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As your grass prepares for its winter nap, the choices you make in fall can shape how lush (or lackluster) your lawn looks in spring. According to Dr. Cleopatra Pfunde, Ph.D., Regional Technical Manager at TruGreen Chicago, fall is "a critical period”. If Read More...