Today’s Solutions: December 20, 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.

Why this startup is giving ren

Why this startup is giving renters a financial stake in their apartments

When someone rents an apartment in a new complex in Columbus, Ohio, they can now also get a financial stake in the building. The property is the first to partner with Rhove, a startup that wants to help shrink the wealth gap between renters and homeowners by offering “rentership,” an asset Read More...

Mental health: Learn the diffe

Mental health: Learn the difference between ‘loneliness’ and ‘being alone’

For the past few years, we’ve been told that loneliness is a public health crisis, as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes each day. The messaging is that we’re people—people who need people—and spending too much time by ourselves is a major problem. Oh, but at the same time, Read More...

The Optimist View: How consume

The Optimist View: How consumers, companies, and our furry companions scored a win

"Cruelty-free is becoming the standard. Not just in California, in general." - Katie Mukai BY LAUREN GOODMAN A couple of weeks ago, you may have seen an Optimist Daily story in your inbox about a proposed California bill that would ban the use of twelve ingredients in cosmetics. This Toxic-Free Read More...

These easy-to-grow plants will

These easy-to-grow plants will help repel mosquitos from your garden

No one wants to be pestered by mosquitos while sitting in their garden. At the same time, almost everyone loves to be surrounded by lush plants. Fortunately, there are low-maintenance plants you can put in your garden that will both spruce up your garden and keep mosquitos at bay. Here you’ll Read More...

Self-doubt: When to listen to

Self-doubt: When to listen to it—and when to ignore it

Confidence in your abilities can get you through a rough patch and help you move ahead, but there are times when self-doubt can help you avoid making a mistake. The key is in knowing the difference between the doubts that are serving us and those that are holding us back, says Margie Warrell, Read More...

How to avoid a mid-afternoon c

How to avoid a mid-afternoon caffeine crash

If you’re guilty of indulging in a cup of coffee, or three, every morning, you may find yourself experiencing fatigue and irritability mid-afternoon. Otherwise known as a caffeine crash, this slump can put a damper on your day, but understanding what causes it can help you avoid it in the Read More...

Thought Leader Series: Depende

Thought Leader Series: Dependence, independence, and interdependence

The Fourth of July revolves around the idea of independence, but what does it mean to be truly independent? In this week's Thought Leader Series, we explore the idea of independence with Dr. Ada Gonzales. On the one hand, dependence involves being reliant on someone or something else. We can be Read More...

Join millions of others in goi

Join millions of others in going single-use plastic-free this July

Up for a challenge that does the world some good? Please welcome Plastic Free July! A global movement where millions around the world say no to single-use plastic for an entire month. Looking to contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet, millions of people across 177 countries have kicked Read More...

10 ways to safely celebrate th

10 ways to safely celebrate the 4th of July this year

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the US, governors and local officials are urging citizens to continue practicing social distancing, wear masks, and stay home when possible. This means the Fourth of July will certainly look very different this year, but just because you’re at home Read More...

Silver foil background with shiny crumpled surface for texture background

You can recycle aluminum foil. Here’s how to do it right

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials used today—and can be recycled endlessly without loss of quality. But while aluminum cans are easy to throw in the curbside bin, aluminum foil can be a bit more challenging to recycle. With that said, what’s the best way to recycle aluminum foil? Read More...