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.

This Santa Cruz farm is helpin

This Santa Cruz farm is helping the homeless gain stable employment

After spending a night in Santa Cruz’s first homeless shelter, local philanthropist Paul Lee realized residents were deprived of an environment that allowed them to dream of a better future. That’s why he founded the Homeless Garden Project in 1990, a project that gives homeless people the Read More...

Finally, a good alternative to

Finally, a good alternative to high-interest payday loans

Imagine you have an electric bill due Wednesday, but you don’t get paid until Friday. Then you got a flat tire. You need to fix the car to make it to work for the rest of the week, and you also still need to buy groceries. That bill payment will have to wait, which means you could end up with a Read More...

3 ways to improve immunity thi

3 ways to improve immunity this flu season

It’s impossible to look at the news without seeing the CoronaVirus headlines everywhere. While this global disease demands an immediate international medical response, it also demands that we remain rational and smart about how we respond in the face of communicable diseases. This week, we are Read More...

This veterinarian walks the st

This veterinarian walks the streets to treat the pets of homeless people

At the Optimist Daily, we love to spotlight people who go the extra mile to help out their communities. With that in mind, we bring you the story of Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian who walks around the streets of California treating animals owned by homeless people—for free.  When Stewart first Read More...

Use these strategies to help y

Use these strategies to help you become a better multitasker

Did you know that multitasking in the workplace results in $450 billion in lost productivity time each year? Research has shown that focusing on one task at a time is better for efficiency, but multitasking is sometimes unavoidable. If you’re running behind and have to combine tasks, Emily Read More...

The ultimate guide to carbon o

The ultimate guide to carbon offsets that actually help the planet

Carbon offsets have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Most people might know them only as a little feel-good box you can check when booking a plane ticket through some carriers, but now you can buy them through various providers whenever you feel particularly carbon bloated.  With that Read More...

New policy waives tuition fees

New policy waives tuition fees for USC students from low income families

High student debt levels have come to the forefront of the election debates this year. Last Thursday, the University of Southern California (USC) announced it will tackle high tuition costs by offering full undergraduate tuition waivers for American students from families with annual incomes of Read More...

To reach your goals, focus on

To reach your goals, focus on the efforts required rather than the rewards

Contrary to the typical “eyes on the prize” approach to achieving your goals, a groundbreaking new study suggests that when setting them, you need to focus on the efforts required — not the rewards. There are two stages when it comes to reaching a goal: First comes choosing the goal — a Read More...

Tips for unplugging from devic

Tips for unplugging from devices for a better night’s sleep

Are you having trouble sleeping? Your electronics may be to blame. Blue light from electronic screens can inhibit deep, restful sleep. Not only does the light itself disrupt sleep patterns, but emails, to-do lists, and notifications on devices can also distract your mind and keep you awake. Read More...

Science tell us naps can boost

Science tell us naps can boost your health, performance, and well-being

In America, daytime snoozing is still often viewed as lazy — a guilt-inducing indulgence. But scientific research shows that even a short early afternoon snooze can lead to better health, performance, and overall well-being.  Research has found that napping can reduce blood pressure and that Read More...