Today’s Solutions: December 17, 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.

Unlocking the treasure trove:

Unlocking the treasure trove: your guide to second-hand furniture shopping online

Venturing into the world of second-hand furniture is not only a treasure hunt but a sustainable way to furnish your space without breaking the bank. Whether you want to give your findings a modern facelift or keep their vintage charm, online thrift shopping is the way to go. Lindi Vanderschaaf, a Read More...

Meet Filkin’s Drift, the

Meet Filkin's Drift, the band walking 870 Miles to promote environmentally friendly touring

In a world where music has no boundaries, the environmental impact of touring has frequently taken a back seat. But now, two musicians from Birmingham, UK, are upending the music industry by embarking on an 870-mile eco-tour along Wales' gorgeous coast. Meet Seth Bye and Chris Roberts, the Read More...

Extra-long films are on the ri

Extra-long films are on the rise: here's why the intermission should be reinstated

As "Barbenheimer" (the fun portmanteau of Barbie and Oppenheimer) took the world by storm earlier this year, it illustrated the growing difficulty of sustaining long movie runs. With Oppenheimer clocking in at a whopping three hours, it became clear that we needed a way to deal with epic-length Read More...

6 significant ways dog owners

6 significant ways dog ownership improves human health, happiness, and longevity

Dog owners will attest that their lives have changed tremendously thanks to the arrival of their four-legged buddies. For many people, dogs are more than just pets; they are significant allies in the search for health and vitality. A healthy heart's best friend Dogs are known to provide joy, but Read More...

Overcome common obstacles in t

Overcome common obstacles in the art of public speaking with confidence

Public speaking can be frightening, but with the appropriate tools, it can be transformed into an art of connection and influence. Professional speechwriter for government officials, business leaders, and athletes, Lauren Dominguez Chan of West Wing Writers, reminds us that the ultimate goal is to Read More...

What’s in a name? Dozens

What's in a name? Dozens of American birds to be renamed to promote inclusivity

"Names have power, and power can be for the good or it can be for the bad," says Colleen Handel, President of the American Ornithological Society. This power is driving a radical movement to revise the English names of all bird species named after people, as well as to erase any names deemed Read More...

Protecting ourselves and our c

Protecting ourselves and our children from overexposure to images of war and violence

At a time when our media feeds are rife with distressing images and heartbreaking news, it is critical to learn how to shield ourselves and our children from the overwhelming emotional toll. Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a renowned trauma psychiatrist and researcher, has dedicated his career to assisting Read More...

School boy’s innovative

School boy's innovative smart spoon revolutionizes meals for Parkinson’s patients

Aarrav Anil, a 17-year-old robotics enthusiast from Bengaluru, India, channeled his enthusiasm for technology to develop a cost-effective and innovative solution that promises to improve the lives of Parkinson's patients. Aarrav set out on a quest that merged compassion, innovation, and robotics Read More...

Empathy and compassion: how to

Empathy and compassion: how to help a loved one suffering from PTSD

Supporting someone who is struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) requires empathy, patience, and knowledge. While the path to healing is extremely personal, you shouldn't underestimate the importance of your role in their journey. Understanding the difficulties of PTSD and Read More...

Combatting visual misinformati

Combatting visual misinformation: an everyday user's guide for times of conflict

In times of war and conflict, the digital landscape becomes flooded with images and stories. However, many of these images are fraudulent or modified, making it difficult to tell fact from fiction. As regular people, we must assume ethical responsibility for the content we consume and distribute as Read More...