Today’s Solutions: December 15, 2024

How arts and crafts can boostÂ

How arts and crafts can boost life satisfaction even more than work

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a society where productivity and work are often considered the markers of success, it's encouraging to learn that creative hobbies may hold the key to a happier, more fulfilled life. Recent research has shown that arts and crafts, such as painting, Read More...

Portrait Of Smiling Young diverse Friends Walking Outdoors Together

3 habits of the happiest people

Think of the happiest people you know. Do you find yourself often wondering what they are doing to maintain a general level of joy? There has been a lot of discussion in the scientific world about whether our overall levels of happiness are the result of a genetic lottery that leads to a “set Read More...

Making the most out of adult f

Making the most out of adult friendships: a psychologist's top 3 tips

In the whirlwind of adulting, friendships become our anchor, our lifeline amidst the chaos. They are more than just incidental relationships; they form our journey and have a tremendous impact on our well-being. This study demonstrates how the quality of your friendships in your 30s can be a good Read More...

KINDNESS word concept

More reasons to become a RAKtivist? Being kind to others also benefits the self

"Random Acts of Kindness" Day may be on a Friday this year, but the organization behind it hopes to remind you that being nice is an everyday endeavor. Of course, being kind to people regularly is simply a great thing to do. However, research shows that those who help others reap a lot of Read More...

Happiness and well-being expert shares what actually makes a happier life

Happiness and well-being researcher and author of A Journey for Happiness: The Man Who Cycled to Bhutan Christopher Boyce spent years studying what makes people happy. However, he was still unsure of how to live a happy life himself, until he quit his decade-long career as a happiness academic to Read More...

happy woman outside with yellow jacket and voluminous curly hair

6 ideas from around the world to help boost happiness

Helen Russell, a journalist and global happiness expert who wrote The Year of Living Danishly and The Atlas of Happiness, says that there are ways in which different nations worldwide enhance their experience of happiness through a mindset or an attitude that runs deep within the Read More...

Hand pointing at angry face tile because of toxic positivity.

Studies show for true satisfaction, embrace the negative side of life

BY THE OPTIMSIT DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM With self-help and positivity being constantly promoted around us, it is fair to say our world is obsessed with happiness. While happiness certainly feels great, the goal to strive only towards happiness is unrealistic and can certainly leave us disappointed. Read More...

Person holding takeaway coffee cup in both hands, one is a single use paper cup with plastic lid the other one is a reusable stainless tumbler.

9 random acts of kindness you can do daily

Research tells us that when we do something kind for someone else, we feel more compassionate, energetic, and happier overall. Typically, when we think of an act of kindness, we think of things like holding the door for someone or donating money to charity. But there are so many little acts of Read More...

Smiling calm young woman relaxing on comfortable wooden rocking chair in living room.

10 simple things you can do to boost your mood (according to experts)

All of us have days when it's hard to get out of bed, and it feels like nothing we do makes a difference. These ups and downs are part of life but learning how to cope with the down days can benefit our entire life, even when we wake up happy. Since The Optimist Daily is all about supporting a Read More...

Photo of a Finnish Lapphund dog jumping over obstacle in agility course.

How to overcome the 5 mental obstacles that stand in the way of happiness

In the book "The Five Hurdles to Happiness", author Mitch Ablett sets off to describe five reactive mental habits originally identified in ancient meditative traditions. Though these habits evolved for important reasons—to keep us safe from danger, for example—many of us find them less than Read More...