The 7 types of rest you need to feel truly refreshed
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Have you ever woken up from a full night's sleep feeling more drained than when you went to bed? Or do you find yourself zoning out while in conversation, even after having a good night's sleep? If you've felt exhausted despite getting enough sleep, you're Read More...
Simone Biles' mental health victory: 5 practices we can all learn
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Simone Biles, one of the best and most beloved gymnasts of all time, once again demonstrated her unrivaled abilities by departing the 2024 Paris Olympics with three gold medals and one silver. However, her achievement extends beyond the medals. Biles' path Read More...
Election anxiety levels through the roof? Strategies to deal with election-induced anxiety
Election seasons are known to be tense, but this year stress levels are at another level. We are finding this election season extremely arduous; with all the drama and polarizing discourse, it's no wonder why. The frenzied atmosphere surrounding this year's election is causing worry that impacts Read More...
How to stop 'stresslaxing' and actually relax
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Have you ever tried to relax but then wound up feeling more stressed? You are not alone. This paradoxical phenomenon, commonly referred to as 'stresslaxing,' occurs when attempting to unwind creates anxiety. Understanding why this occurs and how to prevent it Read More...
What are sound baths? How ancient practices can transform your modern life
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF Whether you're an experienced meditator or just starting out on your self-care path, including sound baths into your regimen could be the ideal method to relax and decrease anxiety. This ancient discipline, which makes use of sound waves from instruments Read More...
A psychological perspective on the benefits of minimalist living
In today's society, when luxury and consumerism frequently reign supreme, the minimalism movement has developed as a potent counterbalance. While minimalism may appear to be merely an aesthetic decision, the ramifications for our well-being go far beyond surface-level decluttering. Let's look at Read More...
New York schools commit to nurturing mental health through mindful breathing
Meet Noah Hill, a third-grader at Brooklyn's Dr. Ronald E. McNair Public School 5. He's discovered a simple yet significant technique for finding peace in the midst of chaos: "Breathe in through your nose, and breathe out with a whisper," he says. This technique, known as "ocean breathing," has Read More...
3 ways to fire up the vagus nerve and boost your immune system
While optimizing immunity is no easy feat, there is a scientifically-backed way to set the stage: firing up the vagus nerve. Because this nerve runs from the base of the brain through the neck and branches out in the chest all the way down to the abdomen, it touches almost all of our major Read More...
Practicing mindfulness can help ease physical pain
Mindfulness — the awareness and acceptance of a situation without judgment — has been shown to have benefits in treating many conditions such as anxiety and depression. It turns out that even a brief introduction to mindfulness helps people deal with physical pain and negative emotions, Read More...
This neuroscientist-approved morning routine is great for brain health
Do you ever find yourself so overwhelmed by the to-do list that you struggle to stay sharp and focused? Neuroscientist and creator of meditation app, BrainTap, Patrick K. Porter, Ph.D., and neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, Ph.D., know the feeling. They shared with Well+Good what they do every Read More...