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...
The surprising physiological benefits of a good cry
Tears, from infancy to adulthood, serve as a universal emotional language. According to licensed marriage and family therapist Naomi Levine, "Crying for babies is both self-soothing and it’s also a communicator to the people around them that there’s a need that’s not being met."This Read More...
Study reveals best strategy for reducing anger (no, it's not venting)
Finding the best way to handle anger can feel like traversing a maze. We've long believed in the cathartic value of venting, comparing it to releasing pressure from a boiling kettle. However, current evidence indicates otherwise. Ohio State University did a comprehensive meta-analysis Read More...
Vent to your friends without bringing them down with these expert-approved tips
We've all had days when everything seemed to go wrong. Workplace drama or an argument with a loved one can really get us fired up. That's where having a good old rant with a pal comes in handy. It's an opportunity to let off steam and talk it out with someone we trust. It’s not uncommon to unload Read More...
This simple psychological trick may help you chill out in this busy world
There is growing pressure to spend our free time improving ourselves or the world around us, whether it’s training for a triathlon, volunteering, or starting your own podcast. Why is it so hard for us to relax unless we feel we’ll have something productive to show for it? In the past, being Read More...
Putting the moves on your own self — 6 benefits of masturbation
In light of Valentine’s week, we’re exploring all aspects of intimacy and love here at The Optimist Daily, so of course we had to write a feature on that most important of all love relationships — our relationship with our own self. It is perhaps the first sexual relationship you ever had, Read More...
5 Simple ways to make mindfulness a part of every day life
More and more people feel they are living a fast-paced lifestyle dominated by work, with days flying by and spare time drying up. However, too much of this lifestyle heightens your risk of burning out and numerous illnesses. Luckily, we can combat this fast track to our demise by simply Read More...
Petting therapy dogs can help college students cope with stress
Dogs have been valuable in supporting firefighters during wildfire season and relieving loneliness for seniors, but these aren't their only benefits. Now, a new study finds that petting therapy dogs can provide college students with stress relief benefits that last up to six weeks. Coming from Read More...
This simple yoga pose has 6 great health benefits
Mountain pose, also known as Tadasana, is a foundational pose in yoga practice and one of the simplest to execute, but the benefits it offers for your body are actually quite extensive. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and yield greater physical health. If you’re looking to Read More...
Listening to calming music when driving might reduce risk of heart disease
Driving can be very stressful, particularly if you are stuck in heavy traffic or are an inexperienced driver. This stress will eventually take its toll on the heart, but recent research shows that your car stereo might be the best passenger to keep the stress away. The new research paper, Read More...