Mental Health
Here you can read the latest news and research studies covering mental health. This is also the place to find out about different strategies on how you can reduce stress and boost happiness, and many other ways to look after your mental wellbeing.
Where memory lives: community cafes bring joy and connection for people with dementia
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a cheerful, sea-themed room in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, a small group of people gathered under balloon jellyfish and streamers. There were pastries, coffee, trivia games, and coloring pages. But what made the space truly special was the people. Read More...
Why little treats matter: the science-backed benefits of small daily joys
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You know those small moments that somehow make everything feel a little better? Maybe it’s stepping outside into the sun, sipping something sweet and cold, or taking a breath between back-to-back tasks. Lately, people are calling them “little treats”. Read More...
10 surprisingly doable ways to make this your family’s best summer ever
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a state of mind. It’s a break from routine, a burst of light, and a golden opportunity to deepen family connection. The trick? You don’t need plane tickets or Pinterest-level planning. With just a bit of intention, you Read More...
Sunshine guilt is real—but you don't have to feel bad about staying in
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever looked out your window on a bright, beautiful day and felt a pang of guilt for staying indoors, you’re not alone. That uneasy feeling, now widely referred to as "sunshine guilt," has entered the modern lexicon, especially as social media Read More...
How to actually feel more positive (without faking it)
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The Optimist Daily team knows better than anyone: between the pressure to “stay positive” and the pull of doomscrolling, finding a realistic middle ground can sometimes feel impossible. We all know that relentless cheeriness isn’t the answer. Neither is Read More...
Want to boost your mental health? These free habits pack a serious punch
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Turns out, the best things in life really are free—especially when it comes to your mental health. A new study out of Curtin University in Western Australia ranked everyday activities by how much they improve mental well-being, and spoiler alert: you Read More...
Sorry, not sorry? Science says sincerity is in your syllables
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Finding the right words to say "I’m sorry" can be hard—especially if you want the other person to know you really mean it. Fortunately, new research offers some gentle guidance: if you want to sound more sincere, it might help to use longer Read More...
Is gardening the most underrated workout? The mind-body benefits of one hour in the garden
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Why pay for produce and a gym membership when your backyard (or a community garden) offers both? Gardening might just be the most efficient way to take care of your body, your mind, and the planet—all in one go. Sure, you could hop on a stair machine or Read More...
Feeling checked out? Here’s how to recognize functional freeze and gently move forward
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You’re up, dressed, answering emails, maybe even making dinner — but something’s off. You feel disconnected, foggy, or emotionally flat. If that rings true, you might be experiencing what mental health professionals call a functional freeze. Unlike Read More...
Why reading aloud to your kids matters—even after they've learned to do it on their own
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many families, reading aloud is a cherished part of childhood—a bedtime story, a favorite picture book, or a well-loved series that unfolds one chapter at a time. But once kids learn to read on their own, many parents understandably ease off. However, Read More...