BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Our Best of 2025 Lifestyle edition is all about the big impact of small shifts. These stories capture what it looks like to live more intentionally, from the habits we build to the way we connect with others and the world. Think of it as a guide to joyful, purposeful living. A cluttered space can quietly take a toll on your mind. Studies have shown that excess clutter can increase stress and make it harder to focus or relax. The first step in creating a mindful home is to clear the visual and mental noise. Start small. Let go of items you no longer use, need, or love. When you surround yourself only with things that serve a purpose or bring you happiness, your space feels lighter, and so can your mood. Decluttering isn’t about perfection; it’s about making room for calm. Let nature in Even small touches of nature can have a big impact on how you feel. Natural light, fresh air, and greenery have all been linked to improved mood and reduced stress. Try adding a few houseplants, a vase of fresh flowers, or natural materials like wood, cotton, or stone to your living space. If you can, set up a spot near a window or create a tiny garden corner, even a sunny sill with herbs will do. These little connections to the outside world can help you feel grounded and refreshed. Create your personal retreat We all need a place to slow down. Designating a space for rest, reflection, or simple quiet time can make a big difference in your mental well-being. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A comfy chair, a candle, a blanket, or your favorite book may be all it takes to create a sanctuary for your thoughts. What matters most is that this space is yours, offering you a gentle pause button in your day. Choose calming colors and cozy textures The colors and textures in your home can subtly shape how you feel. Soft blues, greens, and earthy tones tend to evoke calm and focus, while gentle fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool can make a room feel more welcoming. Try layering cozy textiles, soft lighting, or natural hues to create a sense of warmth and ease. When your surroundings feel soothing, it’s easier to relax and reset. Build in mindful rituals A mindful home isn’t just about what’s in it; it’s about how you move through it. Simple daily rituals can bring rhythm and calm to your day, offering moments of pause and reflection. Think morning stretches by the window, brewing tea in your favorite mug, or tidying up your space each night. These small, intentional acts can help you feel more present and grounded in your own home. Set boundaries with technology Our homes are filled with buzzing notifications and glowing screens, but constant connectivity can drain our attention and add to stress. Creating a mindful home means knowing when to unplug. Designate a tech-free zone, such as the bedroom or your reading nook. Keep devices out of reach during meals or downtime. By setting a few gentle boundaries, you create space for rest, conversation, and quiet. Comfort matters, too At the end of the day, a mindful home should feel good to live in. Choose furniture that supports your body, lighting that soothes your eyes, and layouts that make sense for how you move and live. Comfort isn’t a luxury. It’s a key ingredient in a space that helps you recharge. When your home meets your needs with ease, it naturally becomes a place of calm. Creating a mindful home doesn’t require a full renovation. With a few thoughtful changes, your space can become a sanctuary that restores your energy, quiets your mind, and supports your well-being each day.   Did this solution from 2025 stand out to you? Support The Optimist Daily so we can fill 2026 with more positive headlines like this. Become an Emissary and help guide more people to solutions with us here.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Our Best of 2025 Lifestyle edition is all about the big impact of small shifts. These stories capture what it looks like to live more intentionally, from the habits we build to the way we connect with others and the world. Think of it as a guide to joyful, purposeful living. If you’ve ever swiped on antiperspirant only to find yourself sweaty and smelly by midday, you’re not alone. The issue might not be what you’re using, but when you’re using it. And according to dermatologists, timing is everything. The timing mistake most people make Antiperspirants are different from deodorants. While deodorants simply mask odor, antiperspirants actually reduce sweating. “They do this using aluminum-based ingredients that temporarily plug your sweat glands,” explains Dr. Mamina Turegano, a board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology. But if your antiperspirant doesn’t seem to be doing its job, it may not be a faulty product. You could just be applying it at the wrong time. Why nighttime is prime time “The best time to apply antiperspirant is actually at night before bed,” says Dr. Uchenna Okereke, a Boston-based board-certified dermatologist. That’s because antiperspirants work best when your skin is dry and your sweat glands are less active. “Think of it like sealing a leak,” Dr. Okereke explains. “You want the pipe dry before you patch it up.” By the time you wake up, your sweat glands are already sealed off, and the protection should last for 24 to 48 hours—yes, even through a morning shower. “That barrier around your sweat glands is already in place, so a morning shower won’t wash it away,” Dr. Okereke confirms. What to expect when you switch it up Worried about skipping the morning swipe? Don’t be. According to both dermatologists, a properly timed application at night offers enough coverage to keep you dry and odor-free all day. For added assurance, you can still use a regular deodorant in the morning for extra odor control. However, if you’re dealing with night sweats or hyperhidrosis (a condition that causes excessive sweating), over-the-counter options might not cut it. In those cases, prescription-grade topicals may be necessary, says Dr. Turegano. How to apply antiperspirant the right way Getting the timing right is important, but so is your technique. Here are a few dermatologist-approved tips to make your antiperspirant work harder: Apply it at night to clean, dry skin. If you’ve just showered, make sure your underarms are fully dry before applying. Stick to one or two swipes. More isn’t better here. Piling on extra layers can cause irritation without improving performance. Use deodorant in the morning if you want extra odor protection. This gives you the best of both worlds: sweat control and a fresh scent. Most people can safely use antiperspirant nightly, according to both dermatologists. But if you have sensitive skin, starting with every other night might be a gentler approach. Watch out for signs of irritation, such as itching, dryness, or rashes, and adjust your routine as needed. This simple change in routine could be the low-effort, high-reward solution to staying fresh all day long. So before you swap formulas or double down on morning swipes, try this one easy switch. Your pits (and shirts) just might thank you.   Did this solution from 2025 stand out to you? Support The Optimist Daily so we can fill 2026 with more positive headlines like this. Become an Emissary and help guide more people to solutions with us here.

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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been officially dissolved by its board of directors after Republican cuts to funding for PBS and NPR.The CPB provided funding for public news for 58 years but was plagued by criticism from the right that it supported left-wing policies and the agenda of the Democratic party.'Americans will never again have to worry that a single cent will go towards CPB's radical programming.'The organization released a statement Monday confirming the vote for dissolution."For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans — regardless of geography, income, or background — had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling," said CPB president and CEO Patricia Harrison.She went on to call the vote the fulfillment of a "profound" responsibility."CPB's final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks," she added.Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana welcomed the news and mocked the CPB."The Corporation for Public Broadcasting — which funneled your money to NPR and PBS to call birds, roads, and country music racist — is officially DISSOLVED," he wrote. "Good riddance."Republicans had criticized public funding for NPR and PBS, while Democrats had criticized defunding efforts as deleterious for rural areas and other underserved communities.RELATED: NPR hit with scorn over 'insulting' article on self-care tips for anxiety from war headlines "Excellent news," replied Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri. "Now, Americans will never again have to worry that a single cent will go towards CPB's radical programming," Schmitt continued.The CPB previously announced in August that it would begin winding down operations, scale down its employees, and hand out whatever funds it had left over after the Republican cuts.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday that a meeting was scheduled this week in Europe and a preparation for this has started already.Zelensky also mentioned that Ukraine is in constant…