The Happier Life Project

The more time we spend in mindful awareness; of our surroundings, body, or thoughts, the more we learn to simply observe without rushing to judge or critique. Today’s practice invites you to reflect on your day with openness and honesty, free from self-judgment. In this short guided meditation, you’ll be gently encouraged to notice what’s present without labelling it as good or bad — just allowing...

Join our Month of Mindfulness Challenge; 30 days of short daily practices to help you slow down, check in, and care for your mind. Sometimes we wake up and jump straight into the day without checking in with ourselves. Our minds rush ahead to what’s next or drift back to what’s already happened, rarely pausing to notice how we actually feel in the here and now. For Day One of the Month of Mindfuln...

This episode of The Happier Life Project explores the idea that living well might not come from doing more, achieving more, or constantly striving; but from embracing less. What if the key to a fulfilling life lies not in endless productivity, but in recognizing our limitations and finding peace in the life we already have? Bestselling author of ‘Four Thousand Weeks’ and ‘The Antidote’ Oliver Burk...

In today’s hyperconnected world, we’re constantly scrolling, checking notifications, and juggling multiple digital distractions. But what is the true cost to our mental health and overall wellbeing? In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina, a leading global expert in digital wellbeing, two-time TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of H...

In honour of Stress Awareness Month, The Happier Life Project joins forces with The Motivation Mindset podcast for a special crossover episode—bringing together two powerful platforms to explore practical ways to manage stress, boost mental well-being, and reclaim your calm. Risa Williams, psychotherapist, time management coach, author, and host of the award-winning productivity podcast The Motiva...

Stress is a natural part of life — bills, work, relationships, health, and everything in between. A little pressure can actually be a good thing, helping us rise to challenges, stay motivated, and grow. But when it starts to feel constant, overwhelming, or like it's running the show? That’s when stress becomes a real threat to our mental and physical health. April is Stress Awareness Month, a time...

The Happier Life Project is your go-to podcast for exploring ideas that help you feel good and live better. In this episode, host Gabby Sanderson dives into the transformative world of visualisation and mental fitness, which are powerful tools for building resilience, focus, and emotional strength when faced with life’s challenges and striving toward your goals and dreams. Joining Gabby is Maya Ra...

Becoming a parent is often described as one of the most life-changing experiences, filled with love, excitement, and a whole new level of responsibility. But alongside the joy, many new mums experience emotional highs and lows, sometimes more intense than expected. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions, but for some, those low moments don’t just come and go; they linger and deepen. Pos...

In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson switches roles to become the guest, sharing her personal two-year journey of egg freezing. Interviewed by fellow My Possible Self contributor Chlo Hodgkinson—a personal trainer, women's diet, fitness, and hormones coach and business owner—Gabby opens up about the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the process. From m...

Anxiety. It’s something we all experience at one point or another, but for some, it’s a constant companion, a heavy weight that can feel impossible to shake off. For many, anxiety becomes a familiar pattern of worrying thoughts, tightness in the chest, and an overwhelming sense of dread that lingers in the background of daily life. But what if everything we’ve been told about anxiety is only scrat...

Do you struggle with skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, or other repetitive behaviors you just can’t seem to stop? These actions, known as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), go far beyond “bad habits” and can have deep emotional and psychological roots. But what causes them? And more importantly, how can they be managed? In this episode of The Happier Life Project, licensed therapist...

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe and often debilitating condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Unlike typical PMS, PMDD can trigger extreme mood swings, intense depression, anxiety, rage, and overwhelming physical symptoms, making daily life feel unbearable. Despite its profound impact, PMDD remains widely misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed, and often dismissed b...

In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, the tables are turned as host Gabby Sanderson steps into the guest seat. Interviewed by psychotherapist, time management coach, and author Risa Williams (Get Stuff Done Without the Stress), Gabby shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of working in media and tech—where relentless hustle came at a steep cost. Together, they dive i...

Developmental trauma refers to the impact of early, repeated trauma and loss within a child’s most important relationships. This typically occurs in the earliest years of life. This kind of trauma isn’t always loud or obvious. It can be subtle; emotional neglect we don’t remember, an abandonment wound that lingers beneath the surface, or toxic stress that quietly eats away. All of this we carry in...

Confidence is a word we hear often, but what does it really mean—and why is it so elusive? Psychologists suggest that up to 50% of the traits linked to confidence may be inherited, but genes are just one piece of the puzzle. Cultural influences, childhood experiences, societal pressures, and even the impact of social media shape how we see ourselves and how much we trust in our abilities. Add to t...

We all experience negative thoughts—those persistent voices in our heads that seem to weigh us down. Research shows that over 80% of our thoughts are negative, and when we focus too much on them, they can lead to challenges like social anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Whether these thoughts are true or not, we often believe them, allowing them to dominate our emotions and lives, l...

This week, we're revisiting one of our most powerful conversations from the first season of the podcast, back when we were known as My Possible Self. January is often considered the most depressing month of the year—cold, dark, and weighed down by the emotional and financial fallout of the holidays. But beyond the January blues, this episode takes a broader look at depression, a condition that imp...

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Dr. Kelly Vincent, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in supporting women through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and imposter syndrome. Together, they explore high-functioning anxiety and how to shake off the relentless pressures of hustle culture. As 2025 begins and many reflect on the...

In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, we’re rebroadcasting a Christmas-themed conversation from two years ago with Joshua Fletcher. A leading psychotherapist, best-selling author, and renowned anxiety expert, Joshua has devoted his career to helping people understand and manage anxiety in all its forms. Chatting with host Gabby Sanderson, Joshua explores the pitfalls of chasing ‘the...

Christmas is often seen as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can feel quite the opposite—stressful, lonely, or even overwhelming. According to the National Institute of Health, this season can exacerbate mental health challenges, especially for those already struggling. To help navigate the festive pressures, we revisit a special episode of The Happier Life Project featuring Dr Clair...

To kick off The Happier Life Project’s festive December episodes, host Gabby Sanderson welcomes a very special guest: Jon McClure, frontman of the chart-topping band Reverend and the Makers. In this heartfelt conversation, Jon shares the inspiration behind the band’s poignant Christmas single ‘Late Night Phone Call’ and their decision to partner with The Samaritans for its release. Christmas is of...

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we delve into the exhausting pursuit of perfection and its impact on mental health. Perfectionism is a word that gets thrown around a lot; many people proudly claim the label, seeing it as a positive trait. And, at times, it can be—perfectionism can drive ambition, discipline, and high achievement. However, research has consistently linked perfectionism...

Money is more than just a tool for paying bills or buying things, it can be deeply symbolic and emotionally charged. For many, financial struggles are closely intertwined with mental health challenges. Research conducted by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, revealed that in England alone, over 1.5 million people struggle with both problem debt and mental health issues. Of those surveye...

Vitality is the sense of mental and physical freedom; a powerful inner energy that fuels us to live fully and connect deeply. It’s about beginning each day with purpose and feeling a strong sense of belonging with those around us. Often described as “health of spirit,” vitality is the positive feeling of aliveness and energy that lies at the heart of well-being. Living a vital life, filled with pu...

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we’re tackling something we all face, how to own our struggles in the areas that challenge us most. From navigating friendships and work pressures to dealing with technology overload, dating dilemmas, and toxic family environments, we cover it all. Host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Minaa B., a licensed social worker, mental health educator, wellness coa...