429: The Science of Happiness for Moms: What Really Makes Us Happier (and What We Can Actually Control) with Tia Graham
If the word “happy” feels more like a goal than a daily reality right now, this episode is going to land right where you need it.
I’m joined by Tia Graham—leadership coach, positive psychology expert, author of Be a Happy Leader, and someone who has spent years studying the actual science behind what makes us feel happier. And yes… moms can absolutely use this research to feel more joy, more calm, and more fulfillment in their everyday lives.
We dig into everything from genetics (turns out happiness is far more inherited than you think!) to the environments we’re raising our kids in, to the small, simple practices that actually move the needle on wellbeing.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, craving more meaning, or just wanting to feel more like yourself, this conversation offers such grounded hope.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why up to 70% of your happiness is influenced by genetics—and why that means you deserve WAY more compassion (not more pressure).
- How your environment—from work demands to lack of societal support—shapes your wellbeing, and why your struggles are not personal failures.
- A powerful “12 months from now” exercise to help you reimagine your life and priorities with more clarity and less guilt.
- The #1 predictor of happiness according to neuroscience (hint: your kids can’t fill this bucket on their own!).
- How to spot habits that drain your joy, even the subtle ones you don’t realize you’re doing out of routine or “shoulds.”
- Why journaling & meditation are scientifically backed tools for processing emotions, increasing resilience, and helping your brain rewire toward more positive thought patterns.
- How to realign your calendar with your actual values, so your schedule supports the life you want—not the one you inherited from shoulds, guilt, or overwhelm.
Resources We Shared
30 Self Care Practices from Tia: https://www.tiagraham.com/selfcare
Learn more about Tia here: www.tiagraham.com
Download the No Guilt Mom Stop Doing Checklist: https://www.balanceformoms.com/opt-in-stop-doing-checklist
