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Practically Happy

Inspiration and ideas for applying the science of wellbeing to your everyday life. Host and Miranda Anderson casually and conversationally shares examples and lessons from her own life as well as some of the latest research from the world of positive psychology. In addition, she lets you in on humorous and engaging stories about living with her husband, three kids, two dogs, two cats, and five chickens in Richmond, Virginia.
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Episodes

Happy Class Week 16: Optimism

I had a blast in Canada with a classmate, and am excited to travel to meet up with other students in these upcoming months. This semester is all about applied science, and I already feel connected to this more practical lens. Cheers to new opportunities! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 202319 min

#222: Finding Flow

Flow has been described as the "optimal experience" and is a balance of skill with challenge. Let's dive into how to create more flow experiences in our everyday lives! Sponsor: Fabric by Gerber Life. Visit meetfabric.com/livefree to get started! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Learn more ...

Jan 19, 202349 minSeason 5Ep. 222

Happy Class Week 15: Back in the Swing

After a beautiful, peaceful and relaxing holiday break, school is back in session! In this episode I share some updates to my course load, plans to travel for face-to-face interaction with classmates, and a favorite work of art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13, 202321 min

#221: Smarty Pants Goals

You've heard of SMART goals? Well, this podcast is about that. How to best translate those big ideas into specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and timely objectives. Join me to walk through this well-known acronym with some new insights and invitations for living your life on purpose. Sponsors: Live your best hair life with Prose personalized haircare. Visit prose.com/livefree for a free hair consultation and 15% off of your order. Smell great with clean, natural Native Deodorant. Visit n...

Jan 12, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 221

#220: Stop, Steady, Systematize, Start

We have popped the bottle, thrown confetti, and welcomed a new year. Now what? This episode walks you through a great framework for knowing what to set down and what to pick up this year. Grab a notebook and follow along! Sponsor: Thrive Market is your simple solution for simple food delivered to your doorstep. Visit ThriveMarket.com/LIVEFREE for $30 off + a $60 gift! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @liv...

Jan 05, 202343 minSeason 5Ep. 220

#219: Reflecting on 2022

This liminal space between Christmas and the New Year is a beautiful time to look back and reflect on the ups and downs of the year we are finishing. I love the walk down memory lane, and invite you to do the same for your own live and meaning-making! Join a retreat! livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Learn ...

Dec 29, 202244 minSeason 5Ep. 219

#218: Deep Patience and Presence

Where does patience reside? Is it something we can run out of, like when we express being "short on patience"? Or might there be a different understanding of how we access this well of stillness, waiting, and presence? Listen today to explore the power of deep patience and cultivating presence in daily life. Sponsor: BetterHelp Therapy. Visit BetterHelp.com/LIVEFREE and use code LIVEFREE for $10 your first month of therapy. Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on In...

Dec 22, 202254 minSeason 5Ep. 218

Happy Class Week 14: Opportunity Cost

This week is the last week of class before the Holiday Break! I am excited to take a couple weeks off to let the ideas and information from the semester marinate in my brain. Also excited to spend less time in front of a screen and more time LIVING MY LIFE! Sponsor: StoryWorth makes a perfect Holiday gift! Visit storyworth.com/livefree for $10 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 202222 min

#217: Optimism in Practice

We have all heard of optimism, but how is it determined? And how can we grow it? In this episode I share some specific activities that can help you flex your optimism muscle, thereby benefiting your life. Sponsors: Visit HelloFresh.com/Livefree18 and use code LIVEFREE18 for 18 free meals and free shipping! Visit OMGYES.com/livefree for a special discount Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreo...

Dec 15, 202241 minSeason 5Ep. 217

Happy Class Week 13: Meaning and Blackberries

I have finally cracked the code on how long it will take me to do homework, read articles, and write papers...and the semester is about to end! In this episode, I share the latest paper I turned in (I read it to you!) and invite you to reflect on moments in your life that have felt meaning-filled. References: Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2002). The pursuit of meaningfulness in life. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 608-618). Oxford Universit...

Dec 09, 202219 min

#216: Expectation and Appreciation

What's the difference between expectations and appreciation, and why do these ideas matter? In this episode I share some interesting insight into the pros and cons of expectation and appreciation, and invite you to join me in being less attached and more grateful. Sponsor: Join me at a retreat in 2023! Find all of the information here: livefreecreative.co/retreats Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda...

Dec 08, 202235 minSeason 5Ep. 216

Happy Class Week 12: Cultural Context

People are different! There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to what "the good life" looks like. This week I was struck by the importance of looking at the whole person with openness and curiosity, when considering how to help them increase in happiness. Reference: Pedrotti, J. T., & Edwards, L. M. (2017). Cultural context in positive psychology: History, research, and opportunities for growth. In M. A. Warren & S. I. Donaldson (Eds.) Scientific advances in positive psychology(pp. 257...

Dec 02, 202219 min

#215: The How and Why of A Meaningful Holiday Season

Here we go! Another December coming in hot. What does your season FEEL like right now? As you look ahead, do you know they WHY for what you are planning? In this episode I share a simple exercise that may help you invite more meaning into the season. Sponsor: Shop bombas.com/livefree for and use code LIVEFREE for 20% your order! Visit livefreecreative.co/retreats to learn more about 2023 events Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get o...

Dec 01, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 215

Happy Class Week 11: Mindfulness

Another onsite (live class) weekend and I'm feeling good. I was happy to see my classmates again, feeling like we actually KNOW each other a little bit better. As far as classes, it was love at first sight with between me and mindfulness. Stop, Breathe, and Be with me, courtesy of Dr. Michael Baime. Refrerences: https://www.mindfulnesscds.com/ Michael Baime: https://youtu.be/MO94u6eOeiE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25, 202222 min

#214: Look Forward To 2023

I know, it's only November, but it's always a great time to have something to look forward to! In this episode I share the science of anticipation, and how looking forward helps us feel better. Sponsor: Visit betterhelp.com/livefreecreative and use LIVEFREE for 50% off your first month. Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Reference: Luo ...

Nov 24, 202233 minSeason 5Ep. 214

Happy Class Week 10: Grit and Flow

This week wasn't as overwhelming and stressful as the previous weeks--maybe because I was on retreat? Here's to more segmentation of my time and more intersection of my skills as a student, entrepreneur, and mom. References: Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper Perennial. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of personality and social psychology, 92(6), 108...

Nov 18, 202220 min

#213: Achievement Myths

So many of us see life as a race to the finish line-- and often we miss the good stuff along the way. This show is some wisdom from Season 1 I am bringing back for all of our benefit. Achievement as the whole purpose is a myth. Let's seek fulfillment along the way! Sponsor: Visit www.organifi.com/creative and use CREATIVE for 20% off your order Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/live...

Nov 17, 202238 minSeason 5Ep. 213

Happy Class Week 9: Hope Theory

A little down time = a lot of good feelings and hope for the future. This week I dive into the afterglow of in-person connection, what's coming up this weekend, and hope theory as a strategy for bettering our lives. Reference: Magyar-Moe, J. L., & Lopez, S. J. (2015). Strategies for accentuating hope. Positive psychology in practice: Promoting human flourishing in work, health, education, and everyday life (2nd ed., pp. 483-502). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118996874.ch29 Learn more a...

Nov 11, 202219 min

#212: Closing and Opening Life Chapters

If our lives are stories, than each new stage is a different chapter. How well do you close one and open the next? In this episode, I share some thoughts to consider around the transition through the different stages and seasons of our lives. Sponsors: Visit bombas.com/livefree and use code LIVEFREE for 20% off your entire order! Perfect stocking stuffers! Visit organifi.com/creative and use code CREATIVE for 20% off you entire superfood order! Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast...

Nov 10, 202244 minSeason 5Ep. 212

Happy Class Week 8: The Summit

This week I got to meet my classmates in real life with handshakes, high-fives, and lots of hugs. It's incredible to feel so close to so many after just 2 months of virtual learning. It was a dynamic weekend and I'm still on a high from the conversations and learning. Read Arthur Brooks new book: From Strength to Strength Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 04, 202221 min

#211: Word Swap "I am" to "I feel"

Did you know you are not your emotions? Sometimes it feels natural to say we ARE mad, sad, or glad. When, in reality, those are things we FEEL. In this word swap episode, I share some insights that can help create distance between our identity and our emotions, inviting grace and patience in the process. SPONSOR: visit www.organifi.com/creative and use code CREATIVE for 20% off your order Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-...

Nov 03, 202235 minSeason 5Ep. 211

Happy Class Week 7: Anchoring and Expectations

This week I realized my cycle has been synched with class in the least effective possible way-- fatigue and stress on the days leading up to on-site classes. Part of being a human woman in the world! My favorite theory of the week is Anchoring. Hear all about it in happy class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28, 202221 min

#210: Lighten Up!

What do you do when you realize things have gotten a little heavy in life? Lighten Up! My lightening up look like singing show tunes in the shower and dancing in the kitchen. What does yours look like? Sponsor: Take 10% off of your first month at BetterHelp.com/LIVEFREE Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Learn more about your ad choices...

Oct 27, 202239 minSeason 5Ep. 210

Happy Class Week 6: Second-Order Strategies

Our first big group project is turned-in! I loved learning more about how people make decisions and...drumroll please...how LESS is actually MORE! Seems like someone around here has felt that way for a while;) Reference: Schwartz, B. (2004). The paradox of choice. ECCO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 202221 min

#209: Colder Weather Fitness Ideas

As the weather in the northern hemisphere dips down into fall/winter temps, your active outdoor lifestyle may need a shift! I feel it, too, so today I share some ideas to stay active all winter long. SPONSOR: Visit ISSUE.com/livefree to get started creating! Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Oct 20, 202235 minSeason 5Ep. 209

Happy Class Week 5: Agency

Our second on-site for the MAPP program just ended, and I am eyeball deep in new information, ideas, and inspiration. Here's how it went! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14, 202219 min

#208: Decision Fatigue or Decision Ease

Do you find yourself frozen in indecision with big or small choices? Life gives us more and more options, and sometimes rather than help, that vast array actually begins to hurt. In this episode I share some tips to invite you from Decision Fatigue into Decision Ease. Sponsor: Get a $75 job credit with Indeed.com/LIVEFREE Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More T...

Oct 13, 202258 minSeason 5Ep. 208

Happy Class Week 4: Worldviews

Am I cut out for this program? It is yet to be seen. I am learning a whole lot, and all of the information leads to more and more questions. I think this means I'm on the right track. References: Clifton, J. D., & Meindl, P. (2021). Parents think—incorrectly—that teaching their children that the world is a bad place is likely best for them. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(2), 182–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.2016907 Haden, J. (2022, February 10). Want to raise happy, hea...

Oct 07, 202221 min

#207: Beyond People Pleasing

Do you suffer from the disease to please? Do you find yourself saying yes, when what you mean is no? In this episode Miranda outlines some easy-to-understand characteristics of People Pleasing, and helps with a few tips to avoid doing too much at your own expense. Find full show notes at livefreecreative.co/podcast Follow Miranda on Instagram @livefreemiranda Get one-on-one coaching with Miranda at Patreon.com/livefreecreative Buy More Than Enough on Amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Oct 06, 202255 minSeason 5Ep. 207

Happy Class Week 3: Happy Health

Do you ever exercise because you think it will feel good later? In this episode, I share a snippet of some research that has me rethinking my health behaviors and motivations. Resources: Van Cappellen, P., Rice, E. L., Catalino, L. I., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2017). Positive affective processes underlie positive health behaviour change. Psychology & Health, 33(1), 77–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2017.1320798 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 202217 min
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