The Happier Life Project

• Bonus: Closing 2025 with Care - Your End of Year Mental Health Check-In with Gabby Sanderson

  As we close out 2025, this final episode of The Happier Life Project takes a compassionate look back at a year that felt undeniably heavy for so many. With political tension, rapid leaps in AI, global conflict and a relentless cost-of-living crisis, it’s no surprise that rates of anxiety and depression have soared worldwide.  In this reflective bonus episode, Gabby explores the emotional toll of a turbulent year, and the unexpected clarity it can bring. Through the conversations held on this podcast, personal experiences, and even a year-end yoga class themed around shedding old skin for the Year of the Snake, Gabby invites listeners to consider what they’re ready to release before stepping into 2026. Perfectionism, people-pleasing, carrying everything alone; what are you finally putting down? Plus, you’ll hear highlights from her conversation with Reverend and the Makers’ Jon McClure, recorded this time last year, where they discuss loneliness at Christmas, mixed seasonal emotions, and why dancing and music can be powerful tools for mental health.  It’s a gentle, grounding close to the year, and a reminder you don’t have to earn rest with exhaustion. The Happier Life Project returns on January 1st 2026 with something special: a daily happiness hack every day throughout the month. If you're feeling suicidal, lonely, or depressed, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 at 116 123, including on Christmas Day. You can also use a text-based option like "Hey Sam" a mental health support text line for young people, by texting 439-726. To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/  

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• Festive Season, Silent Struggles: The Connection Episode Everyone Needs to Hear with Dr Richard Pile

  According to the World Health Organization, loneliness is now recognised as a pressing global health threat. Research shows that chronic loneliness carries the same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and can reduce life expectancy by up to 30 percent. As host Gabby reflects, the festive season can be one of the hardest times of the year for many. While Christmas is sold to us as joyful, warm, and deeply connected, for some it magnifies feelings of isolation instead. A UK survey found that 17% of people feel lonelier during the holidays, even when surrounded by loved ones. The gap between the expectation of celebration and the reality of personal circumstances can intensify sadness, anxiety, and disconnection, making December a particularly heavy month for those already struggling. In this episode — a conversation recorded 18 months ago but more relevant than ever — Gabby speaks with Dr Richard Pile, a GP specialising in lifestyle medicine and cardiology, as well as an author, TEDx speaker, podcaster, mentor, and coach. Together, they explore what loneliness really is, how it manifests not only emotionally but physically, and the subtle ways it can shape our behaviour and daily routines. Dr Richard shares the signs to look out for in ourselves and others, and why nurturing the relationships we already have is so vital. He also offers practical steps for forming new connections, finding like-minded people in our communities, and accessing NHS social prescribers — a free service designed to link people with activities and groups that support wellbeing. As the festive season approaches, Gabby invites listeners to take one small, meaningful action: reach out to someone who might be struggling. A simple message, phone call, or invitation for coffee can make a profound difference. This episode is a reminder that choosing connection over isolation not only eases another person’s burden, but strengthens our own sense of belonging. To download the My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself For more information on Dr Richard Pile and his services: https://feelgoodforlife.uk/ To watch Dr Richard’s TedX talk on Loneliness: https://youtu.be/sPsvOd-kwVU? si=dAIYYR_E_ukAhcyg

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• Bonus: 8 Tools to Keep a Calm Christmas with Gabby Sanderson

  The festive period can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also be incredibly challenging. Routines change, expectations rise, social calendars fill up, people feel financial pressure, and old family dynamics often resurface. Many of us end up emotionally stretched and overwhelmed long before the big day arrives. So in this episode, host Gabby Sanderson shares "Tools to Keep a Calm Christmas" eight simple, effective tools to help you stay grounded, protected, and emotionally steady over the holidays. You can try them all, or choose the ones that feel right for you. And at the end of the episode, there’s a short grounding meditation to help you reset. Tool 1: The Boundaries Reset Protect your energy by saying no when you need to, and choosing plans that genuinely support your wellbeing. Tool 2: Letting Go of the ‘Perfect Christmas’ Myth Release the pressure to create a flawless holiday — real, imperfect Christmases are often the calmest and most meaningful. Tool 3: Anchoring Your Nervous System Use quick grounding techniques like slow breathing, softening your shoulders, or stepping outside to bring your body back into calm. Gabby guides you into an exercise.  Tool 4: The Money-Pressure Diffuser Take the financial stress down by setting clear spending limits and remembering that thoughtfulness matters far more than cost. Tool 5: A Plan for Loneliness (Even If You’re Surrounded by People) Create gentle structure, small moments of connection, and comforting rituals to support yourself if the season feels emotionally heavy. Tool 6: The Family Dynamics Shield Notice old patterns, stay grounded, and remind yourself that you can choose your responses, even in challenging family situations. Tool 7: The “Good Enough” Christmas Reframe Let “good enough” be the goal — good enough food, good enough plans, good enough energy — and allow that to be more than enough. Tool 8: Easing the Pressure of the New Year You don’t need resolutions or reinvention; a softer approach with light reflection and gentle intentions can ease the transition into January. Tune in now for a calm, grounding, and supportive listen — and give yourself the gentlest Christmas you can. To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/  

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• Clearer Water, Clearer Mind… Small Sips Toward a Healthier You with Dr. Sherri A. Mason

  Microplastics are in most of the water we drink, but what does that mean for our health and wellbeing? In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson sits down with Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason, one of the world’s leading researchers on plastic pollution, to uncover the truth about what’s in our tap and bottled water.  Together they explore how microplastics affect our bodies and minds, and the small but powerful steps we can take to protect ourselves and the planet. If you’ve been noticing conversations around microplastics and wondering what they mean for your health, or if you’re simply trying to make more informed, empowered choices; this episode will give you a grounded, hopeful place to start. Dr. Mason’s groundbreaking research not only revealed the widespread presence of microplastics in freshwater systems but also helped shape legislation like the Microbeads-Free Water Act. Her work has been featured across major outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, and The New York Times, sparking global awareness about the hidden costs of plastic pollution. In this episode, she explains how science is catching up to the scale of the problem, and why understanding it is the first step toward change. Beyond the science, this conversation is about empowerment. You’ll hear how reconnecting and protecting the environment can ease stress, restore a sense of agency, and inspire resilience in the face of overwhelming headlines. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical, realistic steps to reduce your exposure and consumption of microplastics; proving that small, consistent actions really do add up to a healthier body, a clearer mind, and a happier life. To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ Dr. SAM’s website: https://www.sherrimason.com/ Sam’s recommendations to learn more on the subject: https://www.beyondplastics.org/ https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/ https://www.5gyres.org/  

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• Bonus: Cuffing Season — How to Navigate Winter Loneliness & Stay Emotionally Strong with Dr Marianne Trent

  As the nights grow longer and temperatures drop, many people find themselves drawn to the idea of "cuffing season", the tendency to seek short‑term relationships during the winter months. In this conversation, host Gabby Sanderson and Dr Marianne Trent unpack the psychology behind this seasonal phenomenon, exploring why loneliness can intensify around the festive season and how societal expectations may heighten feelings of isolation. Together, they highlight the importance of self‑worth, emotional well‑being, and honoring your own needs during this time. Dr Marianne Trent is a qualified clinical psychologist specialising in grief and trauma. She is the author of The Grief Collective and the host of the award-winning Aspiring Psychologist Podcast. She brings a compassionate, human approach to all of her work, including the thoughtful guidance shared in this episode. Whether you’re curious about the science of connection or looking for practical strategies to navigate seasonal loneliness, this episode offers insights and takeaways to support your emotional well-being. To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/ To follow Dr Marianne Trent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariannetrent/ Dr Marianne’s website: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/ Aspiring psychologists:  https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/  

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