In this episode of Caregiver Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Zippy Alba, CEO and Founder of Zippy Consulting Group, to discuss the science of happiness. Dr. Zippy, a certified happiness coach and trainer, shares insights on how happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a skill that can be learned and developed. We explore the happiness continuum, the happiness set point, and the intentional habits that can elevate overall well-being. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into how caregivers can apply these happiness strategies to manage stress, avoid burnout, and bring more joy into their daily lives.
Dr. Zippy Alba joins Caregiver Conversations to break down the science behind happiness and how it affects confidence, longevity, and emotional well-being. She introduces the happiness continuum, explaining different levels of happiness and how individuals can cultivate joy from within rather than relying on external circumstances.
Dr. Zippy discusses the concept of the happiness setpoint, which suggests that a large portion of our happiness is influenced by genetics, circumstances, and, most importantly, our habits. By developing intentional practices, such as focusing on positivity, managing self-talk, and avoiding the victim mindset (blaming, complaining, or shaming), individuals can increase their overall happiness and resilience.
The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, especially for caregivers, who often face emotional and physical exhaustion. Dr. Zippy shares practical strategies to shift mindset, foster positive emotions, and create a lasting sense of well-being.
Contact Information:
Dr. Zippy:
Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC)
Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan - Elder Law & Advocacy Center (NLS)
Kristie: [00:00:00]
Welcome back to Caregiver Conversations! I'm your host, Kristie King, joined by my co-host, Antonia Harbin Lamb. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Zippy Alba, CEO and founder of Zippy Consulting Group. Dr. Zippy is a certified happiness coach and trainer who helps professional women conquer imposter syndrome, prioritize work-life balance, and design lives they love.
In this episode, we'll explore the science of happiness and how it’s not just a feeling, but a skill we can learn and develop. Dr. Zippy will break down the happiness continuum, the happiness setpoint, and how our mindset and behaviors shape our overall well-being.
Antonia:
This conversation is packed with insights on how happiness impacts everything from confidence to longevity. So if you’ve ever wondered how to truly cultivate lasting happiness, you won’t want to miss this. Let’s dive in!
With over a decade of experience, Dr. Zippy is known for [00:01:00] her engaging and transformational approach. Welcome to the show, Dr. Zippy!
Dr. Zippy:
Thank you so much, Kristie and Antonia. I’m really excited to be here today and dive into this conversation about happiness and its impact on our lives.
Antonia:
This is going to be amazing! I wanted to start by learning a little more about you. How did you get into this work around happiness? Can you tell us about your journey?
Dr. Zippy:
Yeah, absolutely. Thanks for asking. My personality has always led people to believe I was naturally happy, but in reality, I wasn’t. It was a front.
I moved to the U.S. 20 years ago—if you detect an accent, that’s from Kenya. Adjusting to the culture, lifestyle, and new environment was challenging. It took a toll on my self-worth. Even though I had great jobs, I still felt uncertain about myself. It deeply affected my confidence and sense of identity.
From the outside, it looked like I was thriving, but internally, I felt lost. I often wondered, Is this it? Is this what I left my country for? [00:02:00] I didn’t feel happy at all, even though I had the things that should have made me happy. There was a deep numbness inside me.
It wasn’t until about five years ago that I started researching happiness. It seemed like something we were all constantly chasing, but I wanted to understand it more. That’s when I discovered the science of happiness, and everything changed.
Once I started learning about how happiness works, my perspective shifted. I realized happiness isn’t just an emotion—it’s a skill we can cultivate. That realization completely transformed my life. I became more intentional about what I focused on, how I structured my daily habits, and what I allowed into my life. I noticed a massive increase in my energy and overall well-being.
At one point, I thought, Why didn’t we learn this as kids? This should be a fundamental part of education! That realization made me want to dive deeper into this work and help others unlock their happiness potential.
Kristie:
Who would’ve thought happiness was a skill, right? That’s a game-changer!
Antonia:
Yes! It’s not just a feeling—it’s something we can develop.
Kristie:
Exactly. So, Dr. Zippy, can you break it down for us? What does it mean that happiness is a skill? How do we actually cultivate it?
Dr. Zippy:
Absolutely! Happiness isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s about long-term well-being and fulfillment. There are three main factors that contribute to our happiness:
Antonia:
That is so powerful! And I love that it puts the control back in our hands.
Kristie:
Yes! It’s empowering to know that we’re not just at the mercy of our circumstances.
Dr. Zippy:
Exactly! And that’s why I’m so passionate about this work. When people start applying these principles, they see real changes in their lives.
Kristie:
Wow, what an insightful discussion! Dr. Zippy, thank you for breaking down the science of happiness and showing us that happiness isn’t just something we experience—it’s something we can actively create.
Antonia:
Absolutely! There were so many takeaways—from understanding our happiness set point to recognizing the small habits that shape our well-being.
Kristie:
And this conversation isn’t over! In our next episode, we’ll dive into how caregivers can apply these happiness strategies to manage stress, avoid burnout, and bring more joy into their daily lives.
Antonia:
Make sure to subscribe and follow us so you don’t miss Part 2. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with a friend or fellow caregiver.
For more resources and updates, follow us on social media or visit www.scmisrc.org. You can also reach us at info@miseniors.org or call 888-341-8593.
Kristie:
And to learn more about Neighborhood Legal Services’ Elder Law and Advocacy Center, visit www.nlsmichigan.org or call 313-937-8291.
Antonia:
Thank you again for tuning in! Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
Kristie:
Until next time, take care and keep caring.