In this episode of Caregiver Conversations, we continue our inspiring discussion with Dr. Zippy Alba, certified happiness coach and founder of Zippy Consulting Group. Picking up from part one, Dr. Zippy dives into actionable tools caregivers can use to cultivate happiness, manage stress, and avoid burnout. From starting your day with intention to creating “joy anchors,” Dr. Zippy offers relatable, science-backed tips to help caregivers prioritize their well-being, even during life’s most demanding moments. Learn how to rewire your brain for optimism, practice the “Three Good Things” method, and find micro-moments of joy that create lasting transformation. Whether you're a caregiver or simply someone seeking more peace and balance, this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth.
In this second installment of our two-part conversation, Dr. Zippy Alba returns to continue exploring how caregivers can create joy from within, even in the midst of daily challenges. Hosts Kristie and Antonia talk with Dr. Zippy about mindset shifts, practical tools for emotional regulation, and how happiness can be cultivated intentionally, no matter your circumstances.
Learn about the role of self-awareness, how to counter negativity with intentional habits, and how caregivers can reframe their experience to avoid burnout and restore balance. This powerful follow-up is full of relatable stories, science-backed strategies, and empowering encouragement for every caregiver.
Dr. Zippy:
Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC)
Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan - Elder Law & Advocacy Center (NLS)
Kristie:
Welcome back to Caregiver Conversations! I'm your host, Kristie King, joined by my co-host, Antonia Harbin Lamb. Today, we’re continuing our inspiring conversation with Dr. Zippy Alba, certified happiness coach and founder of Zippy Consulting Group. In part one, we explored the science of happiness and how it’s not just a feeling but a skill that can be learned. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, be sure to check that out!
Antonia:
That first conversation really stuck with me. I was thinking about what Dr. Zippy said about the happiness continuum and being happy for no reason. That idea that we can bring happiness to our experiences rather than waiting for them to make us happy is so powerful.
Kristie:
Yes! And I’ve been working on noticing what I’m noticing—just trying to be more aware of where I am on that continuum. Today, we’re diving deeper into practical strategies. So, Dr. Zippy, welcome back!
Dr. Zippy:
Thank you so much! I’m so excited to be back and to continue this conversation.
Kristie:
So last time, you talked about how happiness is influenced by our thoughts, habits, and behaviors. You also mentioned some tools for building happiness. Can we pick up there? What are some small things caregivers can do daily to start building more happiness into their lives?
Dr. Zippy:
Absolutely! One of the simplest but most effective tools is starting your day with intention. Ask yourself, “How do I want to show up today?” It’s such a small question, but it creates a shift. You stop waiting for the day to define you, and instead, you begin to define your day.
Antonia:
That’s such a powerful perspective. I’ve started writing that question on a sticky note and putting it on my bathroom mirror!
Dr. Zippy:
I love that! Another practical tool is what I call the “Three Good Things” practice. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to write down three things that went well or brought you joy. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of tea, a smile from a loved one, or even a moment of peace.
Kristie:
That’s such a good reminder to focus on the positive, especially when caregiving days can be so hard.
Dr. Zippy:
Exactly. And when we train our brain to look for the good, we begin to create new neural pathways. Over time, this rewires the brain to be more optimistic, more resilient, and more open to joy.
Antonia:
That makes me think of what you said last time about the reticular activating system—how our brain starts looking for what we tell it to look for.
Dr. Zippy:
Yes! It’s so powerful. Another great tool is something I call “micro moments of joy.” These are little things that can shift your energy throughout the day. Maybe it’s listening to a favorite song, taking a deep breath, stepping outside for a minute of sunshine, or laughing with someone. Those moments matter.
Kristie:
I love that! So often we think happiness has to come from something big, like a vacation or a promotion. But you’re saying the small stuff counts.
Dr. Zippy:
Absolutely. In fact, it’s the small stuff that often makes the biggest difference over time.
Antonia:
I’d love to ask about how these practices apply specifically to caregivers. We talk a lot about burnout and compassion fatigue. What can caregivers do when they’re overwhelmed and joy feels out of reach?
Dr. Zippy:
That’s such an important question. Caregivers are often so focused on others that they forget to check in with themselves. The first step is simply giving yourself permission to feel and to care for yourself. Then, use tools like grounding—placing your feet firmly on the floor, taking a few deep breaths, and just coming back to the present moment. It helps calm the nervous system.
Kristie:
Yes, that idea of grounding has been really helpful for me personally.
Dr. Zippy:
Another thing I suggest is finding what I call “joy anchors.” These are things you can return to in difficult moments—a favorite photo, a song, a mantra, or a memory that makes you smile. When things feel heavy, those anchors can bring you back to yourself.
Antonia:
That’s such a beautiful concept—joy anchors.
Kristie:
Dr. Zippy, this has been such a rich conversation. Thank you for sharing these practical strategies and helping us see that happiness isn’t just something that happens—it’s something we can build.
Dr. Zippy:
Thank you so much! I’m honored to be part of this conversation, and I hope listeners feel encouraged to start small and keep building.
Antonia:
To our listeners, we hope you’ve enjoyed part two of our conversation with Dr. Zippy. Remember, happiness is within your reach.
Kristie:
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow caregiver.
Antonia:
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!
Kristie:
Until next time, take care and keep caring.