21- The Science of Happiness with Dr. Gillian Mandich

What if happiness isn’t something you arrive at—but something you practice?As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves chasing happiness through goals, achievements, or self-improvement plans. But decades of research tell a very different story.In this episode of Unravel, I’m joined by Dr. Gillian Mandich, health science researcher, two-time TEDx speaker, and founder of the International Happiness Institute of Health Science Research. Together, we explore happiness not as a destination, but as a daily, embodied practice shaped by our thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and nervous systems.We unpack why happiness doesn’t come from money, success, or achievement, and what actually sustains wellbeing over a lifetime.In this conversation, we unravel:Why happiness is deeply personal—and why many of us struggle to define what truly makes us happyThe science behind happiness as a practice, not a personality traitThe “happiness pie chart” and what portion of wellbeing is actually within our influenceThe myth of a fixed happiness set point—and whether lasting change is possibleEvidence-based happiness hygiene practices, including gratitude, meditation, and small daily habits that make a big differenceHow embodiment, awareness, and meaning play a role in sustained wellbeing🔗 Connect with Dr. Gillian MandichWebsite: https://www.gillianmandich.com 🎧 Stay Connected 🌿 Follow the show: @elaineclark_ 📩 Email: [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify & iHeartRadio 🌐 Explore more at www.elaineclark.ca📚 Research ReferenceThe Harvard Study of Adult DevelopmentA longitudinal study spanning more than 75 years, examining what predicts health, happiness, and longevity across the lifespan.Learn more: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/