As the days grow shorter and gloomier, have you noticed a dip in your mood and energy? You're not alone. I'm Judy O'Neill and in this episode we tackle the winter blues head-on. Join me as I share how to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a common yet often overlooked condition that affects many during the fall and winter months. We'll explore practical strategies to lift your spirits, from maximizing exposure to natural sunlight to incorporating light therapy into your daily rou...

Can you imagine a life with less stress and unnecessary drama? On this episode of The Happiness Coach, I'll be guiding you through practical steps to help you achieve just that. As a social worker and coach, I've seen firsthand how certain behaviors can either fuel or extinguish the flames of chaos in our lives. Learn why trusting your intuition, seeking support, and setting healthy boundaries are essential actions for maintaining balance and serenity. We tackle real-life s...

You can stop avoiding hard conversations. Join me as I uncover the profound transformations that can occur when we have simple, non-dramatic, honest talks. In this episode, we'll explore why so many of us dread conflict, from the primal fear of social rejection to the practical worries that hold us back. Discover tips to having conversations that go well, and learn how to gauge whether a challenging conversation is worth having by asking one key question: Is the person workable? Let's ...

What if the secret to a thriving romantic relationship lies in treating your partner as your teammate rather than your opponent? Discover transformative insights and actionable tips from Judy O'Neill, as we explore the core elements that make up a healthy and fulfilling partnership. Learn how to foster mutual respect and care by making significant decisions together, and understand the importance of holding each partner's wants as equally vital. We also delve into practical strategies for ope...

What if you could transform your relationships and boost your mental well-being by simply being true to yourself? In this enlightening episode of the Happiness Coach, social worker Judy O'Neill promises to equip you with practical steps to break free from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing. We focus on four essential pieces of relationship wisdom. Your feelings matter. it's safe to ask for what you want. Setting limits is healthy. And trusting yourself is ...

Have you ever felt the inner tug of your intuition nudging you away from something that didn't feel right? Judy O'Neill, MSW sheds light on why those gut feelings are your most reliable navigation tool for a fulfilling life. Weaving personal experiences with professional wisdom, Judy delves into the signals our bodies send to guide us toward making choices that align with our deepest values and long-term happiness. As we unravel the threads of decision-making, Judy shares her own story of pa...

Struggling with depression and anxiety often feels like being trapped in a relentless tide, barely keeping your head above water. I'm Judy O'Neill, and I've navigated these stormy seas myself. Join me as we chart a course from the deceptive comfort of coping mechanisms—be it alcohol, food, or screens—to the liberating journey of recovery. Together, we unpack the seductive nature of numbing behaviors and the powerful potential of setting the intention to actually get better. I explore practic...

What if anger, often stigmatized, is actually a hidden treasure guiding us to create a life where we can thrive? You're about to discover that anger, when harnessed properly, can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and growth. Join me, Judy O’Neill, social worker and your ever-passionate Happiness Coach, as we navigate the potential gifts of this strong emotion. We'll explore various reactions to anger-provoking situations, helping you discern which responses are the most beneficia...

Are you tired of being on a dieting roller coaster? Let's put an end to that. I'm Judy O’Neill, and in this episode, I share the story of someone whose experiences with traditional dieting and calorie counting reflect a nationwide crisis. Together, we explore a unique approach to weight loss that gives precedence to feeling good. I also open up about my personal journey with emotional eating and how I found balance and freedom. Imagine becoming one of those people who don't worr...

Ever felt like your life is more of a mess than anyone else's? Welcome to being human. This episode of the Happiness Coach challenges the pervasive myth that everyone else's life is perfect, exploring the universal truth that each of us has a part of our life that causes us pain. From marital woes to financial struggles, Judy O'Neill, unpacks the truth that we all have our own mess to sort through. Reflecting on my personal battle with compulsive eating and depression, we debunk the notion th...

Picture this: You're bracing yourself for the encroaching winter season, knowing all too well the energy slump and mood drop that comes with it. The usual vibrancy of life seems to wane. I'm Judy O'Neill, a Harvard grad and social worker, and I'm here to help you combat these winter blues on my podcast, the Happiness Coach. In this particularly enlightening episode, we'll tackle how you can identify the signs of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and implement practical and effective steps...