"The Brain is Plastic"

The 5-Minute Happiness Boost Podcast | Episode 5: The Intellectual Key to Happiness (Why Learning Fuels Joy)

Looking for a quick way to feel happier, reduce stress, and improve your mindset—even with a busy schedule? In this episode of the 5-Minute Happiness Boost Podcast, Angie Devanney shares how learning, curiosity, and intellectual growth can boost your happiness in just minutes a day. Grounded in the science of positive psychology and the work of Tal Ben-Shahar, this episode explores the “I” in SPIRE (Intellectual well-being) and how small, intentional actions—called Minimum Viable Interventions (MVIs)—can create meaningful, lasting happiness. Discover how simple habits like reading, asking questions, deep listening, and trying something new can improve your mental well-being, increase joy, and even support long-term personal growth. You’ll also learn about Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and how understanding your unique strengths can help you live a more fulfilled and purposeful life. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: * How intellectual wellness contributes to happiness and life satisfaction * Easy 5-minute habits to boost your brain and mood * The connection between curiosity, learning, and emotional well-being * How to identify your strengths using the VIA Character Strengths Survey * Why small daily actions can lead to big changes in happiness 🎯 This week’s 5-Minute Happiness Challenge: * Take the VIA Character Strengths Survey * Explore your top intelligences * Try one new learning habit for 5 minutes a day If you're interested in happiness, personal growth, positive psychology, stress reduction, mindset, and self-improvement, this episode is for you. 👉 Follow along at Happier-by-Design.com and on social @happier-by-design for weekly happiness boosts. Remember, happiness is a daily pursuit—and you can be happier by design. I’m always cheering you on.

Episode 4- The "P" or Physical Element of SPIRE

The mind body connection is powerful. A wonder drug to promote this connection is nutrition, exercise, rest, sleep and hugs. Learn about the science of how the "P" of SPIRE can make us happier and healthier using small activities or short boosts (MVIs- minimum viable interventions).

"The 'S' of SPIRE- the Spiritual Element of Happiness," Episode 3

The SPIRE element of happiness is an interconnected system, or infrastructure, that if practice daily in small doses can make a real difference in your life. The first letter "S" stands for spirituality which can be found in prayer, meditation, yoga, nature or sense of purpose. This week's podcast explores these activities in 5 minute spurts that you can try this week. I hope it will leave you feeling a little bit happier.

"The Brain is Plastic"

Incorporating the 5 SPIRE elements of happiness (spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational and emotional) can change your brain through neuroplasticity. The brain is plastic and can change for the good. With regular practice daily using short happiness booster called MVI's (minimum viable interventions), you can actually feel happier. Take a few moments and write or visualize "three good things" today. Gratitude can be a strong part of feeling better and tackling chronic stress. Writing out the good things in you life can make these neural connections even stronger.

Intro to the 5-Minute Happiness Boost, episode 1

In under 5 minutes, host Angie Devanney talks about her experience being anxious and depressed after navigating her community through Covid as a small town suburban mayor. The experience brought her on a journey to find authentic happiness. After 3 years of studying positive psychology, neuroscience and neuroplasticity, she earned a Master's degree in Happiness Studies and teaches the SPIRE model of happiness. This short podcast is designed for busy people to help manage stress and improve their health with short happiness hacks to making lasting change.