The Science of Happiness for Busy Moms

Are you a working mom juggling a demanding job, parenting challenges, and the weight of trying to “do it all”? You’re not alone—and this episode is for YOU.

In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, I’m joined by Tia Graham, happiness expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Calm Working Moms Collective. Tia shares how the science of happiness can help moms create real inner peace—even when life on the outside feels anything but calm.

We talk about what it really takes to feel happier and more grounded as a busy working mom, especially when you’re facing big stressors like neurodivergent parenting, grief, burnout, or just the everyday chaos of work and family life.

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Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!

Show Notes: The Science of Happiness for Busy Moms

Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #239 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!

In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, I’m joined by Tia Graham, happiness expert, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Calm Working Moms Collective. Tia shares how the science of happiness can help moms create real inner peace—even when life on the outside feels anything but calm.

We talk about what it really takes to feel happier and more grounded as a busy working mom, especially when you’re facing big stressors like neurodivergent parenting, grief, burnout, or just the everyday chaos of work and family life.

🎙️ In This Episode, We Chat About:

• How happiness is actually a science—and how to tap into it
  
• Tia’s personal journey through parenting challenges and emotional healing
  
• What most people misunderstand about happiness and calm
  
• Why your own emotional well-being is the #1 predictor of your child’s mental health
  
• How to stop feeling stuck in survival mode as a working mom
  
• The Chaos to Calm Success Plan and the small steps that lead to lasting change
  
• The two healing tools that helped Tia regulate her nervous system
  
• How to be a calmer, more grounded parent—even if it doesn’t come naturally
  

🧠 What Is the Science of Happiness, and Why Does It Matter?

Tia explains how happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s backed by decades of positive psychology research. The science shows that while genetics and circumstances do play a role, we actually have agency over our thoughts, reactions, and behaviors. And when we intentionally implement small shifts, we’re not just happier—we’re more resilient, productive, and connected.

“Think of it like strengthening your psychological immune system,” Tia says. “Just like we want to avoid getting the flu, we can build mental strength for when life gets hard.”

🌪️ From Chaos to Calm: It Is Possible

Tia’s Chaos to Calm Success Plan walks working moms through six levels of transformation—from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to showing up with presence and peace. It’s based on real-life tools that combine neuroscience, somatic therapy, self-compassion, mindfulness, and even Buddhist principles like radical acceptance.

And no—you don’t have to quit your job, get rid of your spouse, or go on a soul-searching trip to Bali to feel better (though hey, we’re not stopping you). Tia shows us how internal shifts can change how we experience our daily lives, even when our circumstances remain the same.

“Sometimes the biggest transformation is realizing you don’t have to change your life—you just have to change how you show up to it.”

💬 Favorite Moment: When Do You Feel Like a Supermom?

Tia shares how her Supermom moments are those long, wild solo parenting days where she’s juggling it all—work wins, sibling squabbles, bedtime chaos—and ends the day thinking, “Wow, I crushed that.” It’s the ultimate reminder that calm doesn’t mean quiet or easy—it means grounded and empowered.

✅ Tia’s Simple Tip to Be Happier Today

Increase meaningful connection.

The #1 predictor of happiness? Human connection. Call your mom. Schedule that coffee date. Go for a tech-free walk with your child or partner. It’s small, powerful, and totally doable—even on your busiest day.

💡Ready to Feel Calmer, More Present, and Genuinely Happier?

Connect with Tia Graham and explore everything she’s built to support working moms:

💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Tia Graham

📚 TiaGraham.com – Learn about her book, talks, and Calm Working Moms Collective

📱 Follow Tia on Instagram: @calmworkingmom

⛺ Time for More Support

Okay friend, real talk — if summer already feels like a chaotic mess of snacks, sunscreen, and zero time for YOU… you’ve got to come to Supermom Summer Camp.

It’s a totally free, totally virtual event happening June 16–20, with 40+ amazing speakers, real-life mom tips, and super fun camp vibes. Fun badges? Yes! Bunkmate besties? Yes! Campfires and s’mores? Yes! Bugs and camp latrines? Nope!

If you’ve been craving a reset that’s actually doable? This is it.

Join us at supermomsummercamp.com!

About Our Guest: Tia Graham

Tia Graham a best-selling author, keynote and TED speaker, and Founder of The Calm Working Moms Collective. She has certifications in applied neuroscience, positive psychology, coaching, and is a Certified Chief Happiness Officer. She led sales teams for 14-years in luxury hotels in the US and Europe. She has two elementary-aged daughters and struggled with feeling not good enough as a mom for a decade. The experience of being a working mom led her to study positive psychology and happiness at work and teach others how to be happier.

One of her daughters has a rare disability. To decrease her triggers and increase her well-being, she went on a transformational healing journey for 4-years. Healing allowed her to move from anxious and self-critical to self-compassionate, connected, and full of self-love. Her research and experience proves that it is possible to overcome the challenges of balancing your career and motherhood, and find a path to inner peace and happiness.