As adults, parents and business owners, we’re no strangers to trying to balance it all and certainly in my case, wobbling, failing and crashing at times.
Whether you are developing your career, raising a family, running a business, supporting loved ones, somehow finding time to look after ourselves can feel like a really tough thing to do.
The reality of juggling these roles is so demanding, and it’s easy to feel like there’s not enough time or energy left for ourselves – other than to flop after 9pm for a Netflix binge.
I can totally empathise.
I realised that I needed to be a bit gentler with myself, not just push on regardless, because I felt I was actually missing the point of it.
I took a moment to reflect on what truly mattered to me in this precious gift of life. From there, I decided to weave these meaningful elements into each day, understanding that a fulfilling life is simply a collection of intentional, well-lived days.
That’s why I developed my own daily “happiness habits” to create and live the life I truly wanted.
In my journey, I’ve learned that incorporating these small, meaningful moments into my daily routine isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential. These simple habits help me stay present and enable me to meet the demands of work, family, and self-care with a clear mind and a lot more grounded joy.
These are practices I’ve developed to support the life I want to lead. Yours may look different, but I hope this approach offers some tools to help you create the life you envision. Happiness doesn’t have to wait for a big milestone; we can start building small, joyful habits into our everyday lives right now.
Whether you’re building a career, balancing family life, or managing a business, I hope the techniques and ideas I’m about to share can help you create a life that’s balanced, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
The power of gifting myself time
Life moves fast, and the demands of career, raising a family and/or running a business make it challenging to pause. Over the years I’ve learned that one of the greatest gifts I can give myself is time. When my three boys were small, just going to the dentist and being able to lie down and not able to do anything was such a joy! It sounds mad now but I rarely gave myself any time to do just what I wanted.
Now I get up at an ungodly hour (just after 5:30 AM) and then do around 2 hours of activity, from running gym, swimming out with the dog, meditation. This is my gift to me.
The important point though is that these small acts of “gifting time” aren’t just calming—they restore energy and perspective, helping me hopefully to be a better parent, leader, and friend.
Lessons from the wobble board: Embracing balance
A defining moment in my life came while descending the second-highest volcano in Asia, where a slip reminded me of the importance of balance—not just physical, but mental and emotional too. That experience led me to actively work on my physical balance, which led me to the wobble board. Since then, I’ve become affectionately known as the “Queen of the Wobble Board,” a nickname that represents my commitment to staying steady through life’s ups and downs.
This practice carries extra significance for me, as I spent years in a wheelchair. Regaining my ability to walk and run has been one of my life’s greatest gifts. The wobble board now serves as a daily reminder of resilience and growth, from those first steps of recovery to finding balance in all aspects of life. It’s a ritual that connects me to my past, yet keeps me grounded in the present.
I use it with my standing desk and even during Zoom calls—within just four weeks, I could already feel a difference in my core balance. I only fell off once, no one noticed! So it’s worth not getting too hung up on what others think – it’s what you think that matters!
Starting the day with intention: Gratitude and focus
Every morning, I start with gratitude—a small act that has had a big impact on my mindset. Taking a moment to acknowledge three things I’m grateful for shifts my focus toward positivity, setting a balanced and grateful tone for the day ahead. For me, this habit builds resilience, as it helps me find strength in even the simplest moments. Practicing gratitude fuels my day, allowing me to face challenges with a clear mind and a full heart.
Movement and mindset: A foundation for happiness
Physical activity is a vital part of my day. Whether it’s a quick gym session, a run, or a swim, moving my body keeps me energised and mentally sharp. There’s something grounding about exercising outdoors, and it reminds me to stay connected to the world around me. I pair these workouts with breathing exercises, which, even for a few minutes, bring mindfulness to my day. These small habits not only keep me physically fit but also support my mental resilience, giving me the strength to manage the demands of family and business life.
Nourishment and hydration: Fuelling being present and positive
Just as I care for my mental and emotional balance, I also make sure to fuel my body properly. Starting with a protein-packed breakfast and drinking 3L of water throughout the day keeps me energised and focused. These habits, though simple, are powerful acts of self-care. They remind me of the importance of valuing myself and the fuel I need to show up as my best self for both my family and my work.
Connection and compassion: Building joy through relationships
Running a business that nurtures creativity and wellbeing has taught me the value of meaningful connections. Each day, I strive to connect genuinely with others, whether it’s my team, clients, family, or even a new face.
Building relationships and sharing moments of kindness bring immense joy and balance to my day. I believe compassion doesn’t just uplift others; it strengthens our own happiness and wellbeing. Whether it’s a smile, a thank you, letting someone go in front of you, saying hello to people on a walk, or a simple check-in, these acts of kindness create a ripple effect of positivity that brightens my day and brings a sense of togetherness.
Reflection and planning: Ending the day with purpose
Many of us set an alarm to wake up, but I’m proud to have given myself a bedtime too! Sticking to a 9:30 pm bedtime means I get the rest I need to wake up early, feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
My mind is always on the go, so I make it a point to slow down each evening with a bit of breathwork and reflection. I review the day—what felt good, what didn’t, the small wins, and any lessons learned. This practice keeps me aligned with my values and focused on what truly matters. By acknowledging my achievements and setting small goals for tomorrow, I end each day with intention and gratitude. If I’m fortunate to be gifted another day, I hope I can bring the best version of me, to embrace what comes my way.
Summary
Incorporating happiness habits into my day allows me to lead with authenticity, gratitude, and resilience. By gifting myself small moments of joy, focusing on balance, and nurturing relationships, I strive to maintain an open, positive mindset that supports both my business and personal wellbeing.
These habits, though simple, have become foundational to my life. For me, true happiness is built daily, in the quiet, intentional moments that shape who we are and how we show up for others.
If any of these tips resonate with you, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or site and share your thoughts.
