Finding Happiness in Work, Life, and Well-Being

How to Cultivate More Happiness in Your Business & Life

Today, March 20th is International Day of Happiness, a chance to pause and reflect on what truly brings joy, balance, and well-being into our lives. It’s also the day the World Happiness Report 2025 was released, ranking Ireland as the 15th happiest country in the world.

While that’s something to celebrate, it doesn’t diminish the very real challenges people face—rising costs of living, housing shortages, and global uncertainties all have an impact on our well-being. But happiness isn’t just about where we live or what’s happening in the world—it’s also about the choices we make every day in how we work, rest, and show up for ourselves.

Real happiness comes from finding balance, appreciating small moments, and making sure our business and daily routines support—not drain—our well-being.

At The Hummingbird Collective, I truly believe that happiness is found in balance, connection, and creating space for what truly matters—whether that’s through meaningful work, embracing nature, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down.

So how can we bring more happiness into our lives? Here are some ways to foster joy, both in business and beyond:

1. Align Your Work with Your Well-Being 

Happiness at work doesn’t come from being busy for the sake of being busy—it comes from feeling purposeful, organised, and in control of your time. Take a moment to check in with yourself:

• Are you prioritising tasks that bring value and fulfillment?

• Have you built moments of breaks and reflection into your day?

• Can you delegate tasks that drain your energy and focus on those that bring joy?

  
  

Small tweaks—like starting your day with intention, setting clear priorities, or creating space for creative work—can make all the difference.

2. Look Forward to Something 

Happiness thrives when we have something to look forward to. This could be a business milestone, upskilling, a new course, an upcoming trip, a personal project, or even a quiet weekend walk in nature.

• Schedule time for what excites you - for me I prioritise my Fridays for yoga and self-care.

• Set small goals that bring a sense of progress.

• Plan an event, even something simple like a coffee date with a friend or a slow morning with no commitments.

  
  

Having something to look forward to, even if it’s small, helps us stay present while embracing optimism about the future.

3. Connect with Nature 

Being in nature isn’t just good for your health—it’s one of the easiest ways to reset, refocus, and feel more grounded. Whether it’s:

• A short walk in fresh air

• Watching the waves or feeling the breeze

• Simply stepping outside during the workday

  
  

Nature has a way of calming the mind and bringing clarity, especially when things feel overwhelming.

4. Find Joy in Small Moments 

Happiness isn’t always about big milestones—it’s in the tiny moments of everyday life.

• The first sip of coffee in the morning - my favourite!

• A cup of cacao to sit and sip and journal

• A conversation that leaves you smiling.

• Finishing a task that’s been lingering.

• Listening to music while working - a personal favourite - in the middle of the day, I raise my stand-up desk and listen to music and move as I’m working!

  
  

Pay attention to these micro-moments, because joy is often found in the ordinary. I was told recently that we can often get so caught up in work that we “don’t exist” in our work day - this hit home for me, so I started implementing the smallest of things to find joy in those small moments.

5. Build Happiness into Your Work & Systems 

Your business should support your happiness—not drain it. Simple ways to create more ease and joy in how you work:

• Have systems in place that take the stress out of daily operations.

• Automate tasks where possible.

• Schedule breaks into your workday like you would with meetings (because breaks are just as important).

• Surround yourself with inspiring people who lift you up.

Reflection: The Power of Choosing Happiness

Happiness is an ongoing practice, not a destination. It’s about intentionally creating space for joy, balance, and moments of peace—even in the busiest of seasons.

So today, on International Day of Happiness, ask yourself: 

💛 What small thing can I do today that brings me joy? 

💛 How can I make my work and life more balanced and fulfilling? 

💛 What’s one thing I’m looking forward to?

I’d love to hear from you—what brings you happiness in your business and life? Comment below this post or share your thoughts over on Instagram!

Wishing you a day (and a year) filled with happiness, balance, and purpose.

Le grá

Lorraine 

Founder, The Hummingbird Collective

Some of my Happy places in nature - the Matterhorn Mountain, Zermatt, Switzerland and Glendalough