How to Add More Joy to Your Work Day with 3 Simple Steps
A few years ago, I realized my workdays had started to blur together. I was waking up already tense, mentally running through client needs, team updates, and upcoming commitments before I’d even had my morning caffeine. In many ways, it mirrored what I often hear from the founders and leaders I support — the pressure to move fast, stay ahead, and be available to everyone had started to leave me drained and disconnected from the parts of my work I actually loved. I wasn’t burned out yet, but I was definitely running on autopilot.
One morning, I decided to pause. I took ten quiet minutes with my matcha before opening my laptop — no emails, no notifications, just space. It sounds small, but that shift changed everything. I began noticing moments of momentum, celebrating small wins, and reconnecting with the meaning behind my work. Things started to feel lighter, more intentional — and even joyful again.
That experience reminded me of something I now emphasize often: joy isn’t a reward you earn after the hustle — it’s something you can design into your days. And for founders leading mission-driven teams, that intentional design matters more than ever. Below, you’ll find three small, practical ways to bring more presence and energy into your workday — so you can build, lead, and grow without losing your spark.
Starting your day with an intentional, calming activity helps you feel grounded and ready to take on challenges.
1. Start Your Day with a Morning Ritual
How you begin your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Creating a morning ritual—something that feels good and energizes you—can help cultivate joy from the very start. Whether it’s sipping a warm cup of tea or coffee, practicing a short meditation, going for a walk, or even listening to your favorite upbeat playlist, establishing a positive morning routine is a game-changer.
This activity can set the stage for a more productive and enjoyable day, even if the work ahead is demanding. Remember, the key is to find something that works for you—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Research shows that incorporating this routine can improve your focus and mindset. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that individuals who start their day with positive activities, such as exercising or practicing mindfulness, experience improved work performance and reduced stress.
Stepping away from your desk for a few minutes to engage in something lighthearted can improve your mood and reenergize you.
2. Incorporate Breaks for Fun and Creativity
It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of back to back meetings, but it’s crucial to take breaks throughout your day—especially for activities that ignite joy or creativity. Try taking a few minutes to play a game, doodle in a sketchbook, or send a funny GIF to a colleague (preferably from Schitt's Creek). If you can, use breaks to step outside, enjoy nature, or even do a quick physical stretch to release tension.
Incorporating joy into your workday isn’t about working less; it’s about enhancing your focus and creativity. Your brain will thank you for it!
A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that taking short breaks during work can prevent mental fatigue and improve focus. In particular, engaging in activities that are enjoyable, like chatting with a colleague or doing something creative, helps refresh the brain and reduces cognitive overload.
Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that taking regular breaks, even less than 10 minutes, to rest or engage in light physical activity helps decrease stress and increases overall job satisfaction.
Practicing gratitude shifts your focus to what’s going well, which helps create a more positive and joyful mindset overall.
3. Celebrate Small Wins and Show Gratitude
A big part of finding joy in your work is learning to celebrate victories, whether they’re big or small. Finished a challenging project? Take a moment to acknowledge your effort! Crossed off a task from your to-do list? Savor the moment, especially if you’re like me and love using a highlighter (or any office supply) on real paper! It’s easy to rush through tasks and overlook the progress you’ve made, but celebrating these small milestones can boost your confidence and remind you of the progress you’re making.
Another way to boost joy is to express gratitude. Acknowledge the positive things in your workday—whether it’s a supportive colleague or a productive meeting. This can look like a message in Teams or Slack to a coworker, or even a post it note or card left on their desk if you’re working in person.
Research by Shawn Achor shared in Harvard Business Review suggests that positive emotions, such as gratitude and recognition of small accomplishments, are associated with increased productivity and greater job satisfaction. Achor’s studies show that people who focus on positive experiences and express gratitude are more likely to achieve higher levels of success and feel more fulfilled in their work.
Final Thoughts
To make your workday more joyful, start by choosing one small action to implement next week. Whether it's taking a five-minute break every couple of hours, setting a positive intention at the beginning of your day, or celebrating even the smallest wins—pick one thing to focus on and commit to it.
By adding just one moment of joy each day, you’ll start to build a habit of balance and positivity that can make a big difference over time. Remember, consistency is key, and even small changes can lead to a more fulfilling workday.
Ready to build a more joyful, sustainable way to work and lead?
As a founder, your energy sets the tone for your entire company — but it’s easy to lose your sense of balance in the constant pace of building and scaling. Coaching offers space to pause, realign, and design a work life that supports both your vision and your wellbeing. Together, we’ll clarify what fulfillment looks like for you, identify habits that bring more focus and flow into your day, and create strategies that help you lead with clarity and calm — not burnout.
Schedule a complimentary session and take the first step toward leading with more energy, presence, and joy — for yourself and your team.