As the people behind Meta, we’ve always wanted to do good. To live with intention. To create something that leaves a gentle mark on the world — for those who come after us.

Like many others, our mental health took a hit during the pandemic. The first lockdown in Aotearoa turned everything upside down. We couldn’t travel or visit family. We missed our friends and the places that made us feel alive. Instead, our days filled with screens, endless scrolling, and habits that didn’t really make us happy.

But in that forced stillness, something changed.
The world stopped — and so did we.

It gave us space to notice the small things again. The warmth of the sun through the window. The sound of the kettle. The feeling of fresh air after rain. We began to find happiness in the ordinary, not the extraordinary.

We realised joy doesn’t need to come from big moments like holidays or new things. It can come from being present, from feeling grateful for what’s already here — good health, good people, and the simple rhythm of daily life.

Happiness isn’t about chasing highs. It’s about showing up for yourself each day. It’s about learning, growing, and finding a sense of calm even when things feel uncertain.

We’re still learning what it means to live well. To understand that having nice things or going away can bring joy, but they aren’t where happiness starts. True contentment begins within.

In a world that often feels heavy, we wanted to share the small practices that help us stay grounded. Because at the end of the day, no matter who we are or what we believe, the goal is the same — to be good humans. And that begins with taking care of ourselves.

10 Simple Ways to Feel Happier

• Take breaks from your phone

• Go for a walk each day

• Watch a sunrise or sunset

• Meditate for a few minutes

• Enjoy something small — your favourite tea or a home-cooked meal

• Smile at yourself in the mirror

• Keep tiny habits — make your bed, tidy your space, water your plants

• Unfollow accounts that don’t feel right for you

• Read something that inspires you

• Laugh with a friend

When you slow down, you begin to feel more in control. You make clearer choices and move through life with more ease.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t need to. Start small. Notice one thing that brings you peace today. Do it again tomorrow. Then again the next day. Over time, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.

Meta was created as a reminder of that — to help you come back to yourself. To live slowly, kindly, and with intention.