Pilates and yoga instructor, mum of two, and Gold Coast local, Jess Morris embodies an approach to wellness that feels calm, intuitive, and deeply human. Between teaching and raising her little ones, Jess has found a rhythm that honours both her purpose and her presence — choosing alignment and ease over perfection.

Her perspective on wellbeing is refreshingly real. Once devoted to long, structured morning routines, she’s since learned that true peace doesn’t come from checklists — it comes from tuning in. These days, wellness looks more like stretching in the kitchen between slices of toast, listening to her body, and letting her rituals shift with life’s seasons.

In this conversation, Jess shares her evolution from routine-driven to intuition-led, the gut feeling that taught her to “feel the fear and do it anyway,” and how nourishing from within has changed the way she thinks and feels. Her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most powerful wellness practice is simply learning to flow.

 

WHAT’S A WELLNESS MYTH YOU USED TO BELIEVE… AND WHAT CHANGED YOUR MIND?

That you need to follow specific routines and check lists to feel well. I used to have a beautiful, long, indulgent morning routine that felt essential to feeling clear and peaceful throughout my day. Since having children, there’s no silent morning meditations and breathwork as I wake! Interestingly enough, I’ve never felt less anxious, more content and joyful within. I absolutely love having my toolbox of rituals when I have the space and need for them, but I no longer feel reliant on following a specific routine to feel well! 

WHAT’S ONE GUT FEELING YOU’VE FOLLOWED THAT TOTALLY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

To feel the fear and do it anyway. 

WHAT’S A NON-NEGOTIABLE RITUAL YOU DO FOR YOUR BODY — EVEN WHEN LIFE GETS CHAOTIC?

Stretching, even if it’s a forward fold while I’m waiting for toast. I’m usually stretching in some way or another throughout my whole day. For me, it helps move energy and tension on the go. 

WHAT’S THE MOST UNDERRATED PART OF YOUR WELLNESS ROUTINE THAT ACTUALLY MAKES THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE?

Perhaps listening to my body and mind and creating rituals around that? The routine changes depending on the space and also what I’m feeling called to move through! 

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The things you write out in your journal are important. Follow the crumbs the universe drops you and never stop being curious. When you eventually lean into your purpose, everything else will fall into place. 

WHAT’S THE MOST SURPRISING CONNECTION YOU’VE DISCOVERED BETWEEN YOUR GUT AND HOW YOU FEEL MENTALLY OR EMOTIONALLY?

The first thing that comes to mind is inflammation. When I think of the times I’ve been nourishing myself the most, my mind usually parallels this! The more aligned and clean I feel on the inside, the more productive and clear my mind is. 

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “I FEEL MOST LIKE MYSELF WHEN…”

I’m teaching a yoga class or I’m playing, very presently, with my kids. I think it’s whenever I’m in flow I feel most myself! 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THE GUT CØ PRODUCT AND WHY? 

I adore and frequently use REPAIR. It’s the perfect morning elixir that leaves me feeling nurtured but not nauseous. My toddler also loves it!