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wellness
Wellness Hacks with Jessica Leahy
09/07/26
Author: RIISE Team
IMAGES: Karolina Kaczynska
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RIISE presents Wellness Hacks — a continuing exploration of the rituals and rhythms that shape a well-lived life. In this edition, we invite Jessica Leahy, journalist, model, author, and a friend of RIISE, to share the intentional practices that ground her in balance, vitality, and clarity - from morning moments to evening rituals.
Born in Australia and raised in New Guinea, Jessica Leahy has spent her career championing authenticity and self acceptance, from her early years as a model challenging the industry's narrow standards, to her work as a journalist and editor across ELLE, Vogue Australia and Australian Women's Weekly. She is the host of The Soft and Curious, a podcast exploring candid conversations on health, relationships and wellbeing. She’s also the author of the children's book Loved People, Love People, and her advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity continues to shape a more honest conversation around wellness — one RIISE is proud to be part of.
RIISE: What do you do upon waking?
Jessica: I try to open the curtains before I open my phone! The sun deserves first dibs on my eyeballs.
RIISE: What is your first drink of the day?Jessica: A big glass of water. Coffee is a love language—I speak it fluently several times a day—but hydration gets me to the altar.
RIISE: Do you have a health hack you would like to share?
Jessica: Walk whenever possible. It’s underrated, free, and somehow solves more problems than it should.
Image: Karolina Kaczynska
RIISE: How do you ensure you have peaceful moments through the day?
Jessica: I try to walk slower than my legs should allow. I like tiny pauses between things. A few deep breaths, a look around, a gentle reminder that not everything needs my immediate attention.
RIISE: How do you maintain an attitude of gratitude?
Jessica: I pay attention. Gratitude tends to show up when you stop rushing to the “good bit”.
RIISE: Do you have a mindfulness ritual?
Jessica: My morning coffee with cream outside in the sunshine. No scrolling. Just existing.
Image: Karolina Kaczynska
RIISE: What have you done recently to improve your health and longevity?
Jessica: Less obsession with time optimisation, more focus on joy, connection, soft movement and sleep. Turns out they’re not very sexy, but they work. And tennis—it adds 10 years!
RIISE: Do you have a sleep hack?Jessica: I’m a night owl naturally. So I need a cool room, a blanket that’s just right, and the radical decision to stop solving all of life’s problems at 11pm.
RIISE: What’s the last thing you do before you go to sleep?Jessica: On my better days I try to remember to thank the day for something small. Then I let tomorrow wait its turn.
The information presented in the RIISE Wellness Hacks series is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or therapy. Some alternative therapies may have side effects or may interact adversely with conventional medications.
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