Happiness with Jess

After completing the hardest hike of her life—three days, 8,000 feet of elevation gain—and feeling surprisingly fine, only to be insanely sore after a Pilates class. It got her thinking...

In this episode, Jess breaks down what muscle soreness really means, why it isn’t a reliable sign of progress, and how to shift your mindset from chasing pain to building consistency and recovery.

She covers:

• Why some workouts leave you sore and others don’t
  
• How soreness is related to muscle adaptation—not workout effectiveness
  
• Common culprits of post-workout soreness (like isolated movements, eccentrics, and novelty)

• Why being less sore can actually be a sign of progress
  
• Practical tips to reduce soreness: hydration, electrolytes, magnesium, movement, and recovery nutrition
  

This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt discouraged not being sore or worn out from constantly chasing it. 

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

In this episode, Jess recaps her recent adventure hiking the Four Pass Loop—a 26-mile, high-elevation rollercoaster through Colorado’s stunning Maroon Bells. From the physical and mental challenges to the unexpected moments on the trail, she shares an honest look at what it’s really like to take on backpacking the FPL.

Whether you're planning your own trip or just want to hear what it’s like to suffer at high altitude, tune in!

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

In this episode of Happiness with Jess, we're diving into procrastination — why it shows up, what’s really going on in the brain, and how to move through it with more ease and less self-judgment.

Jess breaks down the neuroscience behind procrastination and how it’s often your brain’s way of trying to keep you safe — not a sign of laziness or lack of willpower. She also explores the unique challenges people with ADHD face when it comes to motivation, time management, and task initiation, and offers tools that actually work with your brain, not against it.

Whether you’re neurodivergent or just feeling stuck, this episode is full of insight, compassion, and simple, practical strategies to help you get started — one small step at a time.

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

In this episode, Jess breaks down everything beginner hikers need to know before heading out on the trail. She covers how to find the right trail for your fitness level, what to wear for comfort and weather protection, and exactly what to pack so you’re not caught off guard. Jess also discusses basic safety tips, how to handle wildlife , and what to keep in mind to stay prepared and confident outdoors.

If you’ve been wanting to start hiking but aren’t sure where to begin, this episode is your perfect trail guide.

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

It’s a big week for the podcast! It’s been four years since Jess started their coaching practice and two years since this show first launched. There’s been a lot of growth, plenty of pivots, hard-earned lessons—and so much happiness!

To celebrate, Jess is answering listener questions in a special Q&A episode. It’s honest, reflective, a little emotional, and full of behind-the-scenes insight into the journey so far.

Whether someone’s brand new here or has been listening since day one, this episode is a heartfelt thank-you for being part of it all.

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Why do want to work out? Why do you want to be healthy?

In this episode, Jess explores the deeper reasons behind movement, beyond just weight loss or looking good. She opens up about her own evolving “why”—from chasing a number on the scale to now training for energy, mental health, and longevity.

Whether you're feeling stuck or just starting your health journey, this episode will help you reconnect with what truly matters—and stay motivated when life gets hard. Listen and discover your why—and let it fuel you to keep showing up!

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

In this episode, Jess sits down with David Amerland, the author of over 12 books on human behavior, health, and technology. They explore the fascinating insights from his latest book, Built to Last, which blends exercise science, neuroscience, and longevity research to show us how to create sustainable strength and lasting health habits.

David and Jess dive into the neuroscience behind consistency, why mindset is crucial for long-term success, and practical tools for emotional regulation. If you're ready to build a healthier, stronger you—mentally and physically—this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways!

You can connect with David:

[Twitter] @DavidAmerland

[Medium] @davidamerland

[LinkedIn] @davidamerland

[YouTube] @DavidAmerland

[BlueSky] @davidamerland.com

[Instagram] @david_amerland

And purchase his book on Amazon https://a.co/d/0FQlBJ2 

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

In this episode, Jess dives into a topic that’s often overlooked but incredibly important—rest. In a world that constantly pushes us to stay productive, finding the right balance between work and rest can be a real challenge. Over the past few months, Jess has been navigating a personal journey of caregiving and grief, which led her to step back from work and content creation. While taking this break was necessary, she still grappled with guilt and the pressure to keep going—something many of us face in today’s hustle culture.

In this episode, Jess will share why we often resist rest, how our mindsets around productivity can harm our health, and the subtle signs your body might be sending you to slow down. She’ll also explore how to shift your mindset so that rest becomes a vital tool for your health and well-being, rather than just a reward for being “good.” If you’re struggling to slow down or feel guilty when you do, this episode is for you.

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

You know that feeling when you want to be disciplined but just can’t seem to follow through? Maybe you start strong with a new workout routine or healthy habit, only to fall off track a few weeks later. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone—and the problem isn’t that you’re lazy or lack willpower.

In this episode, Jess is breaking down the truth about discipline—why it’s not about willpower, why being “all or nothing” is holding you back, and how to build lasting habits without burnout. Jess will walk you through a simple process to strengthen your discipline, share mindset shifts that make consistency easier, and give real-life examples of how to apply this to your health and fitness.

If you’re tired of the cycle of stopping and starting, feeling like discipline just isn’t in your DNA, or wondering why motivation always fades, this episode is for you. Jess wants to shift the way you think about discipline so you can finally build consistency in a way that actually sticks.

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Welcome to another episode of Happiness with Jess!

Before you dive into vision boards, goal setting, and manifestation lists, there are two essential steps that will lay the foundation for creating your dream life. In this episode, Jess shares the key practices that transformed her health, confidence, career, and relationships. These steps aren’t just a one-time thing—they’re powerful tools you’ll use again and again to build the clarity, confidence, and energy you need to turn your dreams into reality. If you’re feeling stuck or wondering why your manifestations aren’t working, this might be the missing piece. Jess is creating the life of her dreams, are you ready to do the same?

For more content on self-love, health, fitness and more, you can follow her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/happ.i.ness.jess?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==