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wellness
Wellness Hacks with Laura May
05/05/26
Author: RIISE Team
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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 Laura May, founder of Nagnata and a friend of RIISE to share the intentional practices that ground her in balance, vitality, and clarity - from morning moments to evening rituals.
Laura May is the founder and creative director of Nagnata, the Australian label redefining activewear through conscious design and material innovation. Co-founded with her sister Hannah Gibbs, the brand has grown into a globally recognised name grounded in the belief that what we wear should support both personal and planetary wellbeing.
Central to Laura May’s vision is Nagnata’s use of responsibly sourced natural fibres, including organic cotton and merino wool, crafted with seamless knitting techniques to reduce waste and enhance comfort. These breathable, biodegradable materials work with the body. Based in Byron Bay, Nagnata continues to lead a shift toward fashion that prioritises both performance and health.
RIISE: What do you do upon waking?
Laura: My baby girl is my alarm clock now so mornings revolve around her. Milk, breakfast, play, while I get myself ready alongside her.I keep a few simple anchors. Medicinal morning drinks and a quick skincare ritual with lymphatic face massage to give myself life. Once a week I try to slip out for an early morning infrared sauna on my deck while my partner and daughter stay in bed.
In this first year of motherhood, I have let go of rigid routines and learned to move with the energy of the day, but I always try to find space for movement. A walk, pilates, yoga, the gym or a surf. It does not always happen first thing, but I notice I show up differently when I’ve had that time for myself.
RIISE: What is your first drink of the day?Laura: Alkaline water with earth minerals, followed by a turmeric ginger shot. Then a hot cacao elixir with almond milk, mushrooms, mesquite, cayenne pepper and flaxseed oil.
I can’t start my day without cacao!
RIISE: What do you have for breakfast?
Laura: On work days it’s quick and intuitive, whatever I can grab from the fridge. Dates, banana, cacao, a protein smoothie or boiled eggs. I usually eat properly mid-morning.On weekends I slow down and enjoy brunch with my family. Eggs or buckwheat pancakes after a surf is generally on the menu.
RIISE: Do you have a health hack you want to share?Laura: Lately I’ve been doing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, alongside LED light therapy. It’s helped reduce inflammation and support recovery, especially postpartum when I’m feeling depleted.
RIISE: How do you find peaceful moments throughout the day?Laura: Time away from my phone is essential. Surfing has become my reset, no one can reach me there. I also try to make it to a yoga class when I can with my teacher.
Otherwise, I walk in nature, listen to podcasts, and allow time just to be with my thoughts. That’s often when the most creative ideas come through.RIISE: What's your skincare approach?
Laura: Natural, but backed by science and actives.
I focus on good skincare, occasional laser treatments and facial massage. Buccal and lymphatic work are key for sculpting, circulation and releasing tension. I’ve always taken a less invasive approach, avoiding injectables and anything that doesn’t feel aligned with my body.
RIISE: What supplements can't you live without?Laura: I rotate supplements depending on what my body needs.
At times that’s very minimal, but right now I’m focused on rebuilding after postpartum depletion. My current stack includes daily beef organs, krill oil, liposomal vitamin C, rhodiola rosea, alongside The Mother Blend Capsules by Foraged For You and Beauty Chef’s Body Electric, a creatine and B vitamin blend.
RIISE: How do you maintain an attitude of gratitude?
Laura: I come back to what’s in front of me, nature, the beauty of where I live, my daughter, my partner, my friends and family, my sense of wellbeing. It reminds me how much abundance exists beyond material things.
That perspective keeps me grounded and brings me back to what really matters, even in harder moments.
RIISE: Do you have a mindfulness ritual?
Laura: Yoga is my constant, it brings me back to myself.RIISE: What have you done recently to support your health and longevity?
Laura: I’ve taken a holiday! I’m writing this from Malolo Island in Fiji.
Sleep, reducing stress, and spending time in nature do more to support healing than any supplement or biohacking tool. I’m not someone who naturally switches off, but I’m learning that intentional pauses are essential for my health.
RIISE: What herbal teas do you swear by?
Laura: Fresh ginger, red dates and goji berries.
RIISE: Do you have a favourite dinner to cook?
Laura: My partner is a chef, so I’m very well cooked for. If I’m in the kitchen at dinner, it’s usually because he’s at work, so I keep it simple.
Dhal, steamed fish, root vegetable soup, or my version of ramen—noodles with bone broth, seaweed, tempeh and cayenne.
RIISE: Do you have a sleep hack?Laura: A silk eye mask, essential oils, magnesium bath, spray or capsules, and a gentle whisper to Aurora to please sleep through the night.
RIISE: What’s the last thing you do before you go to sleep?Laura: I tend to go to bed quite late, I always have. My creative mind comes alive after dark, when the world feels still. In this season of new motherhood, I’m learning to honour both sides of myself: the need for rest, and the way I naturally work.
Before I fall asleep, if I still feel a little wired, I do a few rounds of gentle pranayama to calm my nervous system and bring myself back into my body.
On that note, it’s 11.25pm now, I should probably go to bed.
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.SHOP THE ARTICLE
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Demi 7/8 Wool Legging
NAGNATA
Allegro Wool Legging
NAGNATA
Splice Wool Crop
NAGNATA
Classic Wool Bralet
NAGNATA
Organic Rydell Short
NAGNATA
Splice Wool Crop
NAGNATA
Essentials Long Sleeve Top
NAGNATA
Highlighter Tee 3.0
NAGNATA
Organic Arch Top
NAGNATA
Organic Romeo Trackpant
NAGNATA
Organic Romeo Trackpant
NAGNATA
Ballet Wool Mini Short
NAGNATA
Ballet Wool Mini Short
NAGNATA
Fine Rib Wool Bralet
NAGNATA
Fine Rib Wool Bralet
NAGNATA
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Documented By: LAURA MAY
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