If anyone knows a thing or two about wellness, it's Gara Post—co-founder of The NOW, a boutique massage therapy destination that fast became a place of zen and serenity for me. Over the past few years, especially following the stress of the pandemic, I've made self-care a priority, and there's no better place to give yourself that time and space. While I try to visit once every few months, I also found myself curious about why Post chose to create this oasis of calm smack-dab in the middle of Los Angeles. Aside from the obvious reasons (L.A. isn't exactly known for being a peaceful city), Post thought of her own needs and realized that there was a space to create something different.
"Women rarely take the time to recharge, especially when they have a family and additional responsibilities at home," she says. "The reality is that taking a well-deserved mind and body break makes you a better leader, parent, and all-around person. When my husband and I set out to disrupt the massage space in 2015, we saw there was a void in the marketplace for high-quality massage services in a design-driven setting without the time commitment and cost of a traditional spa. At the time, it felt like the only options were massage chains with limited aesthetic, high-end hotel spas, or expensive day spas. We wanted to create an oasis that made massage convenient and easy to incorporate into one's self-care routine."
For all of Post's best wellness tips and self-care items she uses to stay grounded, keep reading. She let me in on a few of her secrets.
Post's Best Wellness Tips
Therapeutic wellness practices have had a place in Post's life for a while now. In fact, her wellness journey started in her early 20s. "After college, I started incorporating massage into my regular routine, which helped me both physically and mentally as I navigated major life milestones like building my first business and starting my family," she shares. "I then began to explore other self-care practices—like Transcendental Meditation, yoga, breath work, journaling, and dry brushing—and began incorporating them into my daily routine. The positive effects these practices have had on my mind, body, and spirit have shown me how important self-care truly is, particularly as a busy entrepreneur and working mother."
Post has a few nonnegotiable practices that she relies on weekly for self-care. She says, "Taking moments of self-care throughout the day helps me to show up as my best self. Every morning, I prioritize exercise, meditation, and self-care practices like dry brushing or contrast therapy. This helps set my day up for success. Midday, I like to shift the energy with an intention deck reading and a palo santo cleanse. In the evening, time with my family and dogs helps to keep me grounded and emotionally balanced. I unwind from the day by journaling, reading, or meditating."
In addition to these practices, she shared a host of items she incorporates into her routine for the ultimate at-home wellness experience when she's not getting a treatment at The Now. Take a peek at her self-care cheat sheet below.
Anima Mundi Apothecary
Palo Santo Wood Bundle
Post loves a palo santo cleanse, and if you would also like to keep this sacred wood handy for your own practices, I would recommend Anima Mundi's sustainably harvested bundle. Unfortunately, most palo santo on the market isn't ethically harvested from naturally fallen trees, but Anima Mundi's bundle is and aims to support the preservation of Indigenous lands and culture by doing so.
Ansopu
Lined Journal Notebook
According to Post, keeping a journal handy is the key to a good self-care practice, and I agree. I love this particular journal because it comes in different sizes, and the pages are lined. Plus, the cover is pretty chic.
Post's Favorite Wellness Items
Nourish by the Now
Refresh Eye Mask
"I start every day by applying a pair of these hydrating eye masks to help brighten and de-puff my under-eye [area]. Pro tip: Store them in the refrigerator for an added boost."
Quicksilver Scientific
Ultra Energy Supplement
"With a boost of nootropics and adaptogens like rhodiola, reishi, and ashwagandha, I've started incorporating this supplement daily for added energy and cognitive support."
"I've been drinking Sakara's Detox Tea regularly for years. Not only does it taste great, but it also supports digestion and immunity."
Nourish by the Now
Hemp Calm Balm
This soothing balm is a favorite of both Post and myself. I put this on after a bath if I have any sore muscles, and it eases tension in a flash. It also just smells incredible and uplifting.
"This multitasking muscle rub is perfect for treating tired, tight muscles and is boosted by the benefits of broad-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD. I like to keep it on my nightstand to unwind before bed."
"Colostrum supports your body's immune and cognitive functions while promoting glowing skin and healthy hair. I like to add it to my lemon water in the morning for an extra boost."
HigherDOSE
Infrared PEMF Mat
I love this PEMF mat so much I wrote a love letter to it. Apparently, Post is also a fan.
"My meditation and breath work practice has leveled up with this at-home infrared mat."
"When I'm in need of an energy shift, I like to light some palo santo and pull an Inner Compass card to remind myself to live in the now."
Nourish by the Now
Copper Dry Brush
"Daily dry brushing increases circulation and lymphatic clearing, which supports detoxification, boosts immunity, reduces cellulite, and exfoliates for smooth, glowing skin."
VIE HEALING
Calm, Cool and Collected 24k Gold Ear Seeds
"Traditional Chinese medicine is such a powerful self-care practice. Ear seeds are an easy entry point for those interested in the healing benefits of acupressure."
CYMBIOTIKA
Liposomal Glutathione
"This powerful antioxidant is part of my daily routine. It's known for its anti-aging benefits, energy-boosting effects, and [ability to support] gut health."
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