Finding Balance and Laughter: An Interview with Andrea Laing
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- December 11, 2024
Andrea Laing is no stranger to captivating audiences. Known for her dynamic roles in hit projects like Pain Hustlers (alongside Emily Blunt and Chris Evans) and her comedic chops as Zoe in Adult Swim’s Yule Log: Branchin’ Out, Andrea effortlessly blends sharp wit with heartfelt storytelling. Her latest adventure, reprising her role in the Yule Log franchise, premiered on HBO Max on December 7th, just in time to bring a dose of humor and thrills to your holiday season.
But Andrea’s story extends beyond the screen. From her passion for fitness to her globe-trotting adventures, she’s a force of inspiration for anyone striving to balance creativity, health, and personal growth. In this exclusive interview with Wellbeing Magazine, Andrea shares her secrets to staying fit, focused, and joyful amidst the demands of a vibrant career.
Keeping Fit: The Foundation of Stamina and Creativity
Q: Filming such a high-energy, comedic role like Zoe in Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out must require a lot of stamina! How do you prepare physically and mentally for demanding projects like this?
Andrea: There’s a fair amount of back prepping especially with shooting out of sequence. I need to be aware of how my character (Zoe) is mentally or physically affected in any given scene. Another aspect to filming horror projects is overnight shoots, so I try to reintegrate my internal clock with pockets of exercise and rest when I see fit. Staying fueled is critical when working long hours. I always make sure to have healthy snacks on hand along with plenty of water to keep hydrated. Ultimately, maintaining a playful, positive attitude and trusting the process is what helps me thrive in these roles, ensuring that I can keep up the energy and creativity needed on set!
Q: Your fitness routine includes hot yoga, HIIT, and Pilates. How do these practices support your craft?
Andrea: It’s all about making the most of the time you have, staying consistent, and integrating movement into daily life. By using time-efficient workouts, making fitness a priority, and staying flexible, you can maintain your fitness and well-being without feeling overwhelmed. Carbs tend to make me sluggish so I try to intake more fruits and veggies with a fair amount of hydration. Calisthenics is also great on the go especially if you don’t have access to a gym. The key is consistency, not perfection. You don’t need to have an hour long gym session every day. A quick 20–30 minutes of movement several times a week will keep you on track, even when life gets busy. Aim for small, achievable fitness goals that fit into your schedule.
Mental Wellness: Finding Balance in Chaos
Q: Mental wellness is essential in your line of work. How do you recharge emotionally and mentally?
Andrea: I find pockets of stillness. Whether that’s mediation, going for a walk, surrounding myself with nature or journaling. In this digital era, I find it helpful to put away electronics frequently. I also try to engage in some form of exercise to clear my mind and I also find that taking a bath, reading a book, listening to a podcast or simply playing some calming music helps me to reset and recharge.
Q: Travel seems to play a big role in your mental health. Can you share a recent experience that left a lasting impact?
Andrea: I recently had the opportunity to travel to Lottum, in the Limburg province of the Netherlands. I engaged in apple picking on a beautiful bed and breakfast that sits on the Maas river. I was breaking bread with the locals and living a slower paced rural lifestyle and just engaging in deep and meaningful conversations. These little moments are just so special and unique. Although I am not able to speak the language fluently (yet) there’s always a common thread of love and acceptance and wanting to understand each other better and that is truly beautiful.
Finding Humor in Life’s Challenges
Q: Comedy often helps us process life’s ups and downs. Has humor been therapeutic for you?
Andrea: Absolutely! Laughter is a natural stress reliever. Humor has always been a powerful tool for processing life’s challenges, and I truly believe there’s a therapeutic side to making others laugh. Comedy helps us navigate difficult situations, cope with stress, and build resilience in ways that few other tools can.
Cultural Roots: Lessons from Jamaica and North Carolina
Q: Growing up between Jamaica and North Carolina must have been unique. How did these environments influence your approach to self-care?
Andrea: It is definitely a unique paradox, given the stark contrasts between the two places in terms of culture, pace of life, geography, and values. The focus on gratitude from Jamaica and the emphasis on personal growth from the U.S. both feed into my practice of humility. It involves being grateful for the opportunities, people, and experiences that have shaped me, while also being open to learning and evolving. Self-care for me is about balance—nurturing the body, mind, and spirit in a way that feels authentic to who I am, whether I’m on an island or living that Southern city life. I am grateful to have a fun blend of Caribbean warmth and community with the slower-paced American South.
Q: Any wellness traditions from your Jamaican roots that you still practice today?
Andrea: I wasn’t raised in a very carb heavy environment. My parents were always big on fruits and vegetables. I rarely even drink coffee! I sip herbal tea as a great substitute and limit my sugar intake. Traditional Jamaican meals are often smaller in portion compared to some Western diets. The practice of eating foods in balance, with a focus on local and natural ingredients, encourages mindful eating. Herbs and spices, such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, and scallion, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support immune health are a typical staple in Jamaican culture! I always turn to ginger as my go-to home remedy to combat any potential issues
Travel and Wellness: Tips for the Globetrotting Soul
Q: You’ve traveled extensively thanks to your Delta Airlines campaign. How do you stay well while exploring the world?
Andrea: It’s all about finding a balance. Don’t deny yourself the simple pleasures of trying the native food, but also consider packing light snacks to keep your energy up. Be sure to decompress, but also explore and get some exercise! You can embrace your destination on foot or by bike to stay active while enjoying the sights. Socializing with locals or fellow travelers can also help you feel more engaged and connected to a more immersive experience. Traveling, especially to unfamiliar places, can bring up emotions like homesickness, culture shock, or even anxiety. Be gentle with yourself if you feel overwhelmed
Q: What’s one wellness item or ritual you never travel without?
Andrea: With an irregular schedule due to travel, I try to never leave home without my chapstick AND my gratitude journal. It helps me stay focused on the positives of each unique experience, such as new adventures or restaurants, interesting encounters, or beautiful landscapes. Chapstick is crucial to my comfort level. I love Zero Waste Lip Balm Lavender Earl Grey, yum!
Andrea Laing’s journey is a testament to the power of balance, humor, and self-care. Whether she’s lighting up the screen or inspiring others to embrace wellness, Andrea’s energy is contagious. Catch her in Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out on HBO Max this December and follow her adventures on Instagram at @YourFavoriteAndrea.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Jules Wood
Makeup: T’ai Rising-Moore
