Lindsey & Krista from Almost 30 on Friendship, Passion & Wellness

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When I learned about the Almost 30 podcast a few months ago, I listened to it immediately and loved every second of it. I knew from the very beginning that these girls were my kind of girls. Definite “Happsters” at heart!

They are so down-to-earth and interview the most amazing guests on everything from the juice craze to psychic mediums to hormones in a fun and compelling way. I was excited when the podcast hosts, Krista (blogger at The Hundred Blog) and Lindsey (actress, singer, model and SoulCycle Instructor) agreed to an interview. Krista and Lindsey answered separately, so you can see both of their responses to each question below! Enjoy ♥♥♥

1. I love love love your podcast, Almost 30! Why did you decide to start it?

LINDSEY: Krista and I were introduced by a mutual friend who knew that we would connect immediately.  Our friendship is SO DAMN EASY.  We have supported each other and have been one another’s sounding board from day one.  Almost 30 was inspired by our deep chats about who, what, and where we are, as well as hilarious recollections of our early 20’s.  We are both obsessed with finding the experts and guru’s, the practices and habits, the products and innovative ideas that will help us to be the best versions of ourselves.  Sharing this with our listeners has been the BIGGEST GIFT.

KRISTA: That means so much ☺ we love you. I can’t even remember the genesis behind starting the podcast, but we recorded for a few months in a closet before we shared anything. I have been a podcast fan for years, and felt like there wasn’t a podcast out there that spoke to women in their twenties and thirties about bettering themselves and navigating life’s transitions. We also wanted to bring together a community of women who could support and encourage each other (that’s our secret Facebook group!).

2. How did you two meet?

LINDSEY: As I mentioned above, through a mutual friend!  What’s funny is that we both lived in NYC before LA…and then both settled on the west side.

KRISTA: Through SoulCycle! I was auditioning to be an instructor and Lindsey offered to help me out with my audition. After I moved to LA from NYC, I remembered how cool she was and asked her to hang out. We knew instantly that we had something special. Lindsey and I are super similar because we have the same dreamer mentality, plus we work wayyyyy too hard.

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3. What has been the biggest thing you’ve learned since starting the podcast?

LINDSEY: I’ve learned that when I am passionate about something and I have a clear vision, I have the power to commit and follow through.  In the past, I had convinced myself that I should be grinding and miserably over-worked in order to achieve what I wanted.  The moment I realized that the space between A and B was the best part, that I could actually enjoy the process and thus be inspired to create even more, was the moment I felt free to unapologetically take pride in my path.

KRISTA: Podcasting has taught me so much! It makes me feel like there is something out there for everyone and to have faith that if you persist to do what you want to do. It may not be the first or second thing, but to keep trying. I LOVE my blog, The Hundred Blog, but knew I wanted to incorporate something else. I would have never done the podcast if I didn’t blog for a few years prior. Also, we’ve had the greatest guests on the podcast ever so each time we record I learn so much. As an example, in the Be Well By Kelly episode, I learned about incorporating the ‘Fab Four’ into your diet: Protein, Fiber, Fat and Greens. I try to incorporate that in most meals that I eat!

4. Do you have morning routines? If so, what are they?

LINDSEY: Oh, yes!  When I wake up, I put my phone in my night stand drawer for 30 minutes.  Within those 30 minutes, I will:

  • meditate on my little balcony
  • write three affirmations that I will turn to throughout the day
  • write down three things I’m grateful for
  • write down three things I will get done today
  • take my vitamins
  • make tea or a small amount of cold pressed coffee with a lot of almond milk
  • make a healthy breakfast

By then I am awake and have a clear sense of how I want to feel today.  Then I can hop on my phone and computer and start to tackle the day!

KRISTA: I do! I am in love with a good morning ritual. It’s super important and sets the tone for your entire day. I would much rather get up early than sleep in and feel late any day. I don’t keep my phone in my room, so my alarm in the kitchen will most likely wake me up. I get up around 5:30 AM and once I do, I’ll take a moment to put my hand over my heart and say thanks. Thanks for waking me up, for my house, for everything! After that I’ll drink warm lemon water (because people have said it works, ha) and then I’ll meditate on the couch for 10 minutes. I usually do a TM meditation and if I can’t get into it, I’ll just do affirmations. After that I’ll leave and go workout (I always get them in early) and then have breakfast when I return. Usually a protein shake + avocado + collagen + pearl powder + maca. I love Sun warrior Protein in Vanilla or Vega Sport (super smooth and delicious).

5. When you’re having a bad day, how do you pull yourself back up?

LINDSEY: A great workout never fails to raise my vibration.  It helps me to shake up any mental, physical, creative, or emotional blocks I might be experiencing. I also love being by water when I’m feeling off. Water is so calming and humbling to me, so I will usually take a walk on the beach to reset and recommit to the day.

KRISTA: Meditation really helps me to navigate any bad day. It’s changed my life in that way. I know that if I do have a bad day, or a bad week, that it’s temporary and it won’t last forever. I also don’t attach myself to the feeling. So if I am stressed for some reason, practicing un-attachment really helps me to stay happy. I remember that feeling just ‘is’ and it’s not Krista. Or I’ll have a good vent session with my sister because what else are sisters for?

6. What is your favorite mantra that continues to be relevant in your life and why?

LINDSEY: My potential is greater than any problem I have.

My dreams are big. As I pursue them my mind tends to create problems, because, well, that’s what the mind does. It tries to protect me by looking for what could go wrong or what isn’t so perfect in the moment. This mantra/affirmation reminds me that the problems are specifically for me and I am more than capable of finding flow in any situation.

KRISTA: My mantra is ‘I am’, which reminds me to always ‘be’ wherever I am, and that I can always consider myself at home. I repeat it whenever I need to be reminded to be more present. I also use it when I am saying my affirmations, I’ll use ‘I am…’ then add whatever I need to hear that day like “strong” or “golden” or “love.” After I meditate, I always do a few affirmations before I start my day.

7. Do you have any wellness rituals that you swear by?

LINDSEY: I’m learning that if I don’t take care of me now, I will be useless for my dreams later.

  • massage every two weeks
  • facial every three weeks
  • move my body every day
  • YOGA YOGA YOGA
  • I sleep with my crystals (placing the appropriate crystals on my chakras to balance and ground me)

I use Saje essential oils before bed and to wake up in the morning!  “Cleanse” is one of my favorites. I put it on the bottom of my feet before bed and I AM KNOCKED OUT and feel amaaaazing in the morning!!

KRISTA: Honestly I have tried them all. Everything under the sun! I love trying new things, seeing how good I can feel and experimenting! I’ve tried LED Light Therapy, Cupping, Acupuncture, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Cryotherapy…to name a few! This is so weird, but I swear by not taking birth control, ha. I stopped taking it 5 years ago, and have never felt better. My mood improved, I felt clearer, and my hair, skin and nails looks so much better – especially my hair! It’s never been so thick. I have the copper IUD which is amazing and non-hormonal. Once I got off birth control, I was also able to pay close attention to my hormone levels and feel so much more connected with myself.

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8. You two have such a great bond. Do you have any tips on how others can find friends as adults?

 LINDSEY: Such a good question. It is so important that you follow what makes you happy and what fills you up.  You will find like-minded people there. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of what my authentic self feels like. The more I stand in that truth, the more people I attract who have similar goals, visions, love, light, and balance.

KRISTA: YES. Definitely. A lot of the way that Lindsey and I met I felt like was divine timing. It helps that at this stage we know who we are and have similar interests. Along with that, we have a deep respect for the other person. Not only do I love Lindsey, but I respect her. She’s someone I would introduce to my parents, my lifelong friends, and my co-workers because you want to be around people that you’re proud to know. If you’re looking for to listen to you complain all day about your job you hate, how will that serve you? Find people you want to be like and be friends with them. You can also find friends as an adult by doing things you love, and standing in your light, you’ll attract the right people. I found Lindsey through SoulCycle and through that activity I did for me, I was given this friendship.

9. Do you think finding “balance” is possible? If so, what are your tips on finding balance in your life?

LINDSEY: At this point in my life, balance means working really hard and loving it.  I think balance will mean something different at various stages in my life. Right now I am happy and fulfilled in the work that I do, so that feels balanced.  I have a wonderful group of friends, but I also truly value my alone time…that feels balanced. Krista and I are contributing so much to the podcast and putting in so many hours, but we are also having a blast and receiving so much from it. #ALMOST30NATION makes us so happy. That is balance.

KRISTA: I love this question! I do believe that you can ‘have it all,’ but ‘balance’ I am not so sure! Both are in the eye of the beholder. I would not say that anyone in my life thinks I live a balanced life, but I’m so happy! I work 7 days a week – I have a 9-5, my blog and podcast. I don’t watch TV or relax much, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Oh and if you think that you can have it all, you will. I believe that I have everything in my life that I need, and the universe responds to that by actually giving me everything I need.

Also with balance, I’m vegan and gluten free both by choice and don’t drink alcohol at all. But again, this is what makes me feel good and happy.

If there’s something that’s telling you that you’re not living a balanced life, then listen to that, but not to anyone else that could tell you that your life is unbalanced. I’ve had moments where I’ve pushed myself a little too far and I make sure to note that and chill out for a few days.

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You can find Krista and Lindsey online at www.almost30podcast.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @almost30podcast and be sure to join their secret Facebook group where all the good stuff goes down here.

This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.

How To Create a Wellness Program in The Workplace

The IDEA Tribe took a jumping picture for a crazy birthday wish!
The IDEA Tribe

As Happsters, we know that there is no greater joy than spreading happiness to others.  It is particularly rewarding to spread happiness in places where happiness is usually spread thin.  Where does the majority of the world spend their time and begrudgingly so?  The workplace.

Kelli and I are lucky enough to work for IDEA Health and Fitness Association, a company that truly cares for the health and happiness of its employees.  After all, there are countless studies correlating health and happiness, so as a health and fitness association we want to practice what we preach!  I would like to share simple ways to improve your happiness and the happiness of your coworkers by creating a Wellness Program where you work.

It starts from the top.

First and foremost, enlist the backing of someone in charge.  This person does not have to participate in the Wellness Program, he or she simply needs to make it known that the Program has the support of the management.  This might appear to be a tall order but remember, doubt killed more dreams than failure ever would!  Approach your boss with the idea of forming an internal wellness program and committee or simply creating some onsite health projects. He or she will be impressed by your initiative and willingness to improve company health.  The rise in healthcare costs is so drastic that a company would be foolish not to enlist the help of willing employees to combat this growing issue. If you need help convincing your management team to start a wellness program, this list of Top 10 reasons why your company needs an Employee Wellness Program” should help: http://www.wellnessquotes.com/top10-reasons-why-your-company-needs-an-employee-wellness-program.html.

Here are some suggestions for what you can do at your company to make the environment a healthier and happier place. The hope of having a Wellness Program is to not only improve employee health, but also start a shift in company culture toward a health-conscious population.

Your coworkers (or employees) are your greatest asset!

The wellness committee puts together this fun schedule in the hall each month
The wellness committee puts together this fun schedule in the hall each month at IDEA

Start with square one:  Ask your coworkers what would make them happier at work.  What would be one thing they are willing to do to improve their health? At IDEA, we send out a yearly Happiness Survey to gage company morale and request suggestions for improving the work environment.

We also have a Wellness Committee that hosts biweekly meetings to plan wellness events, brainstorm ideas for improving company happiness and discuss the happenings in the subcommittees which are made up of Events, Celebrations and Recognitions, Tracking and Participation.  All our subcommittees work on specific aspects of wellness that we share with the Committee as a whole.

Find out what skills and expertise you have in house.

Workplace exercise

At IDEA, we offer meditation, CORE, yoga and weight lifting classes, all taught by IDEA employees that share their passion for fitness with their fellow employees. You may not have fitness professionals on staff to teach classes, so another option that would be easy to introduce is what we like to call a “Wellness Walk”. These walks can become a staple of your day and company culture.  Most likely there are groups of staff members that take a lunch break at the same time and it is well worth organizing a walk so that you can all go together.  As little as 10-15 minutes will leave you refreshed, energized and with a good dose of vitamin D.  It is also a great way to bring employees together that do not regularly have the opportunity to socialize and share ideas.

Vending Machines Out, Healthy Snacks In!

Petition to get the normally candy-filled vending machines removed and provide healthy snacks to keep employee brainpower churning out productivity instead!  At IDEA, we offer nuts, granola bars, apples and yogurt to keep our minds sharp.  The snacks are provided by IDEA and partially funded by employee donation.

Lunch n’ Learn

The IDEA Tribe had our first session with Will Marre yesterday, the author of The True Happiness Recipe. Great speaker!
The IDEA Tribe had our first session with Will Marre yesterday, the author of The True Happiness Recipe. Great speaker!

Lunch n’ Learns have been some of the most well attended activities the Wellness Program has provided.  We can’t all be experts at everything, so enlist an expert!  There are so many experts on happiness that can give an inspirational presentation.  It also demonstrates to the employees that the company truly cares for their health and happiness.

Teach Your Passion

Every employee has a passion and most likely they want to share it.  Next month, we will be launching our “Teach your Passion” series where employees share an interest with fellow employees.

We are hosting:

  • Terrarium building
  • Sewing
  • Vision Board Creation
  • Cupcake Making
  • Cooking Demo (Weekday Meal in 30 Minutes)

These are all suggestions from IDEA employees that want to share their passion.  The list could be much longer depending on what your employees want to share.  Each session will take no more than 45 minutes and they will be hosted during lunchtime.

The possibilities are endless!  Teach Your Passion allows employees to be create at work, share something important in their lives and provides another opportunity to socialize with coworkers in a casual environment.

Spread the Word!

IDEA Tribe

The Happsters are committed to spreading happiness everywhere we go because we know that health and happiness go hand in hand.  If you’re interested in improving your company’s health, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.  We are bursting with ideas and we’d love to hear yours!

Throughout the year, I will be contributing to the Happster blog on wellness in the workplace and all the challenges that go with it.  I will highlight the events and project our Wellness Committee is tackling as well as current wellness trends.  Feel free to contact me if there is a particular topic of interest you would like to read about or you want to share the successes of your own program!

In health and happiness,

Allison Doyle

adoyle@ideafit.com

www.ideafit.com