We’ve all had to make adjustments this year with COVID-19 gripping almost every area of our lives. Celebrities and public figures are no different- which is why we asked them how they’ve adapted, what’s inspired them during this difficult time, and how they make time for themselves.
HFR founder Samir Becic adds “It is immensely important that Texans stay physically fit during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
We hope that these positive tips and routines will make our readers feel less alone during these trying times and maybe even find some inspiration in adopting some of these COVID-19 healthy daily habits!
How are you staying physically active in the age of COVID-19? What are you eating?
Anne Elise Parks: Lots and lots of biking! At the end of 2019, my husband and I got a Peloton bike. Little did we know the true saving grace this would be once the pandemic hit and exercise options dwindled. In the past, I had enjoyed attending classes, especially Pilates classes. Now all I have to do is change clothes after my shift and walk into a different room in my house to workout. It’s so convenient!
As for eating, I’ve recently gotten really into the smoothie game. A couple of months ago, I realized I was in a rut with boring, not-so-healthy lunches. I’ve always loved smoothies and the convenience of drinking my lunch. So I did some research and invested in a good blender. Now I have about 6 different recipes that I rotate. My favorite is a blueberry avocado smoothie that also has spinach, flax meal, cinnamon, and banana in it. Delicious!
Being the voice of information and news during a pandemic creates new and unforeseen obstacles. What are some of the challenges that you’ve successfully adapted to/overcome?
Anne Elise Parks: If you had told me or anyone in the broadcasting world that we would ever work from home, we’d have told you that you were crazy. Not to overuse the term, but it was truly “unprecedented” to produce news broadcasts from home. But thanks to modern technology, I think we’ve all adapted and risen to the occasion. Until now, I wasn’t used to being a “one-man band.” But working from home, it’s all on me to make the shot go off without a hitch. I have to tweak my lighting, camera shot, and test audio before I ever present the forecast. I also record weather forecasts for KLTY radio each morning so I’ve had to create a makeshift sound booth for these recordings. Each morning during a commercial break, I close myself in the coat closet just steps from our kitchen and talk into the coats. Okay, I’m not talking TO the coats (ha) but I’m recording the forecast on an iPhone app. It sounds strange but I’m able to get good acoustics this way.
How has your job changed in the past few months?
Anne Elise Parks: Well for starters, I don’t have a commute at 3 AM each morning! I’ve never been so grateful to walk down one flight of stairs and immediately be in my office and ready for the show. When you work these middle of the night hours, any amount of extra sleep is huge! As for my day-to-day operations, I’m still able to forecast from home just like I would in the studio. There’s no green screen to stand in front of but I do work from a green kitchen each day, so maybe that counts
How are you managing your stress during this time?
Anne Elise Parks: I’m trying to eat well, maintain some regular workout routine, and take mental breaks by spending time outdoors. I’ve found it very therapeutic to be out in my yard watering the plants, pulling weeds, you name it. It’s such a relaxing place of simplicity.
The challenge with working from home is trying to have that work and home separation. When my shift wraps up around noon on Fridays, I pack up all my equipment (lights, cables/chords, computers, and devices) and store them in the guest closet. It’s like we get our kitchen back for the weekend and I can really clear my head for a couple of days.
A bit of positivity: have you seen an act of kindness or generosity during this difficult time that has moved you or inspired you?
Anne Elise Parks: Yes! We recently covered a story about a local nursing home that was soliciting pen pals for its residents. Each resident made a poster board listing a few facts about themselves in their search for a match. The nursing home got so many inquiries that they had to turn people away. This story just warmed my heart and was so relatable. No matter what age you are or where you are, this pandemic has been challenging and I think we are all craving that sense of community more than ever right now.
How are you staying in touch with family and friends? Any tips for staying more connected?
Anne Elise Parks: Lots and lots of phone calls and video chats! I miss my family dearly and unfortunately, none of them live nearby. So we rely even more on family calls these days. I’m grateful for the various video chat options now that at least allow us to see each other’s faces. Our family is planning a game night on Zoom soon so I’m excited about that. We even did a family dance party one weekend for my 2-year-old niece.
What’s one good habit you have developed during this time that you want to keep?
Anne Elise Parks: I’ve been drinking coffee for over a decade now. In the last couple of months, I dropped the sugar and creamer from my coffee cold turkey. I’m not sure what inspired me to do this. I think I’ve always wanted to try it and felt up for the challenge. At first, it was a big adjustment as I’ve always loved the sweetness. But I’ve learned you just need some fresh, quality beans to grind up and a little time to adjust. For someone with a big sweet tooth, it’s one area I can cut down on sugar intake.
We all have some tough days, what keeps you positive and motivated as a public figure?
Anne Elise Parks: What ultimately drives me and keeps me going in the tough days is my faith. I’ve also been blessed with some inspiring role models in my life, and I see this career as an opportunity to hopefully give back in that way and inspire the next generation. As a female meteorologist, I hope to continue paving a way for other young women who will come behind me in this field.
What do you most look forward to doing again after restrictions are lifted?
Anne Elise Parks: Without question, I cannot wait to book a flight out of the country and travel! My husband and I had hoped to visit France this fall for our 5th anniversary, but of course, the pandemic forced us to change course. We are daydreaming about what that next big trip could be. We’ll certainly appreciate it more after having to wait.
What was the most fun quarantine activity you’ve done?
Anne Elise Parks: I think my view of fun has changed a bit since the pandemic began. I’ve had plenty of time at home and have really had fun in the kitchen. My favorite specialty is baking. There’s something about the ingredients and pulling out my mixer that brings so much joy. So I’ve enjoyed baking homemade cookies, biscuits, you name it!
What were the best and worst parts of working from home, especially when filming a newscast?
Anne Elise Parks:
Best parts: Working from my kitchen where there are endless coffee and snacks available. I’ve also gotten to wear my house slippers to work every day, so that’s a huge perk! But telling my husband “good morning” in person has probably been my favorite part.
Worst parts: Unforeseen interruptions, like the refrigerator randomly making loud noises in the background or the coffee pot beeping while you’re giving the forecast. The biggest interruption is undoubtedly our dog Murphy. He’s always been quite vocal and thinks he’s the ultimate guard dog, so you never know when he’ll go into a barking spree. But it’s a fun interruption I suppose and one we can all relate to.
How did you and other coworkers stay in touch?
Anne Elise Parks: Through a lot of texts and phone calls! I’m on various text threads with colleagues. It’s fun to keep that rapport, even if we aren’t together in person.
What are 3 tips you would give to all Americans during COVID-19?
Anne Elise Parks:
1) Find the positives of this strange time. For me, I love the slowness of life right now and know that this pace won’t last forever. So do those things you’ve been putting off: read that book, work on that home project, cook that recipe, call that friend you haven’t talked to in forever.
2) Create some new traditions that you can look forward to! At our house, we order takeout from one of our favorite local restaurants on Friday nights for a date night. Sometimes we might even dress up a little and play our favorite music. It’s a fun night in the comfort of home!
3) Connect! This year has been filled with a lot of isolation for so many so I think it’s more important than ever to reach out to loved ones and share those struggles. Know you’re not alone and that brighter, sunny days will come!
