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?
Brandon Todd: Yard work has kept me most active. I have put my arms, my back, and my chainsaw to good use while trimming mature oak trees and multiple hedges.
Several hauls to the city landfill created full outdoor workouts as well. Various other home improvement projects have kept me moving. Swimming and walking have always been a part of my family’s routine before COVID-19, and we have maintained that routine. I’ve been playing golf on an almost weekly basis with a group of dads in the broadcasting biz. Some days ended up being a more intense workout. Riding in carts was put on hold for a while early on in the pandemic, so we walked the course and carried our clubs…in the Texas summer heat!
What are you eating?
Brandon Todd: In a word, “homemade.” We already cooked most of our meals before COVID. But, after restaurants shut down, we expanded our menu to include homemade delights: one son crafts perfect pizza on family Friday nights, one son bakes life-changing chocolate chip cookies, and my wife mixes wicked awesome lemon chicken casserole. Add to that baked wild-caught salmon, breakfast burritos with our favorite piccante, and grilled chicken fajitas. To date, we still make 100% of our meals at home.
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?
Brandon Todd: Sorting fact from fiction is always a daily task in journalism, but it becomes even more challenging during a worldwide news event where information often translates into medical safety.
How has your job changed in the past few months?
Brandon Todd: Significantly. The first big change came when much of our staff was sent home to work remotely. Our newsroom desks were “distanced” from other employees, and the space between anchors doubled from 3 feet to 6. Then, in early April I was tasked with setting up a “home studio” where I, along with my co-anchors, reported the news via cell phone, a couple lights, and a laptop. Eventually, I returned to the station to co-anchor our early newscasts from the studio while my co-anchor was home. Being there in the studio was both surreal and unique. I was all alone. No co-anchor, no floor director, no conversation during commercials. In a morning show where the vibe is energetic, happy, and cohesive, this has been one of the biggest challenges. However, even with the above-mentioned challenges, working from home brought blessings of more time with my family, elimination of distractions, high work productivity, and shortened commute.
How are you managing your stress during this time?
Brandon Todd: Honestly, the same way I always do. Leaning on my faith, hanging out with my family, training our new puppy, and working on my golf game. And, did I mention baking?
A bit of positivity: have you seen an act of kindness or generosity during this difficult time that has moved you or inspired you?
Brandon Todd: The story that most moved me most was when retired nurses and doctors were coming back on the job to help with COVID patients in hospitals. They felt that strongly about the work they do and had such deep-rooted care for people. What a truly selfless act.
How are you staying in touch with family and friends? Any tips for staying more connected?
Brandon Todd: Increased phone calls and texts help stay in touch with extended family members and friends. Our family has also done a lot more FaceTime calls than ever before. That face to face connection is always important.
What’s one good habit you have developed during this time that you want to keep?
Brandon Todd: Playing golf and making bread. I hadn’t played golf as frequently before COVID. Now, improving my golf game is both energizing and therapeutic. As for bread baking, there is nothing like the aroma of fresh-baked bread!
We all have some tough days, what keeps you positive and motivated as a public figure?
Brandon Todd: My faith and my family keep me grounded and are my top priorities. Putting down the phone and taking a break from social media helps too.
Am I swinging too hard? 😳 #brokenclub #bogieboys @GoodDayFox4 pic.twitter.com/6RiUD1F0nz
— Brandon Todd (@BrandonToddFOX4) August 21, 2020
What do you most look forward to doing again after restrictions are lifted?
Brandon Todd: I’m looking forward to eating at our favorite Mexican restaurant, having family friends over to swim, and traveling.
What was the most fun quarantine activity you’ve done?
Brandon Todd: Recording a news promo at home was quite a family adventure. I had one son holding a script, another son holding a homemade boom mic, and my wife concentrating on background, lighting, and script. I had some good outtakes on that one. 🙂
What were the best and worst parts of working from home, especially when filming a newscast?
Brandon Todd: The best part was enjoying breakfast with my family that I otherwise would miss. Then, there’s the bonus of a super short commute…which involved walking upstairs. The worst part was the distance from co-anchors. The video delay makes it difficult to interact smoothly on-air.
How did you and other coworkers stay in touch?
Brandon Todd: I do a weekly Zoom call with my co-anchor to do “Dad Joke Friday” so we get caught up via a video call. And, group texts keep us all in the loop.
What are 3 tips you would give to all Americans during COVID-19?
Brandon Todd: Just one…Be kind. Times are tough and the pandemic is frustrating, but if we let political differences, cabin fever, or social distancing drive our words, emotions, and interactions toward others, it’ll make circumstances worse. Take a break from outside distractions and social media, and focus your time and attention instead on the people around you.
