Fresh off Love in the Country, we hook up with Anna Geary…
Okay Anna, let’s talk relationships first. What’s been the biggest change in your relationship since baby Ronan’s arrival last year?
Our schedules revolve around Ronan now. Every decision we make we have to consider how it affects him. We used to love an impromptu cinema date, which we haven’t done in a long time. He’s still so little but we are trying to find other ways to spend time with each other, even if it’s only grabbing a coffee and going for a walk (while getting Ronan to nap). It’s tough. It’s definitely a challenge to find the time.
We dare not mention the juggle, but how can we not mention the juggle! How are you managing on the juggle scale of 1-10?!
Some days I feel like we are at a 6 or 7, other days I feel like we are at -50! I am an organised person so I try to plan things, but everything can change in an instant with a baby, so that’s been hard to get my head around. Often it’s the case that the plan is, there is no plan! The world of social media can often create this illusion where everyone else is nailing the ‘balance’, but the truth is most people have days where nothing goes to plan, you mightn’t see those days posted on Instagram but they happen. So giving ourselves permission to have those days and just to get through them as best we can, is key. We can try again tomorrow.
When you get a bit of downtime, if ever you get a bit of downtime, what’s the first thing you do?
I like to try to find the time to exercise, I mightn’t always be in the mood for it, I mightn’t be motivated but I know I’m always going to feel better after moving my body. It’s great for my physical health and for my head space. I feel more energised, more tolerant and can think more clearly. Don’t wait for motivation to kick in, just carve out time in your diary for anything that makes you feel better in yourself. Meditation, Pilates, going for a walk, whatever it is. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Whether you do 15 minutes or 60 minutes you will still feel the endorphins and elevate your mood. Some days I have to drag myself to workout but I know I’m a better mother, daughter, wife, and friend, because of it, so I do it.
In that downtime are you good at switching off?
I have always struggled to be fully ‘guilt-free’ when I switch off. It’s mad, because rest and downtime is just as important for our health as exercise or eating well. We don’t have to “earn it” and yet all of my “to-do” list comes to the fore for me whenever I choose to sit down. But watching a movie or TV series allows my brain to focus on something else. The trick is to keep my phone out of reach – that’s a work in progress! I also love shopping, I can totally lose track of time when I’m browsing clothes/interiors.
What are you watching on telly right now?
We have just started to re-watch Gavin and Stacey from the start, what a show. Pam is gas! It’s something we watched together when we first started going out.
What scares you?
I often think about the horror of what some people are facing in other parts of the world and how we would cope if it ever found its way to Ireland’s door. I couldn’t imagine having to endure the terror/worry/panic that they have to go through daily. I cannot fathom how this kind of torture is allowed to continue in such a public way. It’s heartbreaking and terrifying.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I like to listen to podcasts in the car, especially when I was travelling to filming locations all summer. The latest podcast I listened to was The Real Health podcast. Presenter Karl Henry chatted with neuroscientist and psychologist, Sabina Brennan, about her new book The Neuroscience of Manifesting. It was so interesting.
What are you reading?
I am looking forward to reading Vicki Notaro’s book Reality Check. I have been looking at it on my bedside locker all summer, but now that we are almost finished filming Love in the Country, I’m going to commit to getting stuck into it.
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
Something fast, simple and tasty like a pasta dish. I love pasta. And all done in one pan, so less wash up.
What’s your ideal date?
Hot cup of coffee, fresh almond croissant, great conversation, a belly laugh, a nice view, and my phone in the bag.
What’s your signature scent?
Alien by Thierry Mugler.
What’s your standout childhood memory?
Going to Disneyland Paris with my Mam, Dad and brother. Our first big holiday. I got to go on the Indiana Jones rollercoaster with Dad. I was half terrified, half thrilled.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
10 years ago I took a leap of faith into the world of media, so now the fact that I get to call it my career is amazing, and I don’t take it for granted. Even recently, I got the chance to cover for two weeks on RTÉ Radio1 for Ray D’Arcy in the afternoons, and that was a real ‘pinch me moment’. I loved it. Also, writing a number 1 bestselling book, Anna’s Game Plan was definitely one of my career highlights, because I was so far outside my comfort zone during the writing process. However, the feedback I have received from people who have read it, has made it all worthwhile.
What’s been your proudest personal moment?
Giving birth to Ronan – it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Being a mum is the greatest challenge and greatest privilege I’ve ever encountered.
What are your hopes for the future?
That I am healthy and happy. So much has happened in my life in the past two years, I’ve experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Processing such great loss (Anna lost her brother last year) and love has given me perspective on what’s important in my life, and who’s important in my life. I hope I can enjoy my life, on my terms, and continue to say yes to opportunities that may come my way. Sometimes we need to get out of our own way and just go for things. Who cares if you come up short. Say yes.
Love is the Country is currently airing on RTÉ
