Anna Geary: It's a different pace of life, now I'm a mother 

The presenter may have taken a break as Ireland's Fittest Family coach, but she is back on our screens with her new RTÉ series, Love in the Country  

Anna Geary says she's always admired Graham Norton's warm presenting style.

“I’ve been awake since 4.30am sporadically grabbing catnaps,” says Anna Geary when we chat. The radio and TV presenter and her husband Kevin Sexton welcomed their first child in August.

“Ronan thinks sleep is overrated,” the former Cork Camogie star laughs as the baby coos in the background.

“In a funny way, I’ve never been busier and also never sat down more. It’s been a real mindset shift from always being on the go to a different pace of life.”

Between feeds, the broadcaster is also busy promoting her new RTÉ show, Love in the Country, a series that features singletons living in rural Ireland keen to meet a new partner, which Geary says has been “the most fun”.

How do you keep fit?

Exercise is my stress reliever. I always feel better, particularly when I get a sweat on. I think of it as a non-negotiable, like brushing my teeth. I love high-intensity HIIT classes. Pre-pregnancy, you would usually catch me doing a boxing class or circuit class.

Do you have a morning routine?

No. I never really had one. At the moment, mornings are all over the place. In the last few years, I’ve started to prioritise sleep over all else. So I’m trying to focus on my bedtime routine.

What’s one thing you do every day?

Get out for fresh air.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

From playing sport, I look at food as fuel, so I have a healthy approach. Oats, porridge and eggs are the staples in my diet.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

All things chocolate. I don’t have sweet tooth - I have sweet teeth. But nothing beats the taste of big thick crusty bread with lashings of butter.

What keeps you awake at night?

I’m a quintessential worrier and I set very high standards for myself. Now with the baby the centre of our universe I’m always conscious of whether I’m doing it right.

How do you relax?

I’m a high-octane person. Quieting down is a challenge for me, but I love going to cinema or watching a Netflix show.

Who are your sporting heroes?

Sonia O’Sullivan was someone I’ve always looked up to. The visibility of women in sports back then was so rare. I also love Derval O’Rourke and Serena Williams for their warrior attitudes.

What’s your favourite smell?

Freshly cut grass reminds me of home - that’s the farmer’s daughter in me. Also, the smell of sun cream. It takes me back to Tramore beach or Ballybunion.

When was the last time you cried?

Probably in the past 48 hours. The baby went for nap and then one eye opened when I moved. I had a bit of a cry out of desperation. But even watching certain ads on TV makes me cry at the minute.

What’s the best health advice you’ve been given?

What’s right for someone else might not always work for you.

What traits do you least like in others?

Rudeness is a big one. It costs nothing to be nice.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

My relationship with time is a love/hate one. I try to pack too much into my day and put myself under pressure to be as productive as possible. Ronan has forced me to slow down, in a good way.

Do you pray?

I would pray and have people looking over me who I talk to. They are with me.

What cheers you up if having a bad day?

A smile from this little guy. Or a good conversation with a close friend. I’d also ring my mam who is good at putting things into perspective.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Graham Norton. I’m sure he has so many stories from the green room too. I’d invite Oprah for her wisdom. And David Beckham, I’m fascinated by the Netflix series. I’d love to pick his brain.

What quote inspires you most?

It’s one by Sophia Bush: ‘You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.’

Where is your favourite place in the world?

At home with my family. I’ve been all over the world, but I’m content at home.

What’s something people might not know about you?

I was obsessed with Tasmanian Devil as a teen. I had [Tasmanian Devil] teddies and T-shirts. I suppose I identified with the cartoon. He was a bit mad, off the wall and sometimes misunderstood.

• Love in the Country airs Mondays at 9.30pm on RTÉ Two.