Devin Parr, Founder & Managing Partner of Devin Parr & Associates; Brand Marketing Partner for Temecula Valley Wine Country; freelance wine writer (USA)

Years In the Industry:
I started my career in wine 13 years ago. Prior to that, I was working in the video game industry (there are surprising similarities, believe it or not). While I loved my job in interactive entertainment and was a gamer at heart, deep down, I knew my passion lay elsewhere. After reading a book called “Heat” by Bill Buford, which painted this amazing picture of a culinary life in Italy, I quit my job and moved to Florence, Italy, where I studied wine for almost two years. I’ve never once looked back. With that said, I was one of those lucky kids whose parents let her sip and sample wine with dinner from about the age of 14, so it’s pretty much been in my blood for as long as I can remember.

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:
While I’ve always been somewhat athletic – I rode horses growing up, played soccer in middle and high school – physical fitness wasn’t always a non-negotiable for me. I’m lucky to be blessed with a quick metabolism and am naturally petite, which gave me the impression that I never “needed” to work out. But the mistake I was making was to view fitness as a means to a certain appearance, versus something deeply mental as well. That has since changed.

As I got older, I started to struggle with insomnia and anxiety. I then met my husband who is a distance runner and a pretty serious weightlifter. Physical fitness is a very big part of who he is and, eventually, I realized I could either try to beat him (and lose) or join him. And so I joined him. I was amazed at how much of a positive impact working out had on my anxiety and sleep patterns. It certainly felt way better than the medications I had occasionally taken for both.
Maintaining fitness can be a challenge. Sometimes while traveling or being overwhelmed with  the pressures of being a full-time working mom to two kids under six, that sense of routine gets threatened. Healthy habits can often be very fragile to begin with since they can take so long and so much commitment to build to the point where they are truly ingrained in us. It’s scary when they are in danger of being compromised. In these moments, I try to force myself to do something – a quick 15-minute HIIT plyometric routine is better than nothing. And no matter what you tell yourself, 15 minutes is always doable.  

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:
I have four main pillars of sanity in my life, and if I can manage two of them at any given time, it’s enough. These are:
1. My tribe: Time with my two kids, my husband and my extended family and friends keeps me grounded. When I’m struggling emotionally or feeling down over things not going well professionally, I take one look at my three and five-year-old little boys and remind myself what it’s all for. Their unbridled joy, curiosity and purity of mood reassures me of our shared humanity. My husband is also my rock.
2. Cooking: I make dinner for our family almost every night when I am not traveling for work. This time in the kitchen, engaging all of my senses, allows me a creative outlet, clears my mind and helps me feel alive. Throw on a little music and some delicious wine in my glass while prepping and I feel like I’m living the good life.
3. Working Out: I try to get to the gym, run or do something physical 5-7 days per week, even while traveling. Running gives me the best endorphin rush and I try to listen to great podcasts while doing it. Lifting weights makes me feel like a total badass. I’m 5’0 and about 100 lbs so nothing gets me ready to take on a challenge quite like throwing 145 lbs around like a boss. Yoga and barre work keep me focused and slow me down. All of the above are instrumental in helping me sleep better, manage my anxiety, reinforce self-discipline and maintain high energy levels needed in this business.
4. Reading: Every night before bed, no matter what time it is or where I am, I put my phone down and read at least one chapter in a book – usually fiction. My mind is constantly racing – especially before bed – so I find this helps me to slow down, and is a prefect closing act to my day. 

Connect with Devin on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and online at www.devinparr.com