Hannah Brown, former Miss Alabama USA, Bachelorette alum, and Dancing With the Stars winner, has openly shared her journey toward a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Her experiences on FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, coupled with her ongoing commitment to mental and physical well-being, have shaped her perspective on self-care, fitness, and diet. Brown emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, where mental health is intertwined with physical health and lifestyle choices.
Mental Health as a Cornerstone
Brown's mental health journey began in 2020 when she "started digging into the weeds of it all." She describes it as a process that has evolved over time to meet her changing needs. Her experience on Special Forces tested her mental health, but it also validated the progress she had made. The show proved to her that the work she had been doing was effective, making her "mentally stronger and sharper" than she gave herself credit for.
Since then, Brown has taken further steps to deepen her understanding of her mental health. She is currently engaged in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to address PTSD-related issues. While the prospect of confronting past traumas was initially daunting, she now feels ready to "dive in and dig deeper" to connect with her body and emotions. She appreciates having the tools to soothe herself and work through challenges, something she lacked for most of her life.
The Interplay of Self-Care, Fitness, and Diet
Brown stresses that mental health, self-care, fitness, and diet are interconnected and essential for overall well-being. To achieve success in these areas, she believes it's necessary to change your lifestyle in every way. This involves being mindful of the foods you consume and understanding how they affect your body.
Mindful Eating
Brown emphasizes the importance of being "curious about the food" she puts into her body. She has learned to listen to her body and identify foods that don't make her feel good, even if they might be beneficial for others. She is also learning to cook for herself, a practice she initially resisted. Cooking allows her to have greater control over the ingredients and ensures she knows exactly what she's eating.
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Redefining Fitness
Brown has transformed her approach to fitness, moving away from high-intensity workouts that left her feeling depleted. She used to believe that a workout wasn't effective unless she was on the verge of passing out. However, she realized that this approach was not sustainable or conducive to achieving her desired results. Her body eventually forced her to stop, prompting her to explore alternative methods.
She has discovered the benefits of low-impact workouts, such as walking and strength training. Brown has found that a five-mile walk with 10,000 steps can be more effective than running a half marathon. She believes that intense workouts increased her cortisol levels, setting her up for failure hormonally.
Strength training has also been a game-changer for Brown. Initially hesitant to lift heavier weights, she has found it to be beneficial for both her physical and mental health. Her psychiatrist recommended strength training as a way to combat depression and anxiety, citing its positive effects on the brain. Strength training allows her to exert energy while still being able to regulate herself afterward, making it a sustainable form of exercise.
The Power of Connection
Brown values the power of connecting with others through fitness. Whether it's going for a walk with a friend, working with a trainer, or participating in a group class, she finds that these connections enhance her overall well-being. Feeling safe, comfortable, and connected in these activities is essential for her.
Prioritizing Bodywork
Brown now views bodywork, such as massage and acupuncture, as a necessity rather than a luxury. She receives acupuncture and massage every other week to help release tension in her muscles. She believes that she holds onto a lot of stress and trauma in her body, and these treatments help flush it out. Prioritizing bodywork has become an integral part of her wellness regimen.
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Minimalist Skincare
When it comes to skincare, Brown prefers a minimalist approach. While she occasionally gets laser treatments, she relies on a few essential products for her daily routine. One product she has used consistently is Alastin’s Gentle Cleanser, which helped her overcome severe acne that she experienced between the ages of 23 and 25. She also uses SkinCeuticals B5 Gel for hydration and Paula’s Choice daily moisturizer, recommended by her dermatologist for her combination skin. Brown has learned that less is more when it comes to her skin, and she avoids mixing too many products. She also swears by Aquaphor for her lips.
Moving Forward: Nashville and Beyond
Brown is embarking on a new chapter in Nashville, a move that brings her closer to her Alabama roots. While she cherishes the memories and experiences she had in Los Angeles, she is excited to explore what Nashville has to offer. She hopes to continue facilitating authentic conversations and building her community in her new home.
Health Challenges and Discoveries
In a candid discussion on the "Heal Squad" podcast, Brown revealed that she had been struggling with health issues prior to her appearance on Special Forces. She experienced a moment where she couldn't even lift her legs to walk up the stairs and had to seek help from a neighbor. After a visit to the emergency room, she was told that her symptoms were likely due to anxiety.
Brown has since discovered that she has high histamine levels, which are linked to her PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). She explained that PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and can be managed similarly to diabetes. The inflammation caused by her condition led to significant pain, preventing her from working out for a year. She underwent physical therapy multiple times a week to recover.
After getting back into the gym with the help of a strength training coach, Brown is gradually rebuilding her confidence and strength. Special Forces served as a reminder of her inner resilience, despite the physical challenges she had been facing.
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Brown also shared that she has a double uterus, a condition that could potentially complicate things when she is ready to have children. While there are risks associated with carrying a pregnancy with a double uterus, she remains optimistic, noting that many women with this condition have had successful pregnancies.