The Bachelors Australia 2023's Courtney Mustac on prioritising her mental health

These are the fail-safe methods she relies on when she's having a bad day.  

In an exclusive interview with Body+Soul, The Bachelors Australia contestant Courtney Mustac reveals the importance health and wellbeing play in her life, including the challenge of maintaining her practices during filming. 

Courtney Mustac, an adventure-loving Spartan racer from Victoria, is one of the women lining up for Jed's heart on Network 10's 2023 season of The Bachelors Australia.

Courtney told 10play that she can offer her potential partner, "good times, laughs, adventure and spontaneity," adding that her proudest achievement to date was finding herself again after a long-term unhealthy relationship. 

We were curious about what role her health and wellness practices play in helping her continue to connect, know and love herself. In an exclusive Body&Soul interview, the 33-year-old revealed everything there is to know about her health journey to date.

Like what you see? Sign up to our bodyandsoul.com.au newsletter for more stories like this.

How would you describe your health journey to date?Have you undergone any important lifestyle, health, diet, exercise, mental health or cosmetic changes or transformations that you’d feel comfortable sharing? 

"I would describe my health journey as consistent and balanced. I maintain my health through good food and exercise, but I like to balance that by treating myself as well.

I haven't experienced any drastic lifestyle changes however I do plan on placing more of a focus on my mental health as I've come to realise that this is equally as important as diet and exercise."

What are the biggest health and wellbeing lessons that you've learnt, so far?

"A few years ago, mental health wasn't nearly as much on my radar as it is now. A breakup combined with the global pandemic has highlighted its importance in my life and just how much of an impact it has on my overall health."

Describe your approach to eating and your diet now?

"My approach to my diet in general is to avoid being too strict or hard on myself. I enjoy my bananas, blueberries with yoghurt and I make sure to drink lots of water, but I also love a big fat burger, pastas and cider. For the most part, nothing is off the table when it comes to food, I will try most things!"

Describe your approach to movement and exercise, now?

"Movement and exercise are an integral part of my life. The intrinsic rewards associated with exercise help me to achieve my goals, but also lifts my mood and helps to relieve stress. Plus it brings out my competitive side."

What are your favourite ways to workout, and why? How often do you workout? Do you enjoy it?

"I take part in boxing and strength training, boot camp classes, running and swimming. Currently, boxing is one of my favourite ways to work out. Bashing the crap out of the boxing bag helps to release any frustration that has built up through the week and it keeps me fit.

I aim to work out approximately four to five times a week and try to squeeze in a few walks with friends in between."

When it comes to looking after your mental health, are there any things you do regularly feel good, mentally? 

"Exercise is an important factor for my mental health, as well as socialising and enjoying the company of close family and friends. I listen to music to perk me up and have found that a good old beach walk helps to calm me."

What’s your version of ‘self-care’? Do you have any skincare or beauty routines that you really enjoy regularly?

"Self-care, for me, mostly involves my morning and night-time face cleansing routine, getting a haircut every couple of months and making sure to go to the dentist!"

Do you regularly utilise any other wellness practises - like infrared saunas, ice baths, reiki, acupuncture, juice cleanses, foam rolling, massage, energy work, sound bathing? 

"I enjoy a massage every now and then but otherwise I don't take part in any other wellness practices."

What were the hardest wellness practises and healthy habits to keep up during filming, and why?

"Getting adequate sleep and eating well during that time was challenging! I was lucky enough to be surrounded by some fit gals to keep me going, but still couldn't get my hands off the chocolate in the bottom drawer in the kitchen."

The Bachelors is available to watch on 10 and 10 Play on Demand.

Originally published as The Bachelors Australia 2023's Courtney Mustac on prioritising her mental health