For Samford University alumna Heather Brown ’08, a career devoted to wellness and digital media created an opportunity to help women build healthier, more intentional lives. Her debut book, The Sunday Reset: The Ultimate Guide to Reclaim Your Week, Restore Your Health, and Make Time for What Matters Most, is scheduled for release in January 2027.
The book combines biblical principles, health research and practical planning strategies to help women manage their responsibilities while prioritizing their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Designed as both a guide and workbook, it encourages readers to establish weekly routines that reflect their values and strengthen their relationships.
"I think so many women are asking themselves, 'If I'm doing all the right things, why do I still feel exhausted, burned out, overwhelmed, or like I'm just getting by in survival mode?'" Brown said.
That question became personal for Brown following the birth of her first child 11 years ago. While managing a business, teaching fitness classes and caring for her growing family, she experienced postpartum depression and began reconsidering her understanding of health.
"One of the areas where God really wrecked my view of health was realizing that I had initially thought of health as mostly working out and eating well," Brown said. "But what I learned through my experience with postpartum depression and a traumatic birth was that God actually calls us to live healthy in mind, body and spirit."
Those experiences helped shape the philosophy behind The Sunday Reset, which encourages women to evaluate their commitments, establish meaningful priorities and approach each week with greater intention.
The book culminates 15 years of professional experiences that began taking shape during Brown’s time at Samford.
As a journalism and mass communication student, Brown initially considered a career in broadcasting. An internship with FOX6 in Birmingham gave her firsthand experience in television news, including reporting opportunities and interviews with professional athletes. Although the experience ultimately led her toward public relations and marketing, the communication skills she developed remain central to her work.
Today, Brown reaches women through her Healthy by Heather Brown brand, which includes a podcast, social media platforms, wellness resources and Christian health coaching.
"I could have never imagined where those beginnings in JMC would eventually take me," Brown said. "Samford has had such a mark on who I am, and I still use so many of the skills I learned there."
Her early career included launching a couponing blog with fellow Samford alumna Jessica Skelly, PharmD ’10, now a professor in Samford's McWhorter School of Pharmacy. Another Samford connection helped Brown begin working with eMeals, where she developed meal plans, managed social media and helped launch the company's blog.
Brown spent nearly a decade teaching Pure Barre in Homewood after being introduced to the fitness program through Samford friends. She credits that experience with deepening her understanding of the connection between physical movement, mental resilience and overall health.
Those lessons—combined with motherhood, faith and podcast conversations with health professionals—eventually led Brown to become a certified Christian health coach.
"God designed our minds, bodies, and spirits to work together," Brown said.
Beyond preparing her for a career, Brown credits Samford with shaping her understanding of faith, leadershipand community.
As a member of Alpha Delta Pi, she participated in intramural sports, Step Sing and other campus activities. She served for several years as a Connections leader, helping incoming students navigate their transition to college.
Brown met her husband, Eric, at Samford during their freshman year. The couple later married in Reid Chapel and have maintained close friendships with fellow alumni.
"One thing I especially appreciate about my time at Samford is that I began to see that faith didn't have to be separated from education, leadership, or the work we eventually do in the world," Brown said. "Our faith can be interwoven through all of it."
That emphasis on community remains an important component of her new book. One of its six central rhythms, "Reconnect With Others," encourages readers to prioritize meaningful relationships and shared experiences.
As the January release approaches, Brown said seeing years of personal experiences, research and reflection become a published book has been especially meaningful.
"I've spent so many years creating content that goes away quickly, whether it's a social media post, podcast episode, email, or video, and then eventually it gets lost in the algorithm," she said.
Unlike digital content, Brown hopes the book will become a lasting resource that women can revisit throughout different seasons of life. An audiobook, narrated by Brown, will also be available.
She aims to expand the book's message through speaking engagements, workshops, podcast conversations and additionalresources for women and families.
"My hope is The Sunday Reset helps women steward their health with wisdom, build rhythms that support their families, and pass down a legacy of faith, strength, resilience, and health," Brown said.
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