Start Strong – Building the Foundation for Lasting Change

Amy Brown • October 25, 2025

Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog series where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 8 short lessons. You can read each post over the next 8 days and gear up to implement them on your own terms, or check out each post weekly and build slowly.


1: Start Strong – Building the Foundation for Lasting Change


When it comes to health, most of us have tried something big and bold—a strict diet, a fitness challenge, or a New Year’s resolution. And most of us have also felt that drop-off when the excitement fades and old habits creep back in. That’s why, in our first wellness group session, we focused on the power of small, consistent actions. Just like compounding interest in a savings account, simple daily choices—like drinking an extra glass of water or walking for 10 minutes—add up to something much bigger over time.


We also talked about how behavior change really happens. Motivation may help us get started, but it doesn’t last forever. What keeps us going are systems, routines, and environments that support our goals. When we build habits into the fabric of our daily life— setting out workout clothes, prepping snacks or meals, scheduling a workout—it takes less energy and becomes second nature. And when we layer in accountability and community support, we’re far more likely to succeed.


Reflection Prompt: When have you felt your healthiest, and what contributed to that?

Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you.


🌱
Habit to Try This Week: Choose one small, specific action you can repeat daily. Examples: walk for 5 minutes, drink a glass of water in the morning, or set a regular bedtime.


Ready to schedule a  Free meet & greet with NP Amy?


By Amy Brown October 31, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog lesson where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 7 short lessons. This is post number 7, so if you missed the last 6 posts, head back to read them first so you don’t miss a thing. Week 7: Putting It All Together – Habits That Stick By now, you’ve tried new strategies in nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and connection. The next step is making these habits sustainable. We talked about setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based) and using accountability to stay on track. The goal isn’t perfection, but progress. Habits are built through repetition, and setbacks are part of the process. When you get off track, reflect on what happened, adjust, and keep going. ✨ Reflection Prompt: Which new habit feels most natural to you, and which needs more support? Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you. 🌱 Habit to Try This Week: Choose one habit from the past 6 weeks to commit to daily for the next 7 days. Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
By Amy Brown October 30, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog lesson where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 7 short lessons. This is post number 6, so if you missed the last ones, head back to read them first so you don’t miss a thing. Week 6: Social Connection – Why Relationships Matter We are wired for connection. Supportive relationships improve mood, resilience, and even physical health. Loneliness, on the other hand, is linked to higher risk of chronic disease. This week we talked about building meaningful connections, whether that’s reaching out to a friend, joining a group, or simply spending more time with loved ones. Small efforts to connect can make a big impact on overall well-being. ✨ Reflection Prompt: Who in your life helps you feel most supported or energized? Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you. 🌱 Habit to Try This Week: Reach out to one person you care about and make time to connect. Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
Man with hands on head, sitting by water, looking down, stressed, wearing plaid shirt and watch.
By Amy Brown October 29, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog lesson where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 7 short lessons. This is post number 5, so if you missed the last ones, head back to read them first so you don’t miss a thing. Week 5: Stress Management – Learn to Reset, Not Just Push Through Stress is part of life, but chronic stress wears down both body and mind. We often push through, ignoring the signals our bodies are sending. Learning to pause and reset—even for just a few minutes—can protect our health. Simple tools like deep breathing, mindfulness, stretching, journaling, or even a quick walk outside can help. It’s less about eliminating stress and more about creating buffers so it doesn’t overwhelm us. ✨ Reflection Prompt: How does your body tell you when you’re stressed? Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you. 🌱 Habit to Try This Week: Practice one short stress-relief technique each day (deep breaths, 5-minute walk, journaling, or stretching). Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
By Amy Brown October 28, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog lesson where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 7 short lessons. This is post number 4, so if you missed the last ones, head back to read them first so you don’t miss a thing. Week 4: Restorative Sleep – Recharge and Reset Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a biological need. During sleep, your body repairs itself, your brain processes information, and your hormones reset. Skimping on rest affects everything from mood to metabolism. We discussed sleep routines, like winding down before bed, limiting screens, keeping a consistent schedule, and creating a restful environment. Even small improvements in sleep quality can make a big difference in energy and focus. ✨ Reflection Prompt: How do you feel after a good night’s sleep compared to a poor one? Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you. 🌱 Habit to Try This Week: Set a regular bedtime and stick to it within 30 minutes, even on weekends. Create a 10-15minute sleep hygiene routine before bed. Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
Runners' legs and feet in motion on a paved road, wearing athletic shoes and gear.
By Amy Brown October 27, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog lesson where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 7 short lessons. This is post number 3, so if you missed the last ones, head back to read them first so you don’t miss a thing.  Week 3: Physical Activity – Finding Movement That Works Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours in the gym or training for a marathon. Movement is simply about finding ways to use your body that you enjoy and can stick with long term. We talked about how movement improves mood, reduces stress, supports sleep, and strengthens both muscles and bones. The best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. For some, that’s walking, dancing, or gardening. For others, it’s yoga, swimming, or strength training. Instead of thinking about what you “should” do, focus on what feels good and sustainable. ✨ Reflection Prompt: What kinds of movement make you feel energized or joyful? Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you. 🌱 Habit to Try This Week: Add 10 minutes of movement to your day in a way that feels enjoyable. Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
Nutrition for Weight Loss
By Amy Brown October 26, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Mini-Blog lesson where we share our recent lifestyle wellness group topics in 7 short lessons. This is post number 2, so if you missed the last one, head back to read that one first so you don’t miss a thing. 2: Nutrition – Fueling Your Body Wisely Food is more than just calories—it’s information for your body. The nutrients you eat affect energy, mood, sleep, hormones, and even your immune system. In this session, we discussed building balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and plenty of colorful fruits and veggies. It’s less about restriction and more about creating a plate that fuels your best self. One key takeaway: consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t need to overhaul your diet overnight. Small shifts like adding an extra serving of vegetables, drinking more water, or swapping out soda for sparkling water can move you toward better health without feeling overwhelming. ✨ Reflection Prompt: What’s one food habit you’d like to improve, and why does it matter to you? Once you complete the reflection prompt, keep these things in mind when you set a new habit goal and create systems to support you. 🌱 Habit to Try This Week: Add one serving of vegetables or fruit to your day or eat a serving or protein at each meal. Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
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Discover Why Patients Are Switching to Direct Primary Care at MainelyNP When you put it all together, the perks of DPC are hard to beat: care that’s personalized, access that’s timely, pricing that’s transparent, and a focus on prevention that helps you live your best life. It’s healthcare that works for real people in the real world. Instead of fighting through long waits, surprise bills, and rushed visits, you get a provider who actually knows you and has the time to support you. DPC is simple, affordable, and centered on what matters most: your health and your life . ✨ Perk Highlight: DPC makes high-quality care accessible, affordable, and personal. (Check out the rest of this mini-blog series for more details if you missed them) Ready to schedule a Free meet & greet with NP Amy?
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