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One of the many aspects that attracted me to Wilcox Wellness & Fitness is the commitment to give back to the community. Studies indicate that the act of giving boosts one's health, happiness and wellbeing. Giving back to the community not only helps others, but it's one more way to make you feel AMAZING! Since we're in the business of Wellness & Fitness I think it's important to consider the complete package in terms of what we do beyond exercise that influence our overall wellbeing. The thing about giving is that both the giver and the receiver benefit. And this effect is rooted quite deeply in some pretty interesting neurobiology. It's incredible to me how our brains respond to acts of altruism or generosity. There are three main brain chemicals involved in the response that we feel when we do something good. The primary one being oxytocin. Our brains release oxytocin when we pat an animal, or hold a baby, and is a major factor in bonding. As such, oxytocin is often referred to as the "cuddle hormone". In addition to oxytocin, when we engage in acts of kindness or giving our brains release two other neurotransmitters - dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is associated with motivation and arousal, and serotonin is connected with sleep, digestion, memory, learning and appetite. Think about it! The simple act of giving can result in so many amazing responses by our brain - From improved sleep, and reduced stress to stronger, more meaningful relationships, and increased self-esteem. Furthermore, altruism is contagious. The act of giving doesn't start and stop with the act itself, but actually creates an amazing ripple effect in our community.  I am really excited to be hosting various fundraising activities in the Brunswick location. Fundraising and charitable events bring community together in such an important way while simultaneously giving back and making a positive impact. One example of an event I am excited to host in Brunswick started in Bangor four years ago. This past weekend I participated in the 4th Annual Burpees for Turkeys, and I'm already pumped to start planning the event in Brunswick next year. Burpees for Turkeys is a fund raiser for the Good Shepherd Food Bank. I was shocked when I learned that 1 in 5 children in Maine live with food insecurity, meaning that they lack the nutritious food necessary to grow up healthy. I am proud to support the Good Shepherd Food Bank and bring awareness to the issue. They do an incredible job leveraging cash to provide nutritious food for people who need it in Maine. The Good Shepherd Food Bank is able to provide four meals with every $1 raised. I think that is incredible!! Participants received pledges, and for every $5 raised one burpee is done.
Some say that burpees are people's least favorite exercise, but I tend to disagree. And the WILCOX Bangor team does a great job making it a lot of fun. They set up 20 stations with different ways to do a burpee, so the time goes quickly and personally, I have a blast doing it!
I can't wait to host similar events in Brunswick! I hope you'll become a part of the WILCOX community! Join our mailing list at www.wilcoxwellnessfitness.com/brunswickmaine to start your journey to a healthier, happier you! You'll receive an email after you sign up asking you to specify your location. Click Brunswick, and I’ll send you an email about our upcoming charitable events. Some articles on this topic you may want to read: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/generosity-health_n_4323727 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/ http://mentalfloss.com/article/71964/7-scientific-benefits-helping-others https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/vitality/201404/the-neuroscience-giving
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AuthorHi! My name is Allison Hopkins and I am the owner of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness in Brunswick, ME. I am excited to bring WILCOX to Brunswick and share in my passion for living a great life through health and fitness. Archives
March 2023
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