Scanlon Blogs

     For those who do not know, the 4th of July is a holiday in the United States where we celebrate our independence.  Americans kick back, relax, and enjoy the day by themselves, family, and/or significant other.  However, the question is how should a person enjoy the day?  There are so many different things to do but little time to do it.  Well, here are four ways to have fun on this 4th of July.  If you are not from the United States, use the information here to have fun anytime and anywhere! 1. Road Trip      Road trips are a great way to see the world and explore new possibilities.  This 4th of July, it would be a good idea to get out of the house, go somewhere you have never been before, and see what they have in store.  Find new restaurants to go to, shop in stores you have never heard of before, or go to a park which you never would have gone to otherwise.  You will not only expand your horizons, but you ...

     Everybody suffers from social anxiety somewhere down the line.   The reasons vary; not knowing a person, what to say, how to behave, etc.   It is natural to feel this way when situations like these arise, especially when you are more of an introvert.   However, there are some people out there who struggle to speak to anyone out of fear of social interaction.   This is usually due to the fact they feel like they never know what to say, how to act around people or understand social queues.   Thankfully, there are ways to handle social anxiety and have meaningful conversations with little worry.   Here are five ways to reduce social anxiety. 1. Ask People Questions      People worry about what they are going to say throughout a conversation.   Thankfully, half the battle is asking questions and answering the questions the other person has for you.   It does not matter what questions are asked as long as they...

     Going to the gym can be a difficult and/or frightening experience for some people.   It can be a drastic change from the life they are currently living.   However, it can be the most positive, life-changing decision a person could ever make.   I used to be afraid of going to the gym because of having to deal with other people, my lack of energy, and having to take an hour of free time before or after work to lift weights.   However, once I bit the bullet, I realized how easy it was to incorporate this into my daily routine, especially after thinking of the benefits it creates.   Here are five benefits of going to the gym. 1. Physical & Mental Health      There are many physical health benefits to going to the gym and working out.   Going to the gym allows an individual to lose weight and gain muscle.   They will not only feel stronger and healthier, but the person will have many new doors open to them that...

     The ability to listen is one which many people would do well to learn.  Listening is a useful tool in life which can lead to increased confidence, long-lasting relationships, and patience.  Those who listen often have an increased understanding of people.  They are also able to resolve problems fairly easily because of their strong observation skills.  The truth is, anyone can learn how to listen better, but the individual has to be willing to do so.  Thankfully, there are many benefits to use as motivation.  Here are some of those benefits. 1. Thinking before Speaking      Many people are quick to speak for the sake of being heard or pleasing someone.   Often times, this can lead to people spewing misinformation.   This is because there are those who get nervous when someone asks them a question, wants an answer or needs information.   They then feel overloaded and say whatever they believe will make ...

     Family dinners are what brings the family closer together.   My entire life, my family and I have had family dinners, and it is because of this we are such a tight-knit group.   We have so many fond memories of eating, spending time together, and having a good time.   We would often listen to music while also having great discussions revolving around numerous topics.   I encourage everybody to have family dinners for the reasons stated.   Every time you sit down with your family, you give your family the opportunity to talk, become closer, and make memories.      The main reason for having a family dinner is for family discussion.   Talking brings people closer together and makes the experience more enjoyable.   When family members go and do their own thing, the family does not connect, laugh, or share experiences.   One of the best things to talk about is memories, especially when it comes to one’s own parent...

     Compromise plays a role in maintaining a healthy relationship.   Many relationship problems are due to selfishness.   When we are single, we are able to do whatever we want whenever we want to.   Once we are in a relationship, moments arise which makes us question whether or not it is worth sacrificing this freedom.   Although some freedoms are lost, such as talking to other potential partners, the ability to be our own person is not.   We are still capable of retaining our individuality and enjoying that which makes us happy.   Relationships do, however, require sacrificing some free time to maintain.   Sometimes, this means being put into uncomfortable situations or doing something you may not find particularly interesting.   However, relationships are a two-way street, meaning your significant other should be sacrificing as much as you.   Otherwise, the relationship is built upon selfishness and will not last.   Th...

     There are many jobs out there that involve working in a fast-paced environment.   These jobs require a “go go go” mentality and can be quite stressful.   This is because people do not like to feel rushed, stressed, or unequipped to handle the workload.   However, there are many ways to manage and thrive in these types of situations.   Here are five ways to adjust to fast-paced work environments. 1. Keep Organized      Organization is the key to a stress-free work environment.   Without organization, a person can quickly become overwhelmed, tasks take longer to complete, and the individual may not know how to complete a task.   This goes especially for fast-paced work environments.   In an environment that requires speed, accuracy, and attention to detail, remaining organized is crucial to stay ahead of the game.   A smart way to remain organized is to have a binder filled with policies and procedures. ...