Blog | Glen and Joya Baker™

Fresh Ways To Look At Routines For A Rewarding Lifestyle

February 15, 2020 Glen and Joya Baker Lifestyle

We typically view people who lead exciting and purposeful lives as individuals who embrace adventures and welcome innovation. Meanwhile, people who do the same things over and over again every day rarely cross our minds. Does this mean that people tied to routines are less happier and fulfilled? Does sticking to a set of tasks day in and day out make people less brave or competent?

For others, it can even be a reason to feel down as they start to see their lives as boring, repetitive, or aimless. However, with an open and fresh point of view, it is easy to see the beauty and stability that routines bring to our lives. The following are some fresh perspectives that will help you to better appreciate routines:

Promotes well-being.

Establishing a set of routines will be more challenging if you keep on moving from place to place. Thus, people who embrace routines are likely to stay in one place for longer periods of time. The good news is that research has proven that this practice is indeed beneficial to our health and happiness. The study says that people who stayed in their hometown are leading happier lives. The same study likewise reveals that these people are less likely to suffer from sickness and even have a longer life expectancy rate.

Nurtures your relationships.

We all know that long-distance relationships are challenging. Forming a close bond requires us to spend a lot of time with the special people in your lives. This will not be so easy if your schedule is always uncertain since you are always gearing up for your next adventure. However, if your days are all planned out because of your routines, nurturing relationships will be more feasible. Routines can also lessen the stress that comes from relationships because people know exactly what to expect from you.

Encourages creativity.

Routines lessen if not remove the stress that can come from always wondering what to do next. This frees your mind from clutter which makes it easier for your creative juices to flow. You may even be surprised with the wave of novel ideas that you are capable of. Moreover, people who follow routines usually have more extra time that they can use to pursue artistic ventures.

A little adventure every now and then can indeed spice up our lives. However, it is likewise important to respect that some people are simply not that bold or adventurous. For some people, finding contentment by following a precise set of routines is already a happy adventure by itself.

Three Ways to Cope with Stressful Days

December 15, 2019 Glen and Joya Baker Lifestyle

Even the closest of families experience times of stress. As much as we want things to be perfect all the time, that simply isn’t a realistic expectation. When life throws you curveballs, you have to adapt. So, here are three ways to help your family cope with stressful days.

Give Each Other Space

Although your instincts may tell you that you need to get to the root of the problem immediately, sometimes a little space goes a long way. After a stressful day, your family may want to unwind by going to their respective corners and destressing alone. If someone wants to take some time to cool off, that’s okay. Remember that you always have tomorrow to reconnect when emotions are less raw.

Get Active

Another coping strategy is to partake in physical activity as a family. If you’ve endured a particularly trying day together, consider using exercise as a stress reliever. You can suggest something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood, or try a team sport like tennis or basketball. If you think your family needs a dose of mindfulness and mental clarity, yoga may be the perfect fit. Whichever activity you choose, make sure it’s one the whole family can enjoy.

Cook Together

What’s better than a tasty meal? If your family needs help putting a stressful day in the rearview, try cooking dinner together. Think of a favorite meal and gather everyone in the kitchen to prepare it as a group. The act of cooking will give your family something different to focus on, with a happier end goal: a shared meal made with love.

As draining as hard days can be, experiencing them as a family can bring you closer together. Choosing to cope in healthy ways also helps tighten your bond. Keep these three coping strategies handy for the next stressful day to help it end on a happier note than it began.

Three Proven Hacks To Avoid Distractions & Improve Focus

October 15, 2019 Glen and Joya Baker Uncategorized

In spite of laying out wonderful plans for the day, many of us are guilty of leaving many of the items in our to-do list undone. When you try to examine what’s keeping you from accomplishing as much as you wanted to, the most likely culprit will be – distractions! All throughout the day, we are bombarded with seemingly endless attacks of things and concerns that steer us away from the things we are supposed to do.

You could have finished that presentation document in two hours if only you did not have to stop every now and then to check your social media feed. Or you could have easily exceeded your daily target quota if you did not prolong those chat conversations. Your productivity can also be affected by factors such as noise, mess, and unpleasant emotions such as sadness and negativity. Needless to say, the key to being more productive is to avoid these distractions by strengthening focus and concentration. The following are simple hacks you can try to do more in a day:

Start by being organized.

Is your work desk filled with unnecessary clutter? The mess will not help you focus on your work. Chances are, you will even feel more distracted and anxious. This assumption is backed by research done by Cornell University saying that clutter can agitate a person and decreases the mind’s ability to act accordingly and stay focused. Thus, if you wish to get more things done, you may want to clean your work area first.

Spend some time meditating.

The ability to focus intently on a task is a trait you can attribute to successful people. Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, and Oprah Winfrey are just a few famous personalities attesting the many benefits you can gain from spending a few minutes of your day in meditation. Incidentally, several studies also prove the many advantages of meditation to physical and emotional health. One study even claims that meditating results in a younger brain. As you build up your brain muscles by meditating, you are also improving your focus and concentration. Thus, if you are struggling to say no to a distracting activity, it is probably a good idea to give those breathing exercises a try.

Drink up!

If your mind is constantly wandering elsewhere while you try to finish a task, there are several options you can try for remedy. Some can suggest drinking coffee, eating sweets, or taking a break. You may “however” get better results by simply downing a glass of water. According to a research, dehydration adversely affects our mind’s ability to think clearly. On the other hand, another study reveals that sufficient water consumption can significantly improve cognitive function. The study says that staying hydrated is an effective way to increase concentration and productivity. So if you wish to boost your brainpower, try drinking more water.

To be immune to distractions can sound like a huge challenge.However, science has proven through their research and studies that there are simple hacks you can make use to stay glued and focused on a task. If so many distractions are keeping you from maximizing your potential and achieving goals, you may want to give the above methods a try.

Three Tips To Cope With Relationship Anxiety

August 15, 2019 Glen and Joya Baker Relationships

People have an intrinsic need to connect with someone. We build and nurture relationships because it makes our lives happier and more meaningful. Even so, people who are about to enter into a relationship are usually advised to proceed with caution. You want to be careful to lessen the risk of ending up with an unsuccessful relationship. Thus, some people may spend too much time analyzing their compatibility with another person. It is also possible to mull possible relationship problems over and over in your head.

The uncertainty involved in forming a close bond with someone is indeed risky so it is understandable if some will experience relationship anxieties. Psychologists define it as the condition when someone finds it hard to start or maintain relationships because they cannot stop worrying about the negative consequences that might occur. Relationship anxiety is normal to a certain degree but dwelling on these negative emotions too much can hinder you from living a happy and fulfilling life. Do not allow unnecessary worries to prevent you from enjoying lasting and rewarding relationships. The following tips can help you cope with relationship anxiety:

Deal with your insecurities.

Anxious thoughts come when you are not secure about your own strengths and abilities. So even though it may be hard, try to do something to crush the self-doubts in your head. Control your inner voice to ensure that you are not harboring a negative self-image. Set time to reflect on where your insecurities are coming from and actively seek ways to overcome it. Stop thinking that you are not good enough and come face to face with it. Feelings of inadequacies will likely create problems because you may think that you do not deserve to receive love and might also be unable to show affection to others as well.

Manage your expectations.

Having a realistic mindset is crucial in a relationship because very high expectations will likely lead to disappointments. Open your eyes to the truth that there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Expecting things to be a bed of roses will just worsen your anxieties. It can also lead to overly demanding behaviors which can easily ruin a relationship. Be ready with the possibility to discover flaws with your partner but realize that learning how to deal with these imperfections is what makes relationships beautiful.

Live for the moment.

People who constantly worry about the future waste their chance to truly enjoy the great moments that are happening in their lives at the moment. Thus, one good way to lessen anxiety is by focusing on the present. Accept that although you can always prepare for it, you cannot really control future events. It is useless to keep on thinking about things that could happen because it may not even happen at all. Thus, prepare for the future but resolve to live life day by day and you may see your anxieties fly away.

Relationships are like two-edged swords; while meaningful ones bring immense benefits, people in toxic relationships can badly suffer. Even so, since we can all grow and learn from our deep connections with others, relationships are usually worth taking the risk. So prepare wisely, let go of anxieties and hope for the best.

Six Signs It Is Time For Some Lifestyle Changes

June 15, 2019 Glen and Joya Baker Lifestyle

Do you have this nagging feeling that you’re not enjoying life to the fullest? Have your day-to-day activities turned into a boring routine? Does it feel like you are simply existing and not living? All of these unpleasant emotions can likely be connected to your lifestyle choices. As they say, we are defined by the choices we make, so aiming for a happier and more meaningful life means being willing to implement life changes. Sometimes, though, people fail to recognize the signs that drastic changes are needed to improve the quality of their lives. Read on for six signs it is time for you to make a lifestyle change.

You are aging faster.

To hear people say you are aging gracefully is more than a sweet compliment. It is a sign that you have been taking care of yourself. So when more people start to mistakenly perceive you as someone older than you really are, treat it as a sign that you need to do something to keep aging at bay. There are many factors that can cause premature aging such as unhealthy diet or poor work-life balance. So take time to reflect on your habits and lifestyle to see what needs to be done or changed.

You are always tired.

Constant fatigue is a serious medical concern. Perennial exhaustion can prevent you from giving any task your best. So if you start to notice you can’t seem to keep your energy up most days, it is time to address where your tiredness is coming from. A visit to your doctor can help you determine the cause of the problem. You may have to start adopting a healthier lifestyle or take supplements. Or, you may discover that you have been working way too hard at work or home. These reflections may make you realize that you need to seriously aim to lead a lifestyle that permits more time for rest and relaxation.

You hate your job.

If you feel stuck in a toxic workplace and dread coming to work every day, you may want to seriously consider a career change. Our jobs can provide financial stability, so it is not always easy to quit or leave. However, you may be sacrificing growth opportunities and risking your mental health by refusing to leave a job you hate. On the other hand, looking for a new career path may lead you to follow your passions and realize your full potential.

You are with negative people.

The company you keep can greatly influence your mindset. If you’re feeling down and uninspired, you could be hanging out with the wrong people. Or maybe you are trapped in the wrong relationship. It may be a difficult and painful process, but sometimes weeding out the bad people in your life is the wise thing to do. You might have to end a current relationship or seek new activities that exclude certain people so you can meet new ones who can uplift and encourage you to be better.

You have stopped learning.

A well-lived life is a continuous journey toward learning and self-improvement. If you are no longer pursuing any hobbies or brushing up knowledge in your area of expertise, you probably need to revive your thirst for knowledge. To regain your zest for learning, you can sign up for classes, attend a conference or start a new project. You will definitely improve your lifestyle if you consistently follow the path to self improvement.

You are in a financial rut

Money isn’t everything, but it is a big factor that can affect your happiness. If you are struggling to pay your debt because it is bigger than your income, it‘s time to reexamine your lifestyle. You likely need to drastically minimize spending or let go of luxuries until you are out of debt. Solving money issues can be tough, but it will be very doable if you are willing to make some lifestyle changes.

We are all free to live the way we want. Our lifestyle choices, though, should always work to our advantage. So the moment you feel that something is amiss, have the courage and initiative to implement changes.

How to Maintain an Identity Separate from Parenthood

April 15, 2019 Glen and Joya Baker Family

Parenthood can be all-consuming. Caring for a child is no easy feat: it takes a great deal of time, thought and energy. Because we prioritize our children, we give them the first and the best of whatever we have to offer, leaving the leftovers for ourselves. But when our leftover time, attention and energy isn’t enough, we become one dimensional. Many of us begin to limit our identities to being parents and nothing else. We often think this transformation is necessary in order to be devoted caretakers. In reality, this transformation robs us of our ability to be happy and whole. To be the best parent you must first be the best you. However, you can’t achieve that if you no longer know who you are outside of your parental role. If you find yourself in this predicament, try these four tips to maintain your identity separate from parenthood.

Stay in Touch with Friends

Friendship is important. The act of connecting with like-minded individuals who know all the details of your life (past and present) provides a mental outlet that is undeniably necessary in adulthood. Friends give us the chance to reminisce, vent and let loose. They can be a shoulder to cry on, timely comedic relief or simply a hand to hold. But because parenthood keeps us busy our former friendships sometimes get pushed to the back burner or lost altogether. Instead of severing your friendships, make it a point to stay in touch. While your adult companions can serve as reminders of who you were before children, they can also help keep you connected to your individualism, even with children.

Independent Time

It’s no secret that parenthood requires the biggest time commitment you’ll ever make. From the moment your first child is born, you assume a twenty-four hour, seven day a week responsibility. Because our children rely on us for everything from their physical needs to their mental and moral development, it’s common for many parents to lose track of time in the process. Before we know it the kids are successful young adults in college while we struggle to find our rhythm as empty nesters. Failing to make time to feed your own mind, body and soul can wreak havoc on various parts of your life. Some people end up resenting their choice to selflessly sacrifice so much of their time. Others wind up smothering their kids because they no longer know how to function outside of their parental role. Stay-at-home parents may also harbor hidden animosity toward their children or spouse because of the amount of daily time devoted without a break. The best remedy is to work with your support system to schedule time away. Whether that be a date night, independent time or a tropical getaway, regular time to yourself will help clear your mind and leave you refreshed and ready to be the best parent you can be.

Independent Interests

Lastly, balanced parents need independent interests. We put our children in chess club, soccer and gymnastics to expose them to various people, opportunities to problem solve and life experiences. Why don’t we do the same for ourselves? For the same reason your children need hobbies, parents can also benefit from having interests that are uniquely theirs. Set aside time for yourself to do what makes you happiest. Consider old passions you’ve forgotten. Look into trying something new. You deserve the chance to release some stress, invest in your personal growth or relax and unwind. Parenthood shouldn’t cancel out your ability to make those joys a part of your weekly routine.

Being a parent is a privilege and an honor. The joy of parenthood far exceeds the struggles we may face along the way. Still, it’s important that you don’t lose yourself in the process. Children benefit most when they have happy, balanced adults in their lives. Be honest with yourself and your spouse about what you need in order to restore a feeling of self, and use these three tips as your guide.

How To Use Conflicts To Strengthen Relationships

February 15, 2019 Glen and Joya Baker Relationships

Blissful and harmonious – these are common words that come to mind when describing happy and meaningful relationships. And if you want to keep and maintain a strong bond with someone, you oftentimes go out of your way to avoid conflicts as much as possible. Still, finding a couple who manages to stay together for a long time without finding anything to argue about sounds like something from a fantasy world. In reality, many struggle to come to terms with the people who are closest to them.

Can fights in a relationship be healthy?

Fights and misunderstandings are a normal part of a relationship. It is probably more alarming if you and your partner do not have anything to disagree about. An online survey even revealed that arguing increases a couple’s chance to be happy by 10 times. Having arguments can be a sign of a healthy and mature relationship because it is a way for couples to work out their differences. You do not have to change your ways to avoid conflicts or agree to everything your partner wants just to avoid trouble. By arguing, couples communicate their wants and together they figure out ways to resolve it. If done the right way, conflicts are like bridges that couples cross to further strengthen their union. Even so, not every couple knows how to properly deal with disagreements. Oftentimes the frequency and intensity of quarrels can quickly tear down the foundation of even the strongest relationships.

Broken relationships are always sad and the tragedy is worsened if you think simple and little changes could have been done to save it. One way to protect and nurture your relationship is by changing your attitude and approach towards conflicts. So are you always at odds with your partner? Find ways to turn that to your advantage with the following tips.

Be a better listener.

When issues arise in a relationship, it is so tempting to start trying to air your side. Now, if both partners resort to giving their piece of mind at once, no issue is likely to be resolved. In a healthy discussion, you have time to express your mind but also have open ears for your partner. Give your partner time to explain and listen without judgment. Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and try to be more understanding.

Ditch the blame game.

To pin a mistake on someone else is the easy and immature way of dealing with conflicts. Especially since most of the time you cannot attribute a mistake to only one person. Even if someone is really at fault they do not want to hear it over and over. Blaming others can just lead to contempt. So instead of pointing out the wrongs of someone else, look at the issue constructively as you both think of ways on how to avoid it next time.

Control your emotions.

If you are upset, you are likely to do things that you will regret later. Do your best not to let emotions like anger or bitterness get the better of you. It does not mean that you have to suppress your emotions. You have the right to acknowledge what you feel but you can manage the way you react to it. This is something that is easier said than done but if you truly want to protect your relationships, you need to exert real effort to be a master of your emotions. This is, after all, a trait that you can use in all aspects of your life. In times when controlling emotions seems impossible, it is better to take some time off before talking to your partner.

Do not sweat the small stuff.

Not every issue is worth an argument. You may discover your partner’s annoying habits but if it is not something that creates big trouble, it is probably better to just be patient about it. Besides, creating relationship is also learning to accept some things about your partner. Be patient and learn to pick your battles as not everything is worth your time or attention.

The relationships we have makes life worth living. It is important to consciously take steps to nurture the relationships we have which includes finding ways to cope with conflicts and issues.

Enrich Your Lifestyle & Make A Difference: Do These 4 Things Everyday!

December 15, 2018 Glen and Joya Baker Lifestyle

Life is a precious gift given to all, yet not everyone has the strength or wisdom to appreciate and enjoy every moment. Sadly, a recent survey by Gallup, a performance-management consulting company, revealed that the number of people who are sad or in pain have increased over the last ten years. This research exposes the unfortunate truth that unhappiness affects people worldwide.

But to succumb to depression is to accept defeat. Instead of letting life get you down, the results of the survey mentioned above should even give you a reason to strive for a more meaningful existence. Happiness is a daily decision you make if you want to improve your life and make a difference. You can start by a making a firm resolve to do the following things everyday.

Commit to doing a good deed.

Kindness goes a long way because the positive action benefits both the receiver and giver. It boosts your confidence by knowing you can brighten someone’s day, and at the same time, create a positive influence. So why not make it a daily goal to do something good for others? It does not have to be a burdensome task. It can be as simple as lending a hand to someone in need of assistance or being more patient to someone having a hard time.

Commit to see the good side of everything.

You cannot expect for things to always go smoothly or for people to always be on your side. To fully enjoy every moment, you should try to not allow negative people and situations to dampen your cheerful spirit. You may not be able to avoid gloomy people or situations, but you can choose to focus on the good side of things.

If you stay positive, problems come with valuable lessons and losing something opens an opportunity to find something new. Another thing that will help you focus on positivity is realizing that the negative things or people have nothing to do with you. This means that you can ignore or avoid them. You can also overcome the negative energy with your positive outlook.

Commit to loving yourself more.

If you seek happiness in others, you may end up hurt and disappointed. Your joy should come from within. You can nurture your inner happiness by doing things that you love everyday. Life is tough enough, so don’t be too hard on yourself. You can always push yourself to do better, but don’t forget to be gentle with yourself. Take a break if you are tired or find ways to reward yourself after a long, exhausting day.

Commit to learning.

Famous scientist Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.” This quote from a man whose discoveries greatly benefited society states that wonderful things happen when one is always eager to welcome and study new ideas. Learning is a lifelong journey and the vast world will never run out of things for you to discover.

So keep your eyes open for new knowledge and skills to learn. If you find joy in learning new things, you will never lose that sense of wonder which is essential to seeing the beauty of life. Your dedication to gain more knowledge will contribute to your overall satisfaction in life.

So many people are in despair and it isn’t hard to fathom why. Life is not a walk in the park, and sometimes it seems easier to just live in misery day after day. It takes courage, determination and commitment to fully experience the joy of living. To enrich your life, you need guts to rise above failures and disappointments. It may sound difficult to stay happy in a grief-laden world, but it is a challenge worth pursuing.

Six Ways To Continuously Reap Success & Achieve Excellence

October 15, 2018 Glen and Joya Baker Uncategorized

People who chased and found success realized that it is not a journey with a definite ending. Rather, it is a breathtaking destination that leads to more magnificent sights. It can also be likened to a door that opens new pathways to more exciting adventures. The only sensible thing to do if you wish to hold on to your success is to move forward. You cannot stop or move backward because it is like turning your back to a wealth of treasures that are within your reach.

Committing to the following behaviors will help you continuously enjoy victory in life:

Be an early riser

If you see yourself as a night owl, you may want to seriously consider shifting to a more active morning routine. Various studies linking the habit of waking up early to productivity and success may just convince you. A study regarding the behaviors of successful people by financial planner and bestselling author, Thomas Corley, revealed that almost half of the self-made millionaires involved in his research make an effort to rise hours before their workday begins. By starting your day an hour or two earlier, you get ample time to prepare for the tasks ahead and you greatly increase the chance of accomplishing more. If being a morning person proves to be a big challenge, remind yourself of the quotes that “The early bird gets the worm” and “You snooze, you lose.”

Be a voracious reader

The fact that a great number of notable individuals such as Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates are self-confessed bookworms may just convince you to pick up that book that is just gathering dust in the corner of your room. Books are source of entertainment and knowledge so setting a time for daily reading is a pleasant way to increase your mental power and nurture creativity. At the same time, the knowledge you gained from reading gives you an edge over others.

Challenge yourself every day

Staying in your comfort zone is like setting up a pigeonhole that restrains your growth and potential. Besides, you cannot totally avoid risks if you wish to achieve something great in life. So liven up your routines by finding ways to push yourself to the limit each day. Simple ways to do this include doing an extra set of sit-up exercises or completing a project in half the time.

Keep on learning

The world is an infinite source of knowledge and learning is a continuous process so there will always be new things to discover. Successful individuals never stop upon reaching their goals. Instead, they keep themselves indispensable by acquiring new skills and honing existing strengths. They also manage to stay a step ahead of the game by keeping an eye on latest trends and breakthroughs.

Always be thankful

Life would hand with you a fair share of problems that make it hard to pursue fruitful living. Successful people though resist the pull of negativity by constantly focusing on the bright side. By choosing to be grateful for everything including difficulties, you can stay inspired and motivated to keep on reaching for your dreams.

Invest on good health

Even with strong willpower, soaring to new heights will be next to impossible if you are physically weak. You need energy and stamina to do extraordinary things so nourish your body with essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

The determination and discipline to commit to good habits are vital keys that make the quest to achieve your full potential and enjoy continued success possible. The amount of effort you have to exert in the pursuit of excellence will never be wasted because it will allow you to experience the best that this life has to offer.

Are Your Kids Ready For The Future? Give Them An Edge With These Skills

August 15, 2018 Glen and Joya Baker Family

Parenting has always been a huge responsibility. We all want our kids to reap success and lead rewarding lives in the future. Yet, in this fast-paced digital age, parenting seems to have become a harder task. Technology is rapidly changing the way people live all over the world and kids are now faced with a greater challenge more than ever.You can boost your child’s advantage in the digital world by teaching them the following skills:

Teach Them a Foreign Language

Technological advancements have indeed made the world smaller so raising bilingual or multilingual kids will prove to be beneficial in the long run. The future workforce will most likely be composed of people from various cultures so the ability to speak and understand a foreign language will open more career opportunities. They say it is best to start learning a language at a young age, so it is a good idea to enroll your child in a foreign language class or simply install an app that offers language courses. Learning a new language also leads to other benefits such as wider vocabulary and improved memory. It is also a great way to teach your kids about embracing diversity.

Make Your Kids Social Media Savvy

Social media is everywhere these days and your kids most likely have or will soon have an account. Get involved by educating your child on how to use the online media platforms responsibly. Teach your kids how they can take advantage of the social media platforms by telling them the good (e.g., sharing knowledge) and bad (e.g., cyber-bullying) side of it. While you do not want to snoop or monitor your child’s every move online, gently remind them to always think before clicking or posting anything. You should also teach them ways on how they can protect their privacy online.

Emphasize the Importance of Offline Time

Kids today spend a great deal of time online, from leisure activities such as watching movies and playing games to serious stuff such as researching and studying. To help them grow-up up as well-rounded kids, parents need to teach their children to balance the time they spend in online and offline activities. A surefire way to impart this knowledge to youngsters is by being a good example. It will be hard to tell your kids to limit screen time to a few hours a day if you spend most of the time online as well. So schedule fun and traditional activities or teach them new skills that do not involve any gadget at all. It will be great for bonding and at the same time will make your child realize that there are other worthwhile activities to do offline.

Inform Them About Emerging In-Demand Skills

Parents should be on the lookout about the latest in the digital trends to know the skills that may be indispensable for their kids in the future. You do not have to force it, but you can encourage your children to take lessons in fields such as robotics or coding.

Parents want nothing but the best for their kids, so it is understandable if some will go to great lengths just to ensure it. Still, at the end of the day, the best way to nurture your kid’s potential is by showering them with unconditional love and support.