10 New Practices That Will Revolutionize 2020
These past six months for me have been all about transforming my life from the inside out. I’m learning to slow down and be present, to cherish my family and heritage, and to recover my essential self. Below are the 10 New Practices That Will Revolutionize 2020. Enjoy and God bless!
Oh, and don’t forget to download a new calendar on Etsy @hyggefamilyprints – link below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Many items photographed will be linked below.
1. Invest in Real Pajamas
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, buying some real comfy adult pajamas was one of the best decisions I made in 2019. My high school librarian once told me that when I take the ACT I should wear my nicest outfit, because our bodies and minds sense a difference between a church dress and sweatpants. She was right, and it stands to reason the same goes for pajamas.
When I wear restrictive athletic clothes to bed, my body cannot fully rest. It’s ready for what I typically do in those clothes, work out. However, when I wear loose comfortable real pajamas that keep me warm… ah, peaceful sleep. I am now a huge advocate for real pajamas like these below.
2. Get Alone with Jesus
Make time for Bible Study, and I mean make time. Add it to your calendar, set an alarm, and find an accountability partner. Do whatever it takes to prioritize time alone with Jesus. There is nothing more important or vital to thriving in 2020 than putting Jesus first.
3. Read a Physical Book
Yup, an actual real book. I mean, is there anything better than the smell of a new book? Nope. This year I set out with a goal of ten books, and to be real honest I think I only finished 6, but it was better than 2018 when I finished zero.
We all have that list of books we’ve always wanted to read, but never had the time or energy. Choose just one book and read a chapter before bed every night. Does a chapter seem like too much? Try just a page. Studies show that reading or doing a puzzle not only helps us to relax, but can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Bonus!
4. Pray for Your Spouse
I have to admit, this year has taken a toll on my prayer life. My prayers seem so repetitive and lacking that I often find myself saying to God, “You know what I am about to say. Same stuff, another day. Please help me. Amen.” But just because my prayers are the same, doesn’t mean I should stop praying.
Prayer draws us closer to God and brings light into darkness.
My goal for 2020 is to pray more intentionally, and to pray especially for my spouse. Becoming prayer partners was the foundation of our relationship and for good reason. Choose to be a warrior in prayer for the one you love most, for your family and friends.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” -Colossians 4:2
5. Take a Hike
Hiking is not only good for your physical health, but your mental and relational health as well. There are 400 National Parks across the country and thousands of hiking trails in the United States alone. Grab a friend and get yourself outside. Breathe in some fresh air and soak in the beauty of creation. I promise you, it will be worth it.
6. Spend Time With Family
This year I made my family a priority. I took the time to go home and see my mother and grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins. I seized all opportunities to babysit my crazy adorable nieces and nephews. And when I was with them I reminded myself to be present, to set down my phone or peel my eyes from the TV. I’m working on listening, I mean really listening to what people are saying to me.
In 2020 I encourage you to do the same. Choose to show up for family. Shauna Niequist said it best in her book Present Over Perfect, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and look back and realize that the best thing about me was I was organized.” Shauna, I agree. I don’t want that either.
7. Make a Hygge Home
If you’ve read some previous posts of mine, you might recognize a new pattern. After years and years of spinning my wheels and over-scheduling and burning out, I am choosing a more hygge way of living. It’s only been a couple months, but I can already see the benefits in choosing a slower way of life.
Part of choosing a hygge life for me was making my home a place of rest and peace. This meant organizing and getting rid of things I dont need or never use. It meant going room by room and finding a way to make each space a welcoming and cozy one.
Learn how to bring Hygge and the Holy Spirit to your home HERE.
8. Schedule Dates with Friends
Have you every realized months have past and you haven’t seen your best friend? Your siblings? Parents? If we allow it, time will run away and before we know it we’ve lost a year. As my old boss and dear friend Patrick always says, “If it isn’t on your calendar it doesn’t exist.” Reaching out to our friends and family to schedule coffee isn’t pretentious. It’s actually a way of showing our love and commitment.
Text a few friends today and schedule a coffee date or a lunch. Start your 2020 off on the right foot by filling your calendar with people you care for the most.
9. Create a Dream Book
One of the best things I did in 2019 was to create a dream book. You see, I am a very visual learner. I’ve got a thousand ideas with no way to tangibly express them. Pinterest is excellent, but it’s electronic and I wanted to be able to hold my dreams in my hands. So, I printed pictures from Google and cut images from magazines. Then I bought a cheap scrapbook from Hobby Lobby and pasted the images inside.
When the book was completely assembled I prayed over each and every page and handed all my dreams over to God. He is in charge of them and wherever they may lead. Start your 2020 by creating your own dream book. Throughout the year you can use this book as motivation and encouragement. My own dream book has been an anchor for my restless soul.
10. Choose to Be Present
My final practice from 2019 that I hope helps your 2020 is choosing to be present. Right now isn’t a good example, because I am with a large group of people watching football and I am writing this post. True story. This is a do as I say and not as I currently do type of moment.
The moments in which I chose to be 100% present have been some of the most beautiful moments of my 2019. I’ve lost my phone more this year than any year previous, and I am the better for it. Take our your headphones, put down the laptop, turn off your phone and unplug the TV. I’m about to do the very same thing. Even though I do not like football….
I hope you will implement these 10 New Practices That Will Revolutionize 2020. For more inspiration, check out the posts below. God bless and Happy New Year!
28 Things I Have Learned in 28 Years
6 Books You Should Definitely Re-Read in 2020
My 4 Favorite Books About Hygge Living
12 Classic Children’s Books to Read With Your Kids
As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.
Love Always,
