Use it or lose it! Learning a language means you have to be an active user to do well. It has to be every day. The more you are around English and you put English in your environment (e.g. the more you use and see it), the faster you will improve.

The good news is that there are truly many ways to use English on a daily basis. Once they become habits then you won’t even think about them anymore but they will make a big difference.

1. Download some podcasts in English for your downtime.

Podcasts make for an awesome way to keep up your listening skills. There are some made for English learners that are useful, or if you are more advanced you can listen to ones made for native speakers while doing chores or driving somewhere.

2. Change your phone settings to English.

This goes for all of your electronic devices as well. Though it won’t help you learn all that much, it’s the mindset of English that matters.

3. Label things around your room/house…

This is one for beginners. Take some time to label everything in your room or house in English. Though it may look silly, you will start to think of objects only in English, which is great!

4. …Or put up quotes, sayings, goals, etc.

If you already know by heart all of the names of the things in your home, you can still “decorate” your living space in English by putting up some nice quotes or sayings. Consider writing down your to-do list or some daily goals (about anything) in English and put it up to see.

5. Start thinking in English

At first, you will have to do it on purpose. After a while, it will come naturally!

6. Play background music

Many people like to listen to music while around the house. Make sure it’s in English! As we said, the more you are around it, the more it will become a habit.

7. Post and follow on social media

You probably have a social media account. Why not use it to help you with English? Write one post in English daily. Follow some English pages about anything in your interest so that your feed is in English too.

Good luck!

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About the Author

Yvette Smith has been an educator for the past six years. Her speciality is ESL and has taught students of all ages in China, Mexico, and Vietnam.