10 ways to learn a language when you are too busy

Consistent contact with your target language is important to improve your level.  However, even if you have a hectic lifestyle, there are ways to include your target language every day.   Below, I have listed 10 ways to learn a language when you are too busy to do so.

1.            Getting showered and dressed for the day

Getting ready for the day is the perfect time to listen to podcasts, music or the radio.  Why not start the day passing a bit of time with your target language?

2.            Commuting

If you commute by car, obviously you can listen to your target language.  If you commute by train or bus, your options extend to reading too.  This is great for chewing up otherwise dead time.

3.            Queuing in the bank, supermarket, for an elevator etc. 

For all those times when you need to queue such as in a bank, at the supermarket, for an elevator etc, you can carry flashcards around with you and then practice vocabulary and phrases of your target language.

4.            Walking

If you have an IPod or something similar, you can listen to music or podcasts whilst enjoying the fresh air.

5.            Making a tea or a coffee

Making a tea or a coffee is the perfect opportunity to start thinking and daydreaming in your target language. 

Maybe you could imagine yourself in your ideal location talking to a fabulous someone in your target language.  What are you going to say, what are they going to say back to you?   Sounds dreamy!

6.            Housework

Doing the dishes, sorting out the laundry, doing the ironing and most other housework duties are perfect opportunities to listen to the radio, music or podcasts.

7.            Working on the computer

If you need to work or do homework on your computer, why not listen to your target language in the background at the same time?

8.            Researching on the computer

If you need to research something on the computer, why not do it in your target language?  What an awesome way to learn a language.

 

9.            Too tired to do anything

The perfect antidote if you are too tired and drained but want to spend time with your target language is to watch a TV show or a film you greatly enjoy.  Use subtitles if you need to.  Then just relax.

10.          Getting ready for bed

After a stressful and busy day, you can relax reading or LR in bed for 15 minutes or so before going to sleep.   Sweet dreams.