How to include English into your everyday life

Let's be honest - we all have faced the struggle to want to improve our English language. However, somehow it doesn't work out the way we want it to.

Starting to take proper lessons is the first step to make. But I guess most of you are already visiting classes on a regular basis. On the other hand, it's also important to use the English language outside the classroom. However, not everyone has a native speaker at work, at school, next door or among friends or family. That's why I came up with some easy additional ways to include the English language into your everyday life.

Let's start simple, in case you haven't tried to include the basics:

1) Start reading books in English instead of your native language can be very helpful. Start with reading books or stories you already know. You can also read them out loud and write down unknown vocabulary. Later, you can start reading books that match your aims regarding the English language.

2) Switch your phone to English. I know, it sucks when you need it to navigate your car through a country that makes it nearly impossible for the computer voice to pronounce any of the street names. But it really doesn't take too much time to switch the settings in these cases. Apps will automatically switch to English too. Start using your favourite apps in English since you already know most of the vocabulary by heart.

3) Start reading international news in English. If you are a teenager or just don't read the news, try websites or apps such as BoredPanda or BuzzFeed. They are not the most reliable source of news for sure and you will also find some garbage out there, but especially for kids and teenagers, it's simply more interesting and fun. Same for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & Co. Start following English pages with interesting topics or stuff that will make you laugh. You're spending too much time online anyway. ;-)

4) Start writing down recipes, diary entries or shopping lists in English. You'll automatically add new vocabulary.

5) Start watching your favourite movies or series in English. Preferably original sound. Works for kids, teenagers and adults and is probably the most obvious way to include the English language into your everyday life.

You've already included the English language in all the ways mentioned above? Well, let's see if you will find some new inspiration in the following listing. Some of the options require more effort, but that should not be a big deal since you really seem to be interested in finding a new way to include more English language into your everyday life.

6) Start writing blog posts! Really, it's so much fun and you can start sharing your interests such as artwork and experiences with others and discuss each other's topics! In addition, your blogpost drafts will be proofread by a native speaking proofreader and experienced teacher before posting them.

7) Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, radio plays... There are so many different types of podcasts out there. You can easily include them in your life, whether you're on the way to school, work, long train rides, doing dishes, laundry...

8) Start surrounding yourself with native speakers or others that want to improve their English language. Really, it's so important to actively speak English. The more, the better. You can attend meetups in your area. Use online platforms like MeetUp.com to discover local meetups. In Berlin, Germany there are multiple groups of fellow English learners. You can join Steve's MeetUp Group here.

9) Have you ever heard of Polarsteps? Polarsteps is a travel tracker you can use to track, capture and perpetuate your trips, vacations and road trips. It's like an online diary where you can share your trip with your family, friends or the world depending on your interests. It's a beautiful thing to use English instead of your native language to create lasting memories. Polarsteps also offers the opportunity to create photo books without much work. In addition, Steve is on Polarsteps too. I'm sure he will follow you right away. ;-)

10) Think of all the things you do in your everyday life. Try to get creative. I'm sure you will find even more ways to include foreign languages in your life. Feel free to share them down below in the comments! Let's help each other with our own experiences, tips and tricks!

Non paid ad: None of the mentioned companies paid me to mention their product in this blog post.