Hey there.

Are you that kind of person who says that want to learn English effortlessly but all the time you think you don’t have time?

So, today’s article is for you.

Time is the precious treasure of modern life. From the creation of the universe until now the day has 24 hours, even it seems less today. It happens because we’re too connected and full of activities to do. But if we slow down and pay attention to our daily routine, we’re going to find time to learn English.

Let’s dive into this subject.

Thinking about your routine

Let’s do a quick exercise: think about your routine. What do you do in your daily life? Go to work/school, go to pick the children up from school, go to the gym, wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, wash the car, go for a walk with your pet…. Now, can you tell me what all those activities have in common? During those activities, your brain doesn’t require so much energy because those activities are part of your life; it’s your routine. You do it automatically. So, it’s during those automatic activities that you’re going to improve your English. But how? Good question! You need a smartphone or mp3 player, and an earphone.

During your automatic routine, you’re going to introduce English listening practice. It’s going to improve your listening skill and vocabulary.

English listening practice

For beginners

I highly recommend downloading audio with transcription. You can find amazing audios on VOA learning English, ESL Yes, and Ello. You can listen to the audio previously without looking at the text, then listen to it again following the text. Of course, during your automatic activities, you can’t read the text. This reading activity is just for understanding what you are listening to.

It’s useless you listen to incomprehensible audio. So you can download one or two audio per week, and when you understand them easily and automatically, in other words, without translating them, it’s time to move on and find new audio. You can learn English by merely repeating audios until they stick.

For pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced.

I highly recommend you listen to podcasts about your subject of interest. If you listen to exciting podcast topics, you must be familiar with the vocabulary and expression. I use an application called “podcast addict.” You can download it on your smartphone and subscribe to good channels. I’ve subscribed to Effortless English podcast, Making sense, Super Soul, Ted radio hour, the drive, RealLife Radio, The school of greatness, the science of success, Low carb conversations, and Diet doctor.

My favorite is “the science of success” and “the school of greatness.” The first one you can download the episodes and transcriptions on the website.

I started to listen to English tips by AJ Hoge, and “the RealLife radio,” for a long time. Then I listened to self-development podcasts. Later, I started to spread my wings with nutrition and health.

After listening to too many podcasts, I could notice my listening skill improvement, also in movies. That’s fantastic. 😀

Creating a habit

The key point is to create a habit. Leave your laziness aside, and always take your smartphone or mp3 player and listen to English audios or podcasts.

Finding extra-time

Ways to find extra time in your day for English listening

• Driving your car
• waiting for a bus/train/doctor’s appointment
• doing exercises like running or walking
• doing housework
• drying your hair
• washing the car
• watering plants in the garden

Which activities are you going to start your practice? Do you have any new suggestions? Leave us a comment below.

Check these 5 Most Effective Tactics to Stay Motivated to Learn English.

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Thanks, and see you around.