It’s almost hard to think about what our
world was like before COVID-19 became a part of it. I find myself referring to
the time before the pandemic as “pre-COVID” when I’m telling a story, which is a
strong indication to just how big of an impact this experience has been on all
of us. In an odd way, this pandemic is the one that that we’re all experiencing
on a universal level. Each personal experience is unique from the next, and
it’s certain that this is something that none of us will forget for the rest of
our lives.
Beyond the physical aspect of the pandemic,
the virus itself, this moment in time has impacted and affected so many factors
of our lives. One of the biggest ways that it’s taken a toll on is our mental
and emotional health. Whether we’ve lost our jobs or had to take pay cuts, or
if we’re far from family and live alone, or even if we’re already living with a
chronic condition and are having trouble accessing our primary health
specialist or our treatment – this experience is unique for each and every one
of us, and it’s more important than ever to make sure that we’re all taking
care of our mental health.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I’m fortunate enough to be able to work from home full-time without my pay being affected. While I still get to “see” my coworkers via Zoom, I’m certainly missing the in-person interaction that came with the office, especially with those that I don’t work that intimately with. Because I live alone, I relied on those day-to-day in-person interaction to fill the need of human intimacy – now that I don’t have that, there’s a level of daily loneliness that has increased.
I’m also the only one in my family that
lives here in New York City. My family members are spread out over the states,
so visiting them hasn’t been a realistic option for me. Again, I’m thankful for
our technology these days to keep us in touch, and with FaceTime and Zoom, I
can be sure to “see” them on a regular basis, but to the same idea above, it’s
certainly not the same.
Something else that I’m grieving that I
wasn’t expecting is the city itself. Sure, the past couple of months I’ve been
writing about how there’s still plenty to do and see here while we’re in the
middle of this pandemic, but I also won’t lie to you: it’s not the same.
Because I’m spending so much more time inside my studio apartment, there are
many days when I practically forget that I live in the best city in the world.
When I was commuting to work, taking the subway, transferring at Times Square,
and passing thousands of other New Yorkers a day, I truly felt like I was
making the most of my experience of living in this great city. Without that,
there’s a level of removal that I’m feeling – I feel like I miss the city, even
though I’m still here.
Paying attention to all of these new
feelings and emotions is crucial as we continue to move forward into the next
couple of months. I still maintain my weekly therapy sessions (virtually, of
course), and every week, my therapist starts off the conversation with, “How was
this week for you?” I come to those sessions every week prepared and take a
deep breath as I recount yet another week of living in quarantine. Sometimes,
my emotions are monotonous, just like my days. Often I’m feeling suffocated,
defeated, scared, lonely, and worried. There’s so much uncertainty in our world
these days that I feel comforted when she tells me that I’m not alone, that
these emotions are felt city-wide, state-wide, and worldwide. She urges me to
keep reaching out to my friends to talk, video chat, and connect. She urges me
to continue to count what I consider lucky while still thinking of others that
are struggling in different ways. She urges me to listen to my instincts and
write things out if I’m having a tough day. She’s also mentioned that if I ever
feel that I need additional help beyond what she’s providing me that I need to
tell her so that she can refer me to that additional expertise.
I urge you to do the same, as there’s not a
more important time to do this than right now.
As we just hit the six-month mark of living in a pandemic, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how much has changed in this short period. I joke with my coworkers how this whole journey has essentially felt like one long day, almost as if time simply doesn’t exist anymore. The punctuations of our days have been muted, and even my levels of productivity often feel lower than I remember. I live in a studio here in Manhattan, which means that my working space is in the same space as where I sleep, eat, and relax (at least try to). This has affected my outlook on my routines for sure, as the lines of my professional life have blurred with those of my personal life and vice versa. There are advantages to this, and of course, disadvantages.
No one knew that we would still be “in
this” for this long. And once we all realized that this pandemic was not going
to be short-term, I think we’ve all braced ourselves for the realities of our
future and what those look like. A lot of my friends and colleagues have left the
city for the freedom and open spaces of suburbia where their families live.
I’ve chosen to stick around – I love being in the city, no matter how different
or eerie it feels. I’m proud of how resilient us New Yorkers have been, and I’m
even more proud at how we went from being the epicenter of the virus just
months ago to the model of protocol and following safety procedures.
As our days in New York City continue, and as we face a very uncertain fall and winter due to flu season and colder temperatures, we still have plenty to look forward to here in the Big Apple. As long as we continue to practice our physical distancing and wearing a mask and simply just using our heads, we can still enjoy this amazing city to best of our abilities. And if you’re looking for ways to keep your English skills fresh and your practices sharp, there are still a ton of ways to put all of that to use as you enjoy New York City.
1. Stay fit and focused
As New Yorkers, we actually have quite a few options at our fingertips when it comes to staying active and in shape. When my gym closed in March, I had to adapt to new practices with what I had in my apartment – and finding the motivation was part of that new habit, too! On the warmer days, I did my best to do runs outside by the river or through parks just to get a change of scenery. It wasn’t awesome wearing a mask the whole time, but I got used to it. I also downloaded a ton of fitness apps to keep me motivated by activating reminders and establishing routine, which was super helpful. Now that gyms are open in the city but with heavy restrictions, you might be wondering what’s best for you. For me, I opted to continue down my own practices – not only has this helped me save money, but I also ultimately feel that it’s safer no matter what. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, but be sure to think about safety as one of your primary thought processes. If you’re looking for ways to keep you English practice fresh, so many of these apps are interactive, so you’ll be sure to keep your listening and comprehending skills sharp.
2. Outdoor and indoor dining
As our weather
changes in the coming months, we’ll start to see some changes around how we’re
operating both indoors and outdoors for dining. I keep seeing the dates change
here, but more than anything, I recommend approaching the coming months with an
open and flexible mind. So much of what we do next needs to be reactive so that
we know how to move forward as safely as possible. In the meantime, enjoy the
outdoor dining while we still have it, and if the day comes when we can move
indoors, continue to use your best instincts to protect yourself and those
around you. As always, interacting with the menus and the waitstaff is the best
way to keep your English skills practiced and up-to-speed. Be sure to also
support your local businesses by ordering take-out while you’re quarantining –
they need our help, too!
As we’re still facing the realities of
living in a pandemic, our regular routines and daily lives have shifted
significantly. While we’re certainly in a better place compared to March and
April, we continue to hear advisement around staying safe and the continuation
of physical distancing and slow advancements. We’ve learned a lot over the past
couple of months, and we’ll continue to learn more as our scientists and
researchers work on a vaccine and develop learnings so that we can treat this
virus and move forward stronger than ever.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve talked
to you all about the benefits of living in New York City while learning
English. There truly is no better place to be to immerse yourself in hundreds
of other cultures and languages, not to mention – it’s the best city in the
world!
Lately, I’ve shifted my tone to cater more
to the immediate needs of living in New York City during this COVID-19
pandemic. While I still think New York City is the greatest place in the world,
I understand that our tried-and-true methods that we’ve discussed over the
years may not be as applicable. My love for the Big Apple has probably even
grown after watching this great city overcome what once was the epicenter of
this horrible situation into a place that is now safe and compliant to the
orders of our administration.
According to the experts, we have a long
way to go until we can go back to what we consider “normal.” And even then, our
“normal” may be radically different than what we were used to just in January
of this year. In any event, we must continue to be safe and practice our
physical distancing so that we can continue on this positive trajectory.
For those of you that came to New York City to practice your English and are now currently experiencing this new life in the middle of a pandemic, we can still look to the fall and predict the best ways you can utilize your English practice in real life – without sacrificing your safety or the safety of those around you.
1. Take advantage of outdoor dining
While outdoor dining will start to slow down as the months get cooler, take advantage of this option as much as you can in the beginning of the fall. This is one of the best things to happen to New York City since the start of the pandemic, as businesses can open their doors again, the employees can start making their money again, and your friends and neighbors can enjoy the outdoor space and see the faces of their loved ones – with safety of course! This is a great time to utilize your English reading skills from the menu, practice your conversations with the waitstaff, and engage with your friends while enjoying a meal out. I always say that the best practice comes from real-world experience, so take advantage of this luxury while you can!
2. Did I mention the parks?
The parks in New York City are one of the greatest commodities that this island has to offer. Not only do you get the amazing greenery and scenery, but parks also give you the easy capability of physical distancing that you need to stay safe. Bring a large blanket, a few snacks, and be conscious of your surroundings. Everyone else around you should be practicing physical distancing as well, so you likely won’t have to ask anyone to move away. Enjoy the last remaining comfortable months outdoors, and bring a board game or a deck of cards and see how you can incorporate some English skills into it. Not only will you have fun in the fresh air, but you’ll be putting your skills to use in real time with a few laughs.
3. Simply take a walk
This is a
practice that even I need to do more of – so many of us are used to being
indoors so much now that even just getting outside for a walk can seem like a
treat! When you’re out walking, see how well you comprehend the street signs
and business names. When you pass restaurants, check out the menus they paste
on the windows. Not only will you get out of your indoor space that’s probably
driving you wild, but you’ll get some fresh air and get your English reading
skills some action.
When the coronavirus hit the US in early 2020, no one could have anticipated the world in which we all now live. We have spent the past couple of months trying to adapt to a new way of life that includes physical separation, wearing masks at all times, and forgoing activities that were once a part of our daily lives. I never thought I’d admit this, but I actually miss the act of daily commuting – it brought structure and routine to my day, and it provided a sense of purpose to each day. I recognize that I’m lucky enough to be able to work at full capacity from home and not everyone has that luxury, but adapting to no longer commuting was harder than I thought it would be.
I also feel like I’ve missed out on so much
of the city that I love. Because I’m spending so much time in my apartment,
I’ve missed out on the social gatherings, the park visits, and even
neighborhood bopping on the weekends with my friends. The sense of adventure
that the city always provided me is now missing. Luckily, New York City has seen
tremendous success after the physical distancing efforts and the sheltering in
place that we all did – which has led to us being allowed to interact with
others again – but, of course, with limitations. For me, I’m happy with that –
I’ll take anything I can get.
So that brings me to the next thought. What
do we do now? How do we move forward? What does our future look like?
I, of course, can’t answer all of these
questions. There are so many variables, and we don’t even know what next month
will look like, much less next week. This has left me feeling uneasy at times,
as I’m wondering when I’ll be able to see my family again. When will I be able
to return to the office? When will we see “normal” again?
This is a conversation topic that I see
happening all over the place. In our news articles, in social conversations,
and even in social gatherings – when we’re all sitting together, wearing our
masks, we can’t NOT talk about it. What does our new normal look like?
Here’s what I can offer:
1. Find connections – in any way that you can
If we’ve learned
anything since the start of this pandemic, it’s that we can’t sacrifice
caution. I don’t mean to find connection by mingling with a bunch of strangers
– but take advantage of the tools you already have to connect with others. For
the first time of our lives, connectively, this pandemic is the one thing that
we ALL have in common. This means that we’re all struggling with this in one
way or another, some more than others. Check in with each other, ask how your
friends are doing, and see if there’s anything you can do to help.
I celebrated my birthday during the pandemic, and I swear, this was the year that I felt the most loved – and I realized it’s because people knew that I was spending the day differently than anticipated. With our delivery tools and technology, showing someone you care is easier than ever. Who knew that my best birthday yet would be the one in which our world is upside down?
2. Be open-minded
Note that I said “open-minded” and not “optimistic.” I’m not saying there’s nothing to look forward to, but we simply just don’t know what our immediate future is going to look like. In March, when New York City was essentially shut down, I don’t think anyone anticipated that we’d still be feeling its effects into this late in the year. We have to wait and see. Be prepared for the worst, but celebrate the good. Is there a way to make lemonade from a lemon? We might see a day of low cases, but we might find the next day with a spike. We must continue to do what we’re doing with good spirit.
3. Be safe
I know that
we’re all fatigued with our situation. I know there are some days I’m feeling
mentally and emotionally defeated, wishing that this is all just a bad dream.
But it’s our reality, so I encourage you to continue practicing your physical
distancing, always use your mask, and don’t forget to send your virtual love to
friends near and far. It’s as important as ever.
No matter how long you’ve been in the city while learning and practicing your English, you know that the Big Apple is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Because of how many people live and work here as well as its production value and epicenter for business, it’s constantly watched and monitored. From crime and education to technology and media, New York City is a hub for attraction and observation. When this location became the epicenter of the middle of the pandemic, all eyes were on us to see how we handle it and react. Our response would, in a way, set the tone for other cities to follow. Practically overnight, we had to be the example for the rest of the world.
While other cities and geographic regions
loosened their guidelines, we kept them in place. While other locations started
to reopen, we stalled. It felt painful and frustrating to watch other parts of
the country try to resume to some state of normalcy, but there was also a sense
of pride when it came to knowing that our city was taking the pandemic
seriously and would do everything in our power to flatten the curve and keep us
safe.
These practices proved to be successful, as
we’re now seeing that New York City has some of the lowest numbers in the
country, especially when taken into account how quickly we went from the
“worst” to one of the “safest.” We still have plenty of work to do when it
comes to operating at a “normal’ state, but in moments like these, I’m proud to
be a New Yorker.
How to take the next steps
Just as much the rest of the country was
watching us in the middle of the pandemic to learn how we would respond, now
we’re watching the rest of the country to inform us what NOT to do. We’re
learning that opening up in full swing is not safe, and we’re learning that
ongoing physical distancing practices must be maintained in order to keep
everyone safe.
What’s really rewarding for me to see is
watching us all hold each other accountable. We’re not afraid to tell our
community if we need to be wearing more masks, and we’re willing to provide
strangers with hand sanitizer at any moment. While in line at grocery stores,
we’re now in the habit of leveraging generous space between one another. Public
transportation and ride shares now have physical barriers between the drivers
to keep all passengers safe. When we meet up with friends, we skip the hugs and
just resort to elbow bumps.
We saw the effect that the pandemic had on
our world when it first became a reality, and New Yorkers are responding to
ongoing safety procedures with respect, which is why we’re now one of the
safest places to be in the world, which says a lot considering we used to be
one of the worst.
What you can do
Whether you’re a New York City veteran or a
newbie, you can continue this string of progress in your everyday activities.
Even though the city is opening back up inch by inch, we still must respect the
process and do what we can to keep our safety as our biggest concern.
Phone, wallet, keys, mask
Hey, I hate
wearing the mask, too. But now it’s a part of me, just like the rest of my
essentials. And I remind myself that everyone else hates wearing them too, and
we all feel a little silly, but if it helps, I’ll wear it. It’s my part to keep
myself safe as well as those around me.
Keep your distance
You’ve surely
seen all the visuals that tell us just how far the virus can travel and the
good that our masks will do in the prevention of the spread. In addition to the
mask, I’m still conscientious of how close I am to people while waiting in
line, taking out my trash, or just running an errand. Just as much as the
people around me don’t know my status, I also don’t know who around me may have
come into contact with the virus. In today’s time, better safe than sorry is a
practice that we should all inherit.
Sanitize
I know this
seems like an obvious one, but it’s so important. Before the pandemic, I wasn’t
really aware of how many things I touched in the span of leaving my apartment
in the morning and coming back home at the end of the day. Between handrails,
subway poles, doorknobs, buttons, etc….I was touching a lot! Granted, I’m not
going into the office these days, but anytime I leave my home, I’m much more
aware of what I’m touching.
The realities of living in the middle of a pandemic have proven to be a learning experience for everyone around the world. As the threat of health safety continues to be an ongoing presence, you’ve likely encountered a few ways in which your life has shifted to adapt to these changes. In New York City, since our communities are so densely populated, we have experienced arguably the largest sting of changes, as physical distancing and the shelter-in-place regulations have forced us to change the way we operate on a daily basis.
For the New York English Academy, we have
adapted to these changes to best serve our students, teachers, and communities
without sacrificing quality education or the safety of our communities. Since
we live in a time when our technology and devices have allowed us to connect in
ways that weren’t necessarily possible 10 years ago, we’re able to utilize
those features into our day-to-day operations. While our lesson plans have
surely shifted to cater to a digital classroom experience, our core values and
mission have remained the same.
Our students are our priority, and ensuring
that everyone stays safe and protected from the dangers of COVID-19 is
paramount for us. We quickly shifted to digital platforms that allow our
instructors to continue interactions with their students, and monitoring
participation and engagement have allowed us to better understand what works
and what needs additional attention.
As an educational institution, we
understand that part of the experience of learning with other people is the
interaction with one another. This interaction could certainly be
education-related, but it could also be forming bonds with one another based
off shared experiences. Learning and living in New York City is such a special
and unique experience, and bonding with others that are familiar with that
journey can be extremely beneficial to personal growth and long-term
friendships.
Sheltering-in-placing and experiencing
academic journeys at home can be challenging and also a bit isolating. It’s
normal right now to feel an increased sense of longing for company from others
and an increased desire to connect with other people. Communication platforms
like Zoom have shown increased activity during the time of COVID-19, as people
have shifted from in-person social gatherings to digital group hangs on these
platforms to “see” their loved ones and share updates with one another. What
started as a business tool for companies to hold virtual meetings with one
another across multiple office locations has turned into a widely used consumer
product for people to stay in touch with friends and family.
At New York English Academy, that sense of
isolation and increased desire to see one another started to become very
apparent for several individuals within our organization. To lift spirits and
bring people “together” at a time when interaction was decreasing, engaging
Zoom interactions started to sprout up. From study sessions with students and
teachers to social “happy hours” and “game nights,” the New York English
Academy community started to leverage Zoom’s capabilities outside of the
classroom.
Zoom has helped students interact with one
another to form study group sessions or just recap a lesson if additional help
or guidance is needed. What we’ve noticed is that people are starting to get
even more creative around how they use Zoom to stay connected with one another
and entertained in this new and unusual environment. Here are a few ways to
stay entertained during this odd time while staying connected with your New
York English Academy community.
Zoom Celebrations
In New York City, most of us are now over 3
months into living in quarantine. This means that a lot of us have missed
monumental moments in our lives, from weddings and vacations to birthdays and
even meeting new family members after birth. This is how Zoom has helped bring
people together. I’ve attended quite a few Zoom birthday “parties” now, and a
friend of mine even got legally married over Zoom. Our circumstances may have
forced us to change the way in which we celebrate with one another, but we’re
lucky to live in a time when our technology and devices can give us the next
best thing to in-person gatherings. It’s hard to think about it now, but
certainly, one day, we’ll all look back at this odd time in our lives with
appreciation and gratitude that we had the tools that we do now to keep us
connected.
Zoom game nights and creativity
When COVID-19 became a regular force in our
day-to-day lives, my friends and I would “get together” once a week over Zoom
to talk about our weeks, reminisce about a time before COVID-19, and to just
“see” each others’ faces. When these sessions first started, it felt odd to me
that this was our new reality, but we all quickly adapted, and soon enough, I
was looking forward to those weekly catch-ups to see my friends. In an odd way,
those weekly calls brought us together even closer, as we were all experiencing
the same struggles in real time – together.
After a few weeks of these social sessions,
however, it almost seemed as though we were running dry. We were sick of
talking about COVID-19 – one of my friends lost her job, and another group of
friends were on the brink of losing theirs. As much as we knew that we all had
each others’ backs no matter the circumstances, we were also craving for some
distraction from the realities that COVID-19 placed on us. So we started to
play games!
There are a ton of games available that are
not only entertaining but will help you get to know your friends and fellow
students even better! Browse the app store to see what kind of games are
available where all participants can log in at once and play together. Another
way to keep the entertainment going is to nominate someone each week to host a
trivia session. These are easy to create, as there are tons of resources
available online that will help you concoct these sessions and make them
entertaining. There are ton of themes available, and you could even make them
English-related if you wanted to make the trivia sessions informative as well.
New York English
Academy recently hosted their own version of a trivia night, complete with a
Hollywood theme. Not only did this allow the students to flex their English
muscles, but because it was pop culture themed, everyone had a blast without
feeling like they were in a formal educational setting. This allowed students
and instructors alike to relax a bit and just engage with one another on a person-to-person
level.
Key Takeaways
COVID-19 has forced
all of us to think about how we live our lives in different ways. By now, after
a few months of adapting to this new way of life, we’re all learning about
ourselves and also how we operate as students, instructors, administrators, and
even just people. It certainly hasn’t been easy, especially considering that
peoples’ lives are on the line and our future as a society is so uncertain.
Living in New York
City, a hotspot in so many ways, has probably also affected the way you all are
living your daily lives. Losing the value of human in-person interaction has
likely forced you to explore other options of connection and collaboration.
It’s not always easy to be forced to think outside the box, but if anything,
this pandemic has helped prepare us for the future. We now know that life can
continue – it just has to be shifted a bit. For me, as a lover of this great
city, it’s hurt my heart that I can’t explore it like I used to. I hate to see
stores shut down and public transportation empty. What once was a lively city
seemed to turn into a remote and desolate place to be.
If I can leave you
with any hope, however, is that we will rebuild and recover. New Yorkers are
tough, and we are resilient. We will come out of this stronger than ever, and
your relationships with friends, your fellow students, and your New York
English Academy community will be stronger than ever because you all endured
this unique moment in history together.
Be thankful for your
health, and be thankful that we live in a time when our technology can allow us
to keep going. Cherish your human connections, as when this is all over, you’ll
be so grateful to have them. Stay connected with your New York English Academy
community, because one day, you’ll want to reflect on this time together with
gratitude and hubris. Take advantage of the tools you have – you’ll appreciate
the human connection, and be sure to lean on those relationships as we continue
to navigate this new way of life – whenever and for how long we continue with
it.
January can be a tough month in New York
City. January can be a tough month no matter where you are, really. The winter
can start to really kick in, and the cold temperatures can make us feel
defeated and tired. The shorter days can definitely take a toll on our
attitudes and energy levels, so it’s important to keep yourself busy so you
don’t give in to the laziness of the winter. Of course, it’s nice to hibernate
sometimes, but it can also be easy to fall into the routine of staying in ALL
the time. (I’m guilty of this myself, so I can speak from experience here!) If
you can get past the dreary weather, January in the Big Apple can be really
fun!
Of course, while you’re here, you’ll want
to put your English skills to real-world practice, and there’s truly no better
location to do that. As I always say, New York City is the ideal cultural and
lingual melting pot, so you’ll easily be able to put your classroom skills to
use while you’re out and about in all kinds of ways. It might be difficult to
engage with others due to these hibernation habits, but trust me, you won’t be
bored!
1.Big Apple Circus, Various dates in January, Lincoln Center
Luckily, the circus is a universal language and experience. With all sorts of talents and spectacles, you can be entertained while staying warm indoors at the same time. Bring your friends so you can practice your English reactions, and if you’re posting on social media, practicing your social hashtags will also help you engage with other social media users on your experience. The best part is of course the food, so this is another way you can practice your English skills with vendors and other attendees. Find out what food and drink they’re serving, share your favorites, and be sure to post!
2.Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival, January 18, Brooklyn Expo Center
Now this is an event that I’m interested in myself. I’m a huge beer fan, and I tend to lean towards bourbon before vodka or tequila, so this is interesting! Plus, in the dead of winter, there’s nothing better than some satisfying and comforting barbecue to warm your belly. At this event, you’ll be able to sample all sorts of brews and taste all sorts of barbecue mixed with plenty of onsite entertainment, like music and dancing. This is the perfect getaway for your friends to spend your day while staying warm – and the bonus is you’ll get to try all different kinds of tastes from all over the country. Not only will you learn a lot about the food and drink, but you’ll have the opportunity to socialize with other event-goers and put your English speaking skills to use. This event costs to get in, so be sure to bring your wallet!
3.Winter Festival, FrostFest, starting January 25, Bryant Park
If you’ve been
in New York City for a while, it’s likely that you’ve heard about this event
for some time. Even though the festive holidays are over in January, there is
still plenty to see and do in the outdoor parks. Bryant Park especially goes
all out when it comes to winter celebrations, as the park is transformed into a
winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, karaoke, live music, and now
bumper cars on ice. This location draws in people from all over the city to
participate in the festivities, so I recommend planning ahead if you’re
interested in this. (I recommend avoiding the weekends if you have the ability,
as families will arrive with their full party in tow – if you can, check it out
in the middle of the week). There are tons of happenings over the week that
it’s open for this celebration, so be sure to plan ahead and pick out what you
want to participate in the most! And of course, attending is a great way to put
your English skills to use as you interact with others in attendance.
No matter what, being in New York City in
January can sometimes be tough. The holidays are over, people are back to work,
and the kids are back in school. But you’re still in the greatest city in the
world, so do what you can to make the best of it, even in one of the most
brutally cold months of the year!
Listen, I know I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it every year. Summer is NOT my favorite season. I like the emotional feeling of summer – feeling free, having the longer days, taking vacations, and all that good stuff. But weather wise? NOT my favorite time of the year. I’m fair-skinned, and I’ll admit, I do in fact have a low tolerance for extreme heat. So with that, I tend to get sick of the summer season pretty quickly and start looking forward to fall by the middle of July. But even then, August is the epitome of the dog days of summer. The hottest days of the season tend to fall in this month, so my biggest recommendation for you this month is to enjoy the outdoors, but also prepare for activities that will be indoors to take advantage of the air conditioning and relief from the sun.
Because of this heat, many people tend to take their summer vacations during this month and flock to areas with beach access. The city tends to quiet down because of this, which means it’s a great opportunity for you to explore and grab your friends for ways you can practice your English skills. This month, I’m including things to do that are indoors, so if you’re anything like me, you can get through this last round of summer without feeling like you’re going to pass out.
The Rolling Stones, August 1, 2019, MetLife Stadium
No matter where you call home or what language is your first, you know that The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic musical acts of our time. Around since the 1960s, this group has evolved throughout the decades to be one of the most legendary faces of rock and roll. As these group members age through time, it might be a great idea to see them now, as we’ll never really know when their next tour will be their last. Catch them while you still can! If you can’t make the show, you can do the next best thing and listen to their full portfolio – it’s a great way to get familiar with their music AND give your English skills a true through song!
New York Cocktail Expo, August 18, 2019, Long Island City, NY
As I mentioned above, there’s a spirit about summer that just means taking a load off and enjoying your time away, either from school or work. And truly, what better way to enjoy the summer than attend an event that’s all about mixed drinks?? Gather your friends for the day and arrange a ride home beforehand so you won’t have to worry about after a day of tasting and sampling new spirits and cocktails. As the most attended cocktail event in New York, you can interact with hundreds of other people from all over the city to find out what their favorite drinks are, what they learned, and their advice for making the most of your day. Be sure to hydrate and drink plenty of water this day!
Color Factory, SoHo
Originally created and celebrated in San Francisco, this collaborative experience has now migrated to New York City. It’s a huge celebration of color, which will make you feel alive and excited with all of the visions. If you’re serious about your Instagram, this is a great destination for you, as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to show your followers what you’re up to in New York City. A great way to not only meet more people is to include English language hashtags in your posts so you can interact with others that experienced the exhibit and learn how they appreciated the event.
New York City is the city that never sleeps or calms down. It’s also a heat box in August, so I of course recommend always having a plan for staying indoors to escape the heat. Just as there are endless things to do outside, there are also plenty of opportunities to stay cool indoors. From museums and restaurants to expos and pop-up events, you really won’t have to worry about running out of things to do. Worst case scenario, you can also just save your money and stay indoors and catch up on your Netflix queue – what better way to get your English listening skills in! Get your friends together, and come up with a plan for the hottest month in New York City – and be sure to hydrate this month!
It’s no secret that the winter is the most common time of the year to get sick and physically be less than your best. The dry air and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your immune system, and on top of that, the subway, your office, and your friends and family are all battling the same germs, so everything just seems to be contagious. I tend to always get sick the first month of the year (too much eggnog? too many holiday cookies, not enough sleep?), so at least I know what to expect! We, as New Yorkers, have to be extra special careful since we spend so much of our days outside commuting and in close parameters of other people – the transfer process is so much easier in the Big Apple!
You can easily keep going with your English practice while you’re doing your best to stay healthy during one of the most contagious times of the year. With plenty of conversation with your doctor and reading up on the latest self-care methods, you can keep your brain healthy in this way! So read on for ways to prepare for January and cold and flu season in January.
Treat yourself to a spa treatment
Once upon a time, visiting a spa or a wellness center was viewed as a luxury that few could afford or indulge in. But now, we as a culture are really starting to embrace the self-care movement, and that includes making yourself an appointment at any kind of wellness center that holds your interests. From a massage parlor to Himalayan salt rooms to reiki, any treatment that can relax your body and mind is good for you. New York City can sometimes be a tough place to be, and there can be times where you feel defeated, stressed, or overworked—or maybe all three at once. You can deter the flu or a cold by simply taking care of your body, starting simply with your mind. And what better place to find these services than New York City, the place that has it all! Practice your English reading by filtering Yelp and Groupon for great recommendations and deals in your area.
Meditate for mindfulness
This is another example of what I was explaining earlier: meditation used to be considered a practice for those that were a bit on the “dreamy” side. I’ve always been a very realistic and practical person, but as I got older and my responsibilities grew and my stress increased, I started to read up on the benefits. It can be difficult to turn your mind “off,” but I came to realize that whenever I was super stressed and overwhelmed, that was also when my body seemed to shut down. So I tried it. It was hard at first, but if you find the right class or guide (or in my case, the right app), you can put your mind at ease and enjoy the benefit of stillness. Since the whole idea behind meditation is silence and the essence of essentially nothing, you can instead practice your English by listening to your guide or doing research to find the best class.
Prep accordingly
Sometimes catching a virus in the winter is simply inevitable and there’s nothing you can do about it. Remember: getting sick is actually essential and strengthens your immune system. So it’s not the WORST thing in the world. But if you want to do your best to avoid it anyways, follow these easy steps:
WATER: How often do you hear this? Whether it’s eight glasses a day or basically as much as you can, water is the easiest nutrient for you body. It’s a natural tool for flushing your system of toxins and essentially rinsing you out from anything that’s built-up. It’s helpful to always keep a bottle or a glass around you as a reminder to take a sip as often as you can.
SLEEP: Your body needs its rest. Each person is different, but you should know how much each night benefits your body. Without enough sleep, you might reach for another cup of coffee, which only drains you even more later on. Don’t skimp on this!
DIFFUSER: In the winter, the air is dry, meaning your skin and sinuses will need a little extra love. For a small investment, get a room humidifier or diffuser that will bring moisture into your living space, which will not only help you sleep, but will help you breathe easier, and you can say bye-bye to those nosebleeds!
By the time November hits, we’re deep into the fall season. The leaves have turned brilliant shades of reds and oranges, the air is crisp with a scent of cool temperatures, and our favorite tastes are catered to with plenty of pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple. Before the season officially changes to winter, I recommend finding outdoor activities to soak up the last of the fall season. Since you’re in the greatest city in the world (in my humble opinion, of course), you won’t run out of any options, and you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your wishes for a social gathering.
If you’re hoping to get some English language practice out of these activities, you’re in luck! All of these events encourage plenty of socialization and engagement. As I’ve mentioned in so many blog posts before, one of the many great advantages of living in New York City is its cultural diversity—this means that no matter what, you’re bound to run into someone else that considers English to be their second language as well. So if you need a little help with translation (or if someone else needs a little help), don’t feel worried about asking someone for help. New York City is a cultural melting pot, always willing to help our fellow neighbor.
Fall Forest Weekends; New York Botanical Garden; various weekends in November
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for beautiful fall foliage. I love the comfort that late fall brings, and I try and spend as much time outdoors as possible before the winter kicks in full-swing and I go into full hibernation mode. This experience in one of the greatest attractions in New York City encourages city-dwellers to take a breath of fresh air and breathe in some green before it goes away. If you’re aching for some photogenic and natural scenic wonders, this is your change! Grab a group of friends to check out this brilliant color-scape. Luckily, there are guided tours available, which will give your English comprehension skills some practice, and if you’ve got questions, here’s your chance to put your speaking skills to use!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; various locations, November 22
I’d be silly if I didn’t include this special day. This is one of the events that makes New York City so famous. Every Thanksgiving Day morning, Macy’s puts on an epic parade that glides down Manhattan for everyone to see. The parade is broadcast all over the world, as families across the globe tune in to kick-start their holiday tradition. Starting at 9 am, you can catch this parade in person—starting at 77th Street at Central Park West and making its way all the way down to Herald Square, you can plan ahead and figure out where to stand if you want to catch a glimpse of the excitement yourself. This is a wonderful time to take advantage of social situations of those around you, as this time of year draws in heavy tourism, so you’re bound to meet people from all over the world looking to catch the same iconic event.
Empire State Building Sunrise Experience; Empire State Building; call for timing
While this can really be done any time of year, I just found out that you can do this, so I thought it would be really something to catch this in November before the bitter winter weather sets in. What’s great about this special experience is that you can sign up for this tour and go all the way up to the 86th floor. Once you’re there, you and your group will be able to watch the sunrise over the incredible Manhattan skyline. This experience might require a deeper dig into your wallet as well as an earlier-than-usual wakeup call, but reviews have claimed that it’s all worth it. If you really want a reminder of just how magnificent this city is, bring your best in-awe English phrases with you to share with your fellow viewers.
November is a gorgeous month in New York City, as you still have reasonable weather that cooperates for outdoor weather, and it’s also the kick-start to a lot of wonderful holiday celebrations. These events absolutely allow you to put your English skills to use, as you’ll want to share your experiences with those around you. Before winter kicks in and you feel the inevitable need to stay indoors in the comfort of your home, be sure to check out these awesome November activities!
