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.

It’s no secret that our worlds have been turned upside down the past couple of months due to the pandemic. We’ve had to adjust to new ways of life and get used to practices that we’ll likely have to follow for months to come. It can feel like there’s no end in sight to what could be considered going back to “normal,” so we have to use that uncertainty to shift our mindsets and our regular habits to help us stay focused, positive, and motivated.

Since gathering for education purposes and learning opportunities still seem to be uncertain, you might feel a bit on edge regarding how you can maintain your learning regimens and utilize real world application for your English language practice. Since we live in New York City and it’s known for its incredibly varied cultures, you might feel like you’re being stinted from valuable and practical learning moments due to our ongoing restrictions. It can feel frustrating, but there are still many valuable ways you can take advantage of the city while staying safe.

1. Haircuts and personal care

Going several months without cutting my hair or really needing to pay attention to it has certainly saved me a lot of money. Since I was working from home full-time and wasn’t really interacting with anyone in person, I didn’t feel the need to style or look after my hair like I did when I was commuting to the office every day. There’s beauty in this, I recognize, but at the same time, I sure was pretty excited to get back into the salon. Luckily, they’re practicing high safety standards, like only allowing a certain percent capacity and restricting the use of their waiting lobby. Plus, all the experts are wearing masks and require all the guests to do the same.

It was so refreshing to sit in that chair again, so if you’re in need of some professional grooming, call your local salon to see how they’re operating right now. This is a great chance for you to also put your English skills to practice in person. It might be tricky with the mask on, but we’re all adjusting, so this shouldn’t set you back too much!

2. Outdoor dining

This might be what I missed the most. Going out for meals with my friends was our primary way of catching up with one another and enjoying all the great cuisines that the city has to offer. For months, we couldn’t see each other in person, so when restaurants started to allow outdoor dining and gatherings, we almost felt like our friendship could be back on track, too. It’s a bit unusual to get used to at first, but after a while, we chose to just look at it as a fresh take on a summer adventure.

Again, restaurants are being extremely careful as well. They’re spacing their tables out into the sidewalks and streets as liberally as possible, and all the workers are wearing masks. Be sure to check out your local spots to see how they’re complying with the new rules, and gather your friends for a unique catch-up session. Challenge each other to only speak in English so you can make sure your English skills aren’t getting to rusty from being in quarantine for so long.

3. Other outdoor entertainment

Summer has been in full swing for a while, and even though it may feel like we’ve been in this new pandemic world for eternity, keep in mind that summer won’t last forever. When the weather starts to cool down again, the outdoor capabilities of socializing and entertaining will start to diminish again. So take advantage of this time! Bring your friends to the park (with your masks and hand sanitizer, of course), and continue to pay attention to your physical distancing practices. Check out some outdoor museums, zoos, or even the botanical gardens for some fresh air, sunlight, and fun times with your friends.

It may feel uncomfortable to wear a mask in 90-degree weather, but it’s best to follow the guidelines that the CDC has set in place. Learning a new language can be difficult in a time when we’re required to wear a mask as much as we can, but the comforting notion you should keep in mind is that this is a mass effort, and everyone is working together to flatten the curve so that we can move forward as a society as safely as possible.

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.

1. 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!

2. 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!

3. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!