The beginning of January typically inspires us to look ahead and think about how we want to improve ourselves. Maybe we want to eat better, exercise more, pick up more hobbies, or just spend more time with loved ones. In January 2020, I made a list of things that I wanted to achieve during the year – some were tactical, like reading 20 books, while some were more aspirational, like being kinder to myself. Given how quickly everything changed in 2020, I completely forgot about that list until a few weeks ago when I found it. I couldn’t help but laugh, as the circumstances didn’t really allow me to achieve a lot on my list (like taking more vacations), but it has me thinking about how I want to go into 2021. I know that our world will continue to be uncertain, so I’m going into my list with a bit more flexibility in mind.

One of the other things I discovered in 2020 was a greater appreciation for finding silver linings amidst so much hardship and challenges. As time went on in 2020, it was hard to not feel completely defeated. Instead of narrowing in on the elements that were stressful or made me sad, I would try and find the silver linings. It wasn’t an easy task, but the one that had the biggest impact was how I was saving money. I know that this looks differently for each person, as I recognize that I was able to keep my job, didn’t have to move, or didn’t have to tap into my savings or look into getting loans. More than that, however, I realized just how much I was saving – this is also something that I’m hoping to integrate into my 2021 financial plan and strategy, so I wanted to share what those ideas were so that you can take those into consideration as well.

1. Spend more time DIY

I’m not the most artistically driven person of all-time, so I’m still a bit surprised that I’m writing this, but after the first few months of quarantine, I started to get creative. Instead of spending money at the salon for some “me-time,” I created a spa-like experience at home with essentials I found at the drugstore. It’s the same effect but massively cheaper. It also forced me to gain more independence in the kitchen – I’ve never been much of a cook, but since dining out wasn’t an option, I had to start getting experimental with the foods I’m used to, which was a huge money-saver as well.

2. Socialize differently

I didn’t realize how much money I was spending on a weekly and monthly basis until I couldn’t go out to socialize anymore. Between the pricey meals and cocktails and even the Ubers home if it was too late for public transportation, $30 here and $50 there definitely added up. Now, I enjoy making my own cocktails at home and having virtual happy hour with my friends. Not only is this great because I can experiment with my mixology skills and still see my pals, but I’m also super comfy at home and saving tons of money in the long run.

3. Reorganize your long-term finances

This is completely unique to your position, so what worked for me here might need to be tweaked to satisfy what makes sense for you. In March, interest on my federal student loans was paused, which meant that every payment I made towards my balance went to my principle amount, which meant that I was getting closer to a $0 balance faster. I’ve been able to make payments as the months went on, saving me hundreds of dollars in the long run. Interest is set to kick back in in the new year, but because I was able to whittle my balance down so much without the interest, payments will be much easier. If you have student loans or tuition payments, be sure to reach out to your lender or your institution to find out what your options are depending on your circumstances.

You have likely found your own financial silver linings in 2020, so it’s a great idea to take those learnings and find a way to implement them into your 2021 habits. No matter what the world looks like and how back to “normal” we’ll be, I plan on emulating a lot of these practices so I can get a better handle on my spending and overall financial well-being.

Each one of us has different circumstances regarding how we’re handling the pandemic. Parents have unique needs, while young professionals require various elements to keep them afloat. Some have been able to keep their jobs and work remotely, while others have to lean on their savings and unemployment benefits. One thing is certain: the pandemic changed everything.

If you’re a student at New York English Academy and are looking for ways to not only satisfy your needs as a human but for options that will allow you to practice your English skills, there are quite a few ways to stay active in your learning processes. With anything these days, all it takes is an open mind, a little bit of creativity, and an endless amount of resilience. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we can handle anything. So here are a few ways you can keep your English skills sharp despite our circumstances.

1. Take advantage of your phone’s abilities

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been spending a lot more time with your screens these days thanks to all the extra time at home. One of the first things I did when I realized that COVID-19 was not going to be a temporary presence in our lives is I deleted all the games from my phone that required no skill – these are the games that I used to play on the subway during my commute to shut my brain off and disengage from work. Now, I play games that require thinking, like Scrabble, which is a great option if you’re trying to stay on top of your English vocabulary. Be sure to also keep up with you English learning apps, like Duolingo, while you’re still staying home. There are tons of options available now, so be sure to do some research on what’s out there and collaborate with your friends. Don’t forget to also use your social media apps so that you can stay connected with your friends but also use the English settings so you can adapt organically to how you engage with your friends and family

2. Reading and journaling

This is something that I’ve also forced myself to pick up again. I used to be an avid reader and writer, but between balancing a job, a social life, and exercise, these habits always got pushed to the bottom of my list. So to make sure that I was using my time effectively while at home, I started to read again. Some nights I don’t want to or feel too tired, but even if I read just a chapter, I feel better. I’ve also begun journaling again, which is another practice that’s a bit tricky to break into in the beginning, but just with any habit, it became easier and easier to adapt to each night. Reading keeps my mind sharp, and it’s nice to escape into a different world outside of my apartment, and journaling helps me process any stress or anxiety I may be feeling during this time. I highly recommend both of these practices, as they’ll help you find a distraction and a processing method, and they will exercise your English skills in real time, too.

3. Staying connected

This might feel like an obvious one, but it’s also just super important given the time that we’re in. I live alone, and my family is spread out all over the country, so there are times I feel the physical separation from my loved ones heavier on some days. So that’s when I’ll have video calls or just spend time on the phone catching up. Not only does this make me feel closer to my loved ones, but I also find a way to use my time wisely instead of just sitting in front of the TV. For those of you that are looking for ways to keep your conversational skills in English sharp, this is a good way of practicing those skills. Organize a group video chat and promise one another that you’ll only speak English – help each other out if you get stumped or use the incorrect word. There are also a lot of fun games available that you can play during the call so that you’ll have fun while learning and practicing simultaneously.

We’re in tough times right now, but don’t let yourself get defeated. There are so many ways to keep your English practices sharp so you don’t get rusty – when things settle, you’ll be ready, better than ever before!

We’re approaching the time of the year when most of us reunite with our loved ones close and far away. We’re being told that this year will look much differently than that, and a lot of us are trying to get used to the idea that we’ll be spending the holidays with our loved ones remotely. For me, this bums me out because I won’t get to see the magic of Christmas morning through the eyes of my little nephews and nieces, and it means that I won’t meet up with old friends when I’m home for the holidays.

When I think about this, even though I get sad about it, I have to go through little practices to remind myself that I’m actually quite fortunate. I’m lucky enough to have not lost anyone due to the virus, and I’m lucky enough that I and my loved ones have access to the technology that will allow me to be as present in those important moments as possible. So many of us are far away from loved ones here in New York City, but another reminder that I pull out regularly is that isolation is the very thing that bonds all of us together – we’re all experiencing this at once, and this is a moment in time when we can all come together (virtually and remotely) and make the best of a challenging situation.

Here’s how I plan to approach this time of year with positivity, warmth, and hope (to the best of my ability) as I face a holiday season away from my loved ones.

• Comfort food is key

For my family, the holidays are so reliant on the elaborate meals and the amazing food. I’m not the biggest cook in the world, and my kitchen in my New York City apartment is pretty small, but I plan on doing as much as I can to make it feel as special as possible. My hope is that during the formal meals, my family can Zoom me in, and we can all “go around the room” and share how much we’re thankful for one another and appreciate that we can still be “together” as much as we can. Plus, there’s nothing better than leftovers, especially on those days and nights when you’re just too lazy!

• Decorations aren’t just for the kiddos

Ever since I’ve been living alone as an adult, I haven’t really invested much time or effort into decorating my home for the holidays. I always kind of figured that it was pointless to go through all of that when I was going to be away for the holidays anyway, but this year, I’m doing things a little bit differently. While I don’t have much extra space in my apartment, that won’t stop me from finding great deals on holiday decorations to make my home feel as cozy and welcoming as possible – I can’t help but feel as though it’ll make me feel that much closer to my family, even if they’re states and time zones away.

• Pull out those family traditions

Every family’s got them. No matter how big or small, goofy or serious, this is the year to honor them just like any other year. A tradition that my family follows, which I think is fairly common, is to wear matching pajamas the night before Christmas Eve. My mom will get us all kids (and grandkids) matching outfits to wear that night so that everyone wakes up in the morning matching – even though I find myself rolling my eyes about it in my mid-30s, I also realize that it wouldn’t be the holidays without that tradition. I’m going to be doing my best to bring in as much feeling of joy as possible into the time around the holidays to avoid the feeling of loneliness or sadness – this means watching the Christmas movies that brought me joy when I was a kid, playing Christmas songs that I’d sing to in the car on the way to my Grandma’s house, and checking the window on Christmas morning to see if it snowed. On paper, they might seem silly to us, but we all have that little kid in us that comes alive around the holidays, so my goal this year is to pay as much attention to that kid as possible. I think this year, doing that is going to make the difference from a sad holiday from one where we all made the best out of a challenging time.

Here we are, another month into this pandemic with not so much of an end in sight. The warmer months seemed to give us a burst of energy and hope, as we were able to slowly and carefully introduce things back into our lives that we had to suddenly sacrifice without much notice. Even though we were consistently warned that we were facing a second round of the virus in the colder months, it still feels like a shock that we’re slowly going back to the beginning.

Like so many New Yorkers, my family is far away in different states and even time zones. Since March, I’ve cancelled visits and trips to see them, and it’s been difficult watching my nieces and nephews grow up over Zoom calls. It’s tough when I’m having a bad day and all I want to do is talk to my parents. But I have to also remind myself that I’m not the only one trying to manage this strange moment in time – I’m lucky that I have the means to work in the safety of my own home and that I have the ability to use all the capabilities of my devices to stay connected.

I do these little tricks throughout the day and throughout the week to keep me going. That’s not to say that I don’t have my hard days or that I don’t struggle with my anxiety or worry levels. But I recognize that I also have to pay attention to my needs, now more than ever before. Because I’m not seeing my family or my coworkers in person, I do what I can to stay as connected as I can – within reason, of course. These little tricks have helped me get through the monotony, where some days it feels like it’s exactly the same as the one before it. While every person’s situations and circumstances are different, you’ll be able to find out what works best for you and your needs.

• Rearrange your furniture

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I’d be working from home full-time for this long. When we realized that we weren’t going back to the office anytime soon, I bought a desk, rearranged the layout of my apartment, and created a spot for inspiration. About four months in, I did it all over again and moved things around. It wasn’t easy, as I don’t have a lot of space and I live alone, but doing this made me feel like I had a fresh take on the days. It brought about a sense of change during a time when change might be something we’re all craving.

• Give in to your temptations for a cozy home

We’re getting into the brutal days of winter, which means that we’re going to be spending a lot more time indoors, especially when we’re still in a pandemic. I’ve always been a firm believer of making your home as comfortable as possible, but there’s never been a more important time to do that than now. Don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops. Layer on the blankets, splurge on those cozy-smelling candles, and make your home as zen-like as possible. If we’re going to be spending so much time indoors in the coming months, you might as well make it as inviting and comforting as possible.

• Make time for some you-time

This was probably the hardest trick for me to implement, as it’s difficult for me to turn my brain off and shut down. Especially since my apartment is now my workspace, I find that it’s been more challenging to make that distinction between my professional life and my personal life. So on the days I’m not working or in the hours after my workday, I try to do something that truly allows me to focus on my own time. Some nights, it’s watching mindless TV, and other nights, I curl up with a book and tuck away my devices. A new thing I’ve introduced is taking advantage of the extra time in my days without a commute, which means that I’ve actually been taking bubble baths one night a week. This has been really helpful, as I’ve been able to lose myself in the separation (mentally, since I’m relaxing, and physically, since I’m in a different room!), and I also find that this helps me sleep better at night, which is something I think we could all benefit from.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living with COVID-19 for as long as we have – on one hand, it feels like we’re all still adjusting to this new way of life, but on the other hand, it’s hard to imagine what life was like before COVID-19 became a part of our daily reality.

I’ve said this a few times over the past couple of months, but I’ve never been more proud to be a New Yorker than now – watching our city’s response to the seriousness of this pandemic and witness it go from the worst place in the country to one of the best has solidified my pride to be here. It’s rare that I take public transportation these days just so I can keep myself and those around me safe, but when I do, I’m continue to be impressed to see that every person is wearing a mask, is consciously maintaining physical distance from one another, and is simply doing their best to stay safe and keep those around them safe.

I wear my mask everywhere I go – it’s become a part of my external batch of necessities: wallet, keys, phone, mask. I also bring hand sanitizer with me at all times – if I’m in a grocery store, I try to be mindful about everything I touch. Even if I go outside to take out my trash, I try to think about how many other people in my building that have touched those door handles in the same day. You’ve heard it a million times – always be washing your hands, and pay attention to how often you’re touching your surfaces and your face. It’s so simple, but SO IMPORTANT. We live in New York City, which means that we all share so many things throughout the course of one day. It’s so important to be as safe as possible.

I’ll spare you the obvious, like wearing a mask and washing your hands and carrying hand sanitizer. So instead, here are a few other rules of thumb to consider while living here in New York City so you can stay safe and keep those around you safe as well.

• Socialize in small groups

I know every person’s circumstances are different when it comes to living space – maybe you live with roommates or live in a different borough than your friends – but this is the time to get creative when it comes to hanging with your friends. If a member in your group has an outdoor space, declare that person the host! Bring snacks, drinks, and games and have a night in instead of congregating at outdoor bars. Not only will this keep you safe, but you’ll save so much money, too. Be sure to dress warm and travel with layers, as November is the unofficial start of winter weather!

• Order takeout

By now, you’re likely aware that the restaurant industry is struggling due to the dining restrictions that the CDC has set in place. So this is the time to give those delivery apps some attention! Not only will you be able to support local businesses that value every dollar they get, but you’ll get fresh and amazing meals delivered right to your door! Be sure to tip well, too, as people are battling the outdoor elements to get your food to you quickly and safely – especially now that the weather is getting chillier!

• Set guidelines and rules for yourself

Over the past couple of months as we’ve adjusted to all the phases of reopening, it’s been very tempting to do ALL the things that I’ve wanted to do since the city shut down. But again, I have to be very thoughtful and mindful of my safety and that of others. Because I’m fortunate enough to be able to work from home for my job, it’s easier for me to stay in during the week. So that I not only continue practicing safety but also satisfy my urgency to socialize and visit with friends, I reserve one day during the weekend to hop over to a different neighborhood to visit and catch-up with those I haven’t been able to see. This one-day-a-week has proven to be a successful practice, as I get to look forward to that one night a week that I go out, and I also feel that I’m staying safe and staying home as much as I can. Bonus: because I’m not going out as much as I used to before COVID-19, I’m saving so much more money, too!

I’ve realized that I’ve reached a point where I’m completely used to physical distancing and wearing a mask – it certainly felt bizarre and uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks and maybe even months, but you’re probably like me now, where it’s just customary. In fact, when I’m watching TV or a movie and I see people together in large crowds without masks, I cringe – of course I know that scene was filmed pre-COVID, but it’s strange to think of a time when that’s how we all congregated.

There are certain events or activities that have changed due to the pandemic and the safety measures we have to take to avoid large crowds. I miss catching a movie at the theater or traveling to see my favorite band at a huge venue. I miss amusement parks and comedy shows. While the true experience of those events have shifted, many of these industries have pivoted their platforms to virtual experiences so that they can continue bringing in revenue and you can continue to enjoy the event – it’ll just have to be from your home!

I’ve pulled together a collection of virtual New York City experiences happening in the month of November, but keep in mind that one of the huge benefits of so many events going virtual is that you’re not geographically bound to just the city! So do some research and see what other events are being held that you can “attend” without even leaving your couch!

• Cocktail Making Class, November 1, 2020

I’ll be the first to admit to you that I’ve been sipping on a little bit more wine since we’ve been spending so much more time at home. And I’ve found myself missing the days of ordering unusual drinks at bars and experimenting with something I’ve never had while out on the town for dinner. If this sounds like you too, you might be interested in this event, hosted by Eventbrite. In this virtual event, you’ll learn a variety of classic and original recipes that you can easily make at home and wow your guests the next time you have a low-key get together. This is a great way to test out your own cocktail-making skills while also adding a few more tricks up your sleeve!

• Virtual Job Fair, November 10, 2020

No matter where you are in your career, whether you’re still in school or thinking about a career change, this event is one that you shouldn’t miss! The organizer, JobFairX, has pulled together a wide variety of industries that are looking for talented people to join their teams, and this virtual event will provide you the opportunity to network and engage, share experiences, and broaden your search capabilities. Since the pandemic has rocked our economy so drastically in just a matter of months, the job market has shifted just as much – so this is one you should be sure to attend!

• NYC Trivia Night, November 10, 2020

Whether you’re new to New York City or have been around for a few years, this event is a great way to test your knowledge of the great Big Apple – against people from all over the world, nonetheless! Since this event is strictly virtual, you’ll be able to participate without even leaving your home! Order in takeout, crack open a beer, and see how much you know! You can either play independently or with a team, so be sure you have all those details ironed out before you register so you can get ready to test your knowledge as soon as the day arrives.

• Acting 101: Beginning Technique and Scene Study, November 10, 2020

If acting is something you’re serious about or if it’s a passion that you’re trying to hone in on while living in this strange time, this might be the virtual event for you. While this particular experience is a bit pricier than other virtual events discussed so far, you’ll know that you’ll be getting the experience of a lifetime. Check out all the other opportunities this group has if you’re interested in other virtual events!

• Zoom Comedy Show, November 28, 2020

If we’ve all needed a laugh together, it’s now. If you need something to entertain yourself following your Thanksgiving festivities, this is the place to “be”! With comedians from some of the most well-known shows and networks, you’ll be set to laugh your socks off! Be sure to register soon, because this event is filling up quickly.

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.