Wellness When Learning A New Language
I know learning a new language like English, Spanish, Chinese or any other of the seven thousand languages there are can be a challenge. Think about this: You are taking lessons, you are doing well during your lessons, and you can even have fun while you are learning. But what happens when you have to talk. When you finally have the opportunity to use the language you are learning and all the knowledge you have about it? Or when you have to record a video or to make a phone call speaking that new language you are learning? Or when your teacher asks you a question and you are not sure about your answer? Or what if you know the answer but you are trying to find the perfect words to build your response? Feeling nervous, shy, and anxious? What can you do? Let me share with you 3 tips that can help when you are learning a new language:
THINK POSITIVE
We all are learning all the time. It's OK if you make mistakes but instead of getting frustrated about what you didn't understand, focus on what you did well. Focus on what you learned. Focus on what you already know.
So when you are struggling with something in the language you are learning think positive first and tell yourself: I'm good at numbers, I know how to say red, green and blue. I don't remember the other colors but I will practice. Or it's hard to remember gray and light blue so I will watch my video lessons again or I am going to check on the dictionary or something that you are going to do to leave the problem and find a solution.
Your language levels are constantly changing. Some topics are easy, others are not. You may have ups and downs. Enjoy the process of learning, enjoy how good you are right now. Enjoy this moment .
REWARD YOURSELF
It is very important to reward yourself no matter how young you are or how old you are. Reward yourself for your improvements and growth, rather than frustrate yourself with how little you understand something or because you didn't get everything at once. Don't get mad. Reward yourself instead.
How are you going to reward yourself? Candies, chocolates? Maybe but, the best way to reward yourself is by using word rewards or positive affirmations: Good job Margarita! I am doing good. I believe in myself. I can do this. And many more.
We can implement this in our own life regardless of if we are trying to learn a language or not.
3. LISTEN AND BREATHE
Listening is always important but it is even more important when you are learning a language. When you listen you understand better. So listen to your teacher, watch videos, listen to audio recordings and songs. Remember, listen first, then practice or response. And last but not the least. Breathe.
Breathe when you are listening, breathe before reading, and breathe when you have to answer a question . When you breathe deeply, your brain sends a message to your body. And it says: calm down and relax .
Belly breaths are my favorite because you can feel the effects almost immediately. There are many videos online that can help you to learn and practice conscious breathing. Today I will share with you two of my favorites. The firs one is a two minutes balloon breaths for kids and the other one is a two minutes conscious breath exercise.
Enjoy the process of learning a new language and its culture, relax and remember: Think positive, reward yourself, listen and breathe.
BALLON BREATHS FOR KIDS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PcCmxEW5WA
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