How to Stay Positive and Grow During COVID-19

If you’re feeling anxious and stressed during these times, I understand. I’ve had my moments and even days where I feel especially anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be difficult to relax, calm your mind and stay positive during COVID-19 when we’re bombarded by news outlets and social media updates about the negative side of it all. As a traveler, it’s been interesting learning how to scratch the travel itch while in quarantine. But, even during the most trying times, it’s important to see the positive side of it all.

• Global pollution has gone down which means Pachamama and all her plants and animals can take a much needed breathe.
• Parents who typically work long hours, are now spending more time with their children.
• We are being more creative, mindful and resourceful.
• Many are waking up and understanding more than ever that we’re all in this together, regardless of age, race, gender, income or religious beliefs. This virus doesn’t care about borders.
• We are being kinder to each other and supporting each other in ways we’ve never done before.

Stay Positive During COVID-19 by Developing Your Passion

Many of us have been living such a fast-paced lifestyle that we’ve forgotten to take care of ourselves. This is our chance to slow down, focus on our physical and mental health and tune into our dreams and passions. What does your dream life look like? What have you always wanted to do but could never find the time for? For many of us, that’s learning a new language. How amazing would it be to be functionally fluent in a new language in just a few months? Then you can put your new skills to the test during that dream trip you’re going to book when this pandemic is over. I’ve always said that my superpower would be to know every language in the world. I’ve also been saying for years “I want to improve my Spanish.” I’ll start with one language and go from there. With international travel on pause, I can practice more of my Spanish and become fluent in the sexiest language on the planet. That way, when I move to Costa Rica (our family’s near-future goal), I’ll be fluent enough to understand and say whatever I want.

Babbel is the Perfect Tool to Help You Reach Your Language Learning Goals

Babbel is a language learning app that doesn’t just focus on the beginner’s basics. There are intermediate and advanced courses too! This is perfect for someone like me who can hold a decent conversation in Spanish but can’t elaborate on my thoughts. The intermediate course starts with a refresher that is ideal for anyone who studied Spanish a long time ago but wants to test their knowledge at an upper beginner level. Yup, that’s me. Unlike other language learning apps, Babbel’s courses are based on everyday conversation. I don’t know about you, but the reason I did poorly in high school French was because there was no conversational French being taught. So, while I could probably do alright at translating a French menu, I wouldn’t be able to compliment the waiter on those funky earring’s she’s wearing (I’m a sucker for cool jewellery). Babbel teaches you in a way that you’ll be set up to speak and interact in many languages within months if you’re dedicated. If you want to learn a language fast, this is the way to go.

Click here to get 6 months of Babbel language lessons for the price of 3!

You Become Functionally Fluent in a Few Months

Babbel offers a big range of lessons and topics to choose from. You can learn the vocabulary in areas that will be most useful for you. As an example, I’ve taken the “Digital World and Media” lessons since that will help me learn the lingo in my field. I also just finished the Spanish for vacation lessons which goes beyond “Una cerveza por favor.” All this new vocabulary will come in handy in Latin countries. The lessons are also split up in 15 minutes sections which makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Since you may have more 15 minutes sessions to incorporate into your day right now, that means you’ll learn a language even faster. You’ll be functionally fluent in no time!

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Master Your Accent Without Feeling Self-Conscious

One of my favourite features of Babbel is the voice recognition technology they have incorporated into the learning process. One of the most common fears of learning a new language is actually putting it to the test with a native speaker. Many of us get self-conscious about mispronouncing a word or having a horrible accent. Well, Babbel has a “Listening and Speaking” option which allows you to practice that sexy accent and pronunciation of yours in the comforts of your home. If the voice recognition can’t understand you, then you still have some work to do.

There’s No Better Day Than Today

If you want to learn a language, there’s no better time to do it then now. Focusing on developing a new skill will help you stay positive during COVID-19. When we come out on the other side of this quarantine and you see your friends, you’ll have a new skill to show off. Not only does it allow you to communicate with locals in their language, but they will respect and appreciate your efforts. The more Spanish I learn, the more I’ve been able to let my personality shine with Spanish speaking natives. The deeper conversations I can have, the stronger my relationships grow. And, if there’s one more thing I’ve learned over the years, relationships are everything.

How Much Does Babbel Cost?

Babbel is offering Hopscotch the Globe readers 6 months of language learning for the price of 3. This is a great way to help you stay positive during COVID-19 and develop those language learning superpowers you’ve always wanted. Click on this link to get the special offer. Happy learning!

What Language Are You Going to Learn?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Babbel. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.