15 ways to learn a new language even with a mom’s schedule

Do you dream of speaking Spanish, Italian or Japanese, but your schedule looks like that of a minister? Between work, the gym, outings and responsibilities, finding time to learn a language seems mission impossible. And yet, according to a study by Cambridge University, 15 minutes a day is enough to make progress! The good news is that there are tricks you can use to fit learning into your routine, without sacrificing your social life or your style. Here are 15 tried-and-tested, practical ways to learn a new language even when your schedule is jam-packed

Got five minutes between meetings? Launch an app like Babbel and brush up on a few words. According to Statista, 67% of learners use their smartphone to make progress. It's fast, efficient and you can even challenge yourself with quizzes. The result: you make progress without even realizing it, while sipping your espresso.

Québécois spend an average of 52 minutes a day on the move. Turn this downtime into a language session with Pimsleur, which offers audio lessons you can listen to anywhere. You can work on your pronunciation and comprehension without lifting a finger. It's discreet, practical and you'll arrive at your destination better educated.

No time for evening classes? On Preply, you book 30-minute sessions with a native teacher, whenever you want. According to Preply, 80% of users notice progress within the first month. It's flexible, personalized and you adapt the pace to your busy schedule.

Switch your smartphone to English, Spanish or German. You'll be forced to read and understand menus, notifications and apps. It's a simple way to integrate language into your daily life, without any extra effort. What's more, you'll memorize useful vocabulary without realizing it

Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ offer tons of series in their original version. Put on subtitles in the target language to boost your listening skills and enrich your vocabulary. According to the British Council, watching films in VO improves listening comprehension by an average of 30%.

Add songs in the language you want to learn to your Spotify playlist. Singing in the shower or in the car is fun, and it trains your memory. The lyrics stick in your head, and you'll pick up everyday expressions without even realizing it.

Follow Instagram, TikTok or YouTube accounts in the target language. Short, punchy content exposes you to local slang, expressions and culture. According to Hootsuite, 54% of users learn new things via social networks every week.

Stick post-its with words or phrases on your fridge, mirror or desk. each time you pass by, you can reread them and memorize them effortlessly. It's visual, practical and turns your apartment into an improvised classroom.

Find a buddy to trade a few messages or calls each week. You can use apps or Facebook groups to meet native speakers. Talking regularly boosts confidence and accelerates progress, according to the Université de Montréal.

Take five minutes in the morning or evening to repeat phrases in front of the mirror. it helps with pronunciation and confidence. Studies show that active repetition improves memorization by 40%.

Listen to podcasts or practice videos in the target language while you work out. You'll combine learning and fitness, without wasting a minute. According to an INRS study, combining physical and cognitive activities boosts concentration

In restaurants or cafés, try ordering in English, Spanish or Italian. Even if you make mistakes, you'll become more at ease and retain words better. Waiters appreciate the effort, and it makes for memorable situations

With Babbel, you can have 10-minute lessons, right between two appointments. The exercises are interactive and adapted to your level. According to Babbel, 73% of users are able to hold a simple conversation after 3 months of regular use

Invite your friends to an aperitif where everyone has to speak in the target language. It's fun, relaxed and you learn while having fun. Informal trade encourages memorization, and you'll discover new expressions over a drink

Just before going to sleep, listen to a Pimsleur lesson. The brain consolidates new information during sleep, according to Laval University. You wake up with words fresh in your head, ready to forward the day in polyglot mode.