Why NOW is the best time to learn Russian

I hate this time of the year. The gloomy weather, the shorter days, the end of summer fun… It’s just not my season. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there’s a hidden benefit to autumn, and it’s connected to learning Russian

Let me explain:

Every year, somewhere in October, I notice a shift in my Russian learning routine. It’s like clockwork. And I bet you might experience something similar.

Why summer can slow down your language progress

During the summer months, my Russian practice takes a hit. The weather’s too good to resist, and I find myself:

• Playing sports
• Hanging out with friends
• Traveling
• Just enjoying the outdoors

Don’t get me wrong, these are all great activities. But they leave less time for focused language study. The time I spend learning Russian drops dramatically.

The autumn advantage

But then autumn starts, and everything changes. Here in the Netherlands, the weather turns… well, let’s say “less inviting.” And suddenly, I’m spending more time indoors.

This shift brings some unexpected benefits for language learning:

• More time for Russian series and movies
• Increased focus on vocabulary building
• Longer stretches of uninterrupted study time

And now mid October, I’ve already noticed I’m watching more Russian content and working on expanding my vocabulary. It’s like my brain is ready to soak up new information after the summer break.

You’re not alone in this pattern

Interestingly, I’ve observed this trend with many of my students too. In my coaching program, some people keep a weekly schedule of their study time. Without fail, those hours dip during the summer months.

But come autumn? Those numbers start climbing back up. People have fewer social obligations, and it becomes easier to dedicate time to:

• Listening to audio lessons
• Working on vocabulary
• Watching Russian series or movies

The power of seasonal studying

Now, you might be thinking, “But Ari, isn’t consistent practice year-round better?”

In an ideal world, sure. But we don’t live in an ideal world. We live in a world with seasons, changing schedules, and varying energy levels.

Instead of fighting against these natural rhythms, why not use them to your advantage?

Supercharging your skills for six months

Think about it this way: For the next six months or so (depending on where you live), you have the perfect opportunity to work on your Russian skills.

Imagine this scenario:

You buckle down during autumn and winter, really focusing on improving your Russian. You’re consistent with your studies, taking advantage of those cozy indoor days.

Then, when spring and summer roll around again, your Russian has significantly improved. Maybe you’re traveling, meeting new people, possibly even some native Russian speakers. Suddenly, all that autumn and winter work pays off in real-world interactions.

Making the most of the indoor season

So, how can you make the most of this “indoor season” for your Russian studies? Here are some ideas:

• Set a winter practice goal: Choose something specific you want to achieve by the time spring arrives. Maybe it’s finishing a Russian novel or being able to understand a full episode of a Russian TV show without subtitles.
• Create a cozy study space: Make your learning environment inviting. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and maybe a warm beverage can make study time something you look forward to.
• Try new learning methods: Use this time to experiment with different study techniques. Maybe dive into a new app, audio course, or start a language exchange with a native speaker.
• Build a routine: With fewer outdoor distractions, it’s easier to establish a consistent study schedule. Even 30 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over several months.
• Track your progress: Keep a log of your study time and achievements. Seeing your progress can be a great motivator during the darker months.

Embracing the change of seasons

Look, I get it. I’m a summer person at heart. The thought of gray skies and chilly weather doesn’t exactly fill me with joy. But I’ve learned to appreciate what autumn and winter can offer for my Russian skills.

It’s all about perspective. Instead of lamenting the end of summer, I now see autumn as the start of my Russian learning “high season.” It’s a time when I can really focus and make significant progress.

Your autumn language learning challenge

So here’s my challenge to you: Embrace this autumn as an opportunity. Use these next few months to give your Russian skills a serious boost.

When spring comes around, and you’re back outside enjoying the sunshine, you might just surprise yourself with how much your Russian has improved. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find yourself having a flowing conversation in Russian during summer.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. How does your language learning routine change with the seasons? Do you notice a boost in your study time during the colder months? Share your experiences in the comments below!