New Year Habits (Not Resolutions!) - Make Plans With the Present Continuous
- Rose Sensei
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 10
Many people feel stressed by New Year’s resolutions. This ESL lesson helps adult English learners focus on small, realistic habits instead.
You’ll practise Present Continuous for plans, learn self-care vocabulary, and download a free habit tracker planner insert.
In this lesson, you’ll:
Learn useful self-care and habit vocabulary
Practise Present Continuous for future plans
Reflect on your own habits in English
Download a Habit Tracker Planner Insert (perfect for ESL learners!)
🔗 Related Post:
🌱 Why New Year Habits Are Better Than Resolutions
Resolutions are often:
too big
too strict
easy to forget
Habits are:
small
realistic
part of daily life
That’s why many people say:
💬 “I’m starting a new habit” instead of “I will change my life.”
🧠 Grammar Focus: Present Continuous for Plans
We often use the Present Continuous to talk about plans we have already decided.
Structure
[Subject + am / is / are + verb-ing]
Examples
I’m starting a morning routine this week.
She’s drinking more water in January.
We’re taking short walks after dinner.
👉 These plans feel personal and realistic — perfect for new habits.
☕ Vocabulary: Habits & Self-Care
Daily Habits
wake up early
go for a walk
write in a journal
practise English
drink enough water
Self-Care Habits
take short breaks
relax in the evening
limit screen time
get enough sleep
enjoy quiet time
✏️ Practice: Complete the Sentences
Use the Present Continuous.
This month, I’m __________ (focus) on my health.
I’m __________ (wake up) earlier on weekdays.
I’m __________ (practice) English for 10 minutes a day.
In January, I’m __________ (take) better care of myself.
🔗Need to review?
📝 Speaking & Writing Prompts
Try answering in full sentences:
What habit are you starting this month?
___________________________________________
What habit are you changing slowly?
___________________________________________
Are you learning anything new this year?
___________________________________________
💡 Tip for learners: Don’t worry about perfection. Small sentences are powerful!
📋 Free Worksheet: Habit Tracker (Planner Insert Style)
To help you practise English and stay motivated, download this free printable:
What’s inside:
Daily habit checklist
Simple habit vocabulary
Space to write: “This week, I’m…”
Clean, minimalist design (A4)
👉 Perfect for ESL study planners or journals
✨ Mini Challenge: 7-Day English Habit
Choose one small habit:
5 minutes of reading
1 short video
3 new words a day
✍🏻Write this sentence and keep it visible:
“This week, I’m practising English every day.”
Make this part of your New Year habits.
💛 Final Thought
You don’t need a perfect resolution. You just need a small habit you can enjoy.
This January, say it in English: 🗣️"I’m building better habits.”
🔔 Practice More:
Want to improve your listening and speaking skills?
🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel Playlist:
📚Prefer to Read?
📖✨ Love This Content? Get more delivered to you! Sign up for our weekly email with fresh ideas for learning English.
For more related posts check out the links below ⬇️
Don't Just Read, Watch! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to complement this blog post with video tutorials and explanations.
Question? Contact us on the form below.
Comments