Talking About Your Daily Challenges in English | English Conversation Practice
Leo English Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-PXlcXoW6E

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0:00 Welcome back to Leo English Podcast. >> Hi everyone, we're so happy you're here. >> My name is Emma and I'm here to help you practice your English.
0:08 >> And I'm Jack. We love making these videos for you. >> On this channel, we help you practice real everyday English. We talk about
0:15 topics you can use in your daily life. >> Today we're talking about daily challenges. Everyone has challenges every day, right?
0:24 >> Exactly. It's a very useful topic. You can use these phrases with friends, family, or co-workers. >> Before we start, please like this video
0:33 and subscribe to our channel. >> It really helps us make more videos for you. We appreciate your support so much. >> All right, let's get started.
0:41 >> So, Jack, how are you today? >> I'm good, thanks. A bit tired, actually. I had a really busy weekend. >> Oh, no. What happened?
0:50 >> Well, I had to finish some work on Saturday. Then, on Sunday, I helped my brother move to a new apartment. Moving is always exhausting. Did you have to
0:59 carry heavy boxes? >> Yes, so many boxes. My arms were sore yesterday, but it's done now. >> That sounds like a challenge for sure.
1:08 >> It was, but that's life, right? We all face different challenges. >> Exactly. So, let's talk about our daily challenges today. I think everyone
1:17 watching can relate to this topic. >> I agree. Let me start with a question. Emma, what's your biggest challenge in the morning? Oh, that's easy. Waking up
1:27 early. I'm not a morning person at all. >> Really? What time do you usually wake up? >> I try to wake up at 6:30, but my alarm
1:36 goes off and I hit snooze 3 or four times. >> That's a bad habit, I know, but I just can't help it.
1:44 >> So, what time do you actually get up? >> Usually around 7:15. Then I have to rush to get ready. >> That sounds stressful. Do you have
1:53 enough time for breakfast? >> Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If I wake up late, I skip breakfast. I just grab a coffee and leave.
2:01 >> That's not good for you. >> I know. I know. I should probably set my alarm earlier. What about you? Are you a morning person?
2:09 >> Yes, I am. I actually enjoy mornings. I wake up at 5:30 every day. >> 5:30? That's so early. How do you do that?
2:19 >> I go to bed early. I'm usually in bed by 10:00. >> That makes sense. I stay up too late. That's my problem.
2:26 >> What time do you go to bed? >> Around midnight. Sometimes later. I watch TV or scroll through my phone. >> There's your challenge right there. Late
2:35 nights make early mornings impossible. >> You're absolutely right. I need to change that habit. >> It takes time. Don't be too hard on
2:43 yourself. >> Thanks. So, after you wake up, what's your next challenge? >> Hm. probably choosing what to wear. It
2:51 takes me forever to decide. >> Oh, I have the same problem. I stand in front of my closet for 10 minutes. >> Exactly. I try on three or four
3:01 different outfits before I choose one. >> Why is it so difficult? >> I don't know. I want to look good, but I also want to be comfortable.
3:10 >> Me, too. And the weather changes a lot, so that makes it harder. >> Yes. Sometimes it's cold in the morning, but warm in the afternoon. I usually
3:18 check the weather on my phone before I get dressed. >> That's a good idea. I should do that more often.
3:24 >> It helps a lot. Do you prepare your clothes the night before? >> No, never. Do you? >> Sometimes when I remember, it saves time
3:32 in the morning. >> That sounds smart, but I'm too tired at night to think about tomorrow. >> I understand. We all have different
3:39 routines. >> Let's talk about work challenges. Now, what's difficult for you at work? >> The biggest challenge is managing my
3:46 time. I have so many tasks every day. >> That's very common. How do you organize your work? >> I make a to-do list every morning. I
3:55 write down everything I need to do. >> Does it help? >> Yes, it does. But sometimes I add too many things to the list.
4:03 >> And then you can't finish everything. >> Exactly. Then I feel stressed because I didn't complete my list. >> I do the same thing. I'm not very good
4:12 at estimating time. It's hard to know how long tasks will take. >> Especially when unexpected things come up.
4:19 >> Oh, yes. Like sudden meetings or urgent emails. >> Those interrupt your whole day. >> They really do. What about you? What's
4:28 your biggest work challenge? >> Concentrating for long periods. I get distracted easily. >> What distracts you?
4:35 >> My phone mostly. I check messages too often. >> That's a common problem nowadays. >> I know. I hear a notification and I have
4:44 to look. >> Do you turn off notifications when you work? >> I should, but I don't. I'm afraid I'll
4:50 miss something important. >> But most things aren't really urgent, right? >> You're right. I need to be more
4:56 disciplined about it. >> Maybe try turning off notifications for 1 hour and see how it feels. >> That's a good suggestion. I'll try it
5:03 tomorrow. >> Another challenge at work is dealing with difficult people. >> Oh, yes, that can be really hard.
5:10 Sometimes co-workers are stressed and they're not friendly >> or they don't communicate clearly and that causes problems.
5:17 >> Exactly. I had a situation like that last week. >> What happened? >> A colleague sent me a confusing email. I
5:24 didn't understand what she wanted. >> Did you ask her to explain? >> Yes, but she seemed annoyed that I didn't understand immediately.
5:32 >> That's frustrating. It's not your fault if the message wasn't clear. >> I know, but it made me feel bad anyway. Communication challenges are difficult
5:41 because they involve emotions. >> True. You can't control how other people react. >> All you can do is stay professional and
5:49 patient. >> That's what I try to do. It's not always easy though. >> No, it's not. But it's an important
5:55 skill. >> Let's move on to another topic. What about challenges at home? >> Oh, there are many. Housework is a big
6:02 one for me. >> What kind of housework do you find challenging? >> Keeping everything clean and organized.
6:08 It never ends. >> I know what you mean. You clean today and tomorrow it's messy again. >> Exactly. Dishes, laundry, vacuuming,
6:17 it's constant. >> Do you have a cleaning schedule? >> I try to. I do laundry on Sundays and clean the bathroom on Saturdays.
6:26 >> That sounds organized, >> but sometimes I'm too tired on the weekend. Then everything piles up. >> I have the same problem. After a long
6:34 work week, I just want to relax. >> Right. Cleaning is the last thing I want to do, >> but it has to be done eventually.
6:42 >> Unfortunately, yes. Do you live alone or with someone? >> I live alone, so all the housework is my responsibility.
6:50 >> That's challenging. At least when you live with someone, you can share tasks. >> True, but living alone has advantages, too. I clean at my own pace.
6:59 >> That's a good point. No one judges you if things aren't perfect. >> Exactly. What's another home challenge for you? Cooking dinner after work. I'm
7:07 always tired and hungry. >> Do you cook every day? >> I try to, but some days I just order food.
7:14 >> That's easier, but more expensive. >> Yes, and less healthy, too. I know I should meal prep. >> What's meal prep?
7:23 >> It's when you prepare meals for the whole week on Sunday. >> Oh, that sounds efficient. Do you do it? >> I've tried a few times, but it takes
7:32 hours on Sunday. And then you're tired from cooking all that food. >> Exactly. It's supposed to save time, but I find it exhausting.
7:41 >> Maybe start small. Prepare just two or three meals. >> That's probably more realistic. I always try to do too much.
7:49 >> Me, too. We're very similar in that way. >> Let's talk about personal challenges now. Things related to habits and lifestyle.
7:57 >> Good idea. For me, exercising regularly is a huge challenge. Oh, me too. I always plan to exercise, but then I don't.
8:06 >> What stops you? >> Lack of motivation mostly. After work, I'm too tired. >> I have the same excuse. I tell myself
8:14 I'll go to the gym. >> But then you go home instead. >> Yes. Every time I sit on the couch and that's it.
8:22 >> Once you sit down, it's over. You're not getting up. >> Exactly. That couch is too comfortable. >> Have you tried exercising in the
8:30 morning? a few times. But remember, I'm not a morning person, >> right? We talked about that. It's hard to change your natural rhythm.
8:38 >> Very hard. What type of exercise do you like? >> I like walking and yoga. Nothing too intense.
8:45 >> That sounds gentle and relaxing. >> Yes, but I still don't do it enough. Maybe twice a week. >> That's better than nothing.
8:53 >> I suppose, but I know I should do more. >> We're all trying to improve. Don't feel bad about it. >> Thanks. Another personal challenge is
9:01 drinking enough water. >> Oh yes, I forget to drink water all day. >> Then suddenly it's evening and you realize you only had one glass.
9:10 >> Exactly. How much water should we drink? >> I think about eight glasses a day, but I never reach that. >> Me neither. I drink coffee instead.
9:20 >> Coffee doesn't count as water, you know. >> I know. I know. But it's liquid, right? >> Not the same thing. Coffee can actually dehydrate you.
9:29 >> Really? I didn't know that. >> Yes. So, you need water, too, not just coffee. >> That explains why I feel tired
9:36 sometimes. >> Dehydration makes you tired and gives you headaches. >> I should probably carry a water bottle
9:43 with me. >> That's what I do. It helps me remember to drink. >> Does it work?
9:47 >> Sometimes, but then I forget to refill the bottle. >> We both need to work on this. >> Definitely. Let's talk about social
9:55 challenges, too. What do you mean? >> Challenges with relationships, friendships, family. >> Oh, I see. That's an important topic for
10:03 me. Staying in touch with friends is difficult. >> Why is that? >> Everyone is so busy. We all have work,
10:10 responsibilities, errands. >> So, you don't see your friends often? >> Not as often as I'd like. Maybe once a
10:17 month. >> That's not very much. >> I know. We text sometimes, but it's not the same. No, texting is different from
10:24 spending time together. >> We always say we should meet up, but then weeks pass and we don't. >> Life gets in the way.
10:32 >> Exactly. Do you have the same problem? >> Yes, definitely. I have one close friend I see regularly. >> That's good. How often do you see her?
10:40 >> About twice a month. We have coffee or go for a walk. >> That sounds nice. It's important to make time for friendships.
10:47 >> It is, but it takes effort and planning. Everything requires effort these days. >> True. Another social challenge is dealing with family expectations.
10:58 >> Oh, that's a big one. What do you mean exactly? >> Well, my parents want me to visit more often.
11:04 >> How often do you visit them? >> One sore twice a month, but they want every week. >> Once a week is a lot. Do they live far
11:12 away? >> No, only 30 minutes by car, but with work and everything else, it's hard. >> I understand. You feel guilty when you
11:20 can't visit more. >> Yes, exactly. They don't say anything, but I can tell they're disappointed. >> That's a difficult situation. Family
11:29 expectations can create pressure. >> They can. My mom always asks when I'm coming to visit next. >> Do you have siblings who visit them?
11:38 >> Yes, I have a sister. She lives closer and visits more often. >> Does that make you feel even worse? >> Sometimes, yes. I compare myself to her
11:46 and feel bad. But everyone's situation is different. You're doing your best. >> Thank you. That's nice to hear. What about your family?
11:55 >> My parents live in another city. I only see them a few times a year. >> That must be hard. >> It is. We video call every week, but
12:03 it's not the same. >> No, it's not. But at least you stay connected. >> True. Technology helps a lot with that
12:10 challenge. >> Let's talk about financial challenges now. Money is always a topic people worry about. Oh yes, managing money is
12:18 one of my biggest challenges. >> What specifically is difficult for you? >> Saving money. I try, but unexpected expenses always come up.
12:27 >> Like what kind of expenses? >> Last month, my car needed repairs. That cost $500. >> Ouch. That's a lot of money.
12:36 >> Yes, I had saved some money, but then it was gone. >> So, you have to start saving again from zero.
12:42 >> Exactly. It's frustrating. Do you have a savings plan? >> I try to save 10% of my salary every month.
12:50 >> That's good. Do you always succeed? >> Not always. Some months I can't save anything >> because expenses are too high.
12:57 >> Yes. Rent, groceries, bills, everything adds up quickly. >> Living is expensive nowadays. >> It really is. And prices keep going up.
13:07 >> Groceries especially. I spend so much at the supermarket. >> Me, too. Even basic things cost more than before.
13:14 >> Do you make a shopping list before you go? >> Yes, always. It helps me avoid buying unnecessary things.
13:20 >> That's smart. I should do that more often. >> It saves money and time. You know exactly what you need.
13:26 >> Another money challenge is saying no to social activities. >> What do you mean? >> Friends invite me out, dinner, movies,
13:33 concerts, but everything costs money. >> So sometimes you have to decline. >> Yes. And then I feel like I'm missing out. That's hard. You want to have fun,
13:42 but also be responsible. >> Exactly. It's about finding balance. >> Maybe suggest cheaper alternatives, like having dinner at home instead of a
13:52 restaurant. >> That's a good idea. Most friends understand budget concerns. >> True. Real friends don't judge you for
13:58 that. >> Now, let's talk about time management challenges in general. >> We touched on this earlier, but there's
14:04 more to discuss. >> Yes, finding time for hobbies is really difficult for me. What hobbies do you have?
14:11 >> I like reading and playing guitar, but I rarely do either anymore. >> Why not? >> By the time I finish work and chores,
14:18 I'm exhausted. >> So, you just relax in front of the TV >> usually. Yes. It requires less energy. >> But hobbies are important for mental
14:26 health. >> I know. They help you relax in a different way. >> And they give you a sense of
14:31 accomplishment. >> You're right. I need to prioritize them more. >> Maybe schedule hobby time like you
14:37 schedule work meetings. That's an interesting approach. Treat it like an appointment. >> Exactly. Put it in your calendar and
14:44 commit to it. >> I'll try that. What hobbies do you have? >> I like painting and gardening, but I have the same problem as you.
14:51 >> Not enough time, >> right? Weeks go by and I don't paint at all. >> Then you feel bad about neglecting your
14:57 hobby. >> Yes. It becomes another source of guilt. >> We're so hard on ourselves about everything.
15:03 >> We really are. Maybe we need to be more forgiving. That's wise advice. Nobody's perfect. >> Another time challenge is dealing with
15:11 interruptions throughout the day. >> Oh, that's a big one. Phone calls, messages, emails. >> They break your concentration
15:19 constantly. >> And then it takes time to refocus on what you were doing. >> Studies say it takes about 20 minutes to
15:26 fully concentrate again. >> Really? I didn't know that. >> So, every interruption costs you 20 minutes of productivity. That adds up to
15:34 hours every day. >> Exactly. That's why we feel like we never have enough time. >> How do you handle interruptions?
15:42 >> I try to set specific times for checking emails, like 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. >> Does that work? >> Sometimes, but people expect immediate
15:50 responses nowadays. >> That's true. Everyone wants everything instantly. >> It creates stress and pressure.
15:57 >> The world moves too fast sometimes. >> I agree. We need to slow down and be more intentional. >> Well, Emma, that was a great discussion
16:05 about daily challenges. >> It was. We covered so many different aspects of daily life >> from morning routines to work issues to
16:13 personal habits. >> And we talked about money, time, and relationships, too. >> I think everyone watching can relate to
16:20 at least some of these challenges. >> Definitely, these are universal experiences. You know, Emma, while we were talking, we used many, many useful
16:28 words for describing challenges and problems. >> We did? Oh, yes, we did. Maybe we should talk about them for a minute.
16:35 >> I think it's a great idea. Let's help everyone remember these important words. >> Perfect. This will be very helpful for learners.
16:43 >> Okay, the first word is exhausted. We used this word many times today. >> Yes, we did. It's a very common word in English.
16:51 >> Exhausted means extremely tired. more than just tired. It's when you have no energy left at all. >> For example, I said after work, I'm
17:01 exhausted. This means I'm completely drained of energy. >> I also said I was exhausted after helping my brother move apartments.
17:10 >> That's a perfect example. Moving furniture makes everyone exhausted. >> Can you make a sentence with exhausted? >> Sure. After a long day of studying,
17:20 students feel exhausted. Perfect example. Now, let's talk about the word manage. >> Oh, yes, we said manage time and manage
17:30 money several times. >> Manage means to control or organize something successfully. It's about handling things well.
17:38 >> For example, I said managing money is challenging. This means controlling how I spend and save money is difficult. >> I said I struggle to manage my time at
17:49 work. That means organizing your work tasks is hard for you. >> Exactly. Can you give us another example with manage?
17:57 >> Of course. She manages a team of 10 people at her company. >> Excellent. The next important word is routine.
18:05 >> This word came up when we talked about morning habits. >> A routine is a sequence of actions you do regularly. It's your normal pattern
18:13 or habit. >> I said we all have different routines. This means everyone has their own regular patterns.
18:21 >> Morning routine, evening routine, work routine. You can use it in many contexts. >> For example, my morning routine includes
18:29 coffee, shower, and getting dressed. >> That's clear and helpful. Can you make another sentence? >> His bedtime routine helps him sleep
18:37 better every night. >> Perfect. Now, let's discuss the word prioritize. >> We used this when talking about hobbies
18:44 and time management. Prioritize means to put things in order of importance. You decide what's most important and do that first.
18:53 >> I said Jack needs to prioritize his hobbies more. >> That means I should make my hobbies more important in my life.
19:01 >> Yes. When you prioritize something, you give it attention and time. >> For example, I should prioritize my health by exercising regularly.
19:10 >> Great example. Can you give us one more? >> Sure. Good managers prioritize urgent tasks before less important ones. >> Excellent sentence. The next word is
19:21 distraction. >> We talked about this when discussing concentration problems. >> A distraction is something that takes
19:28 your attention away from what you're doing. >> I said my phone is a distraction when I try to work.
19:34 >> That means your phone prevents you from focusing on work. >> Social media, noise, and interruptions are all distractions. They stop you from
19:43 concentrating on important tasks. >> Can you make a sentence with distraction? >> Yes. The TV is a big distraction when I
19:51 try to study. >> Perfect. Now, let's talk about unexpected. >> This word appeared when we discussed
19:57 expenses and challenges. >> Unexpected means something you didn't plan for or predict. It's a surprise, usually not a good one. Jack said
20:07 unexpected expenses come up frequently. >> Like my car repairs, I didn't plan for that expense. It was unexpected. >> Life is full of unexpected problems and
20:18 challenges. >> That's true. Can you give another example? >> Sure. An unexpected meeting canceled my
20:25 afternoon plans. >> That's a very common situation. Last word is discipline. >> We used this when talking about habits
20:33 and self-control. Discipline means control over your own behavior. It's the ability to do what you should do even when you don't want to.
20:43 >> I said I need more discipline about checking my phone. >> That means you need better self-control to stop looking at your phone
20:50 constantly. >> Discipline helps you build good habits and avoid bad ones. >> For example, it takes discipline to
20:57 exercise every day >> or to save money instead of spending it immediately. >> Can you make one more sentence? Yes,
21:05 students need discipline to study regularly and finish homework on time. >> Excellent example. Well, Emma, that was a very long and nice conversation about
21:14 daily challenges. >> It was. I feel like I know your daily struggles very well now, Jack. >> And I know yours. So, let's think about
21:23 what we did today. >> We practiced how to talk about daily challenges in English. >> We started with morning routines and
21:31 waking up challenges. We then talked about work difficulties like time management and concentration. >> We discussed home challenges including
21:39 housework and cooking. >> We covered personal habits like exercise and drinking water. >> We talked about social challenges with
21:47 friends and family expectations. >> We discussed financial concerns and saving money. >> We ended with time management and
21:55 finding balance in life. >> We also taught seven useful vocabulary words. words like exhausted, manage, routine, prioritize, distraction,
22:07 unexpected, and discipline. >> These are all practical words you can use every day >> in conversations with co-workers,
22:15 friends, or family members. >> And now it's time for our favorite part. >> It is the question of the day. >> Are you ready for today's question?
22:24 Okay, today's question is, "What is your biggest daily challenge and how do you handle it?" >> That's a great question. Let me answer
22:33 first. >> Please do. >> My biggest challenge is staying motivated to eat healthy food. After
22:40 work, I want pizza or fast food. >> That's very relatable. >> I handle it by meal prepping on weekends when I have more energy and motivation.
22:49 >> That's a practical solution. What about you, Jack? My biggest challenge is definitely getting enough sleep. I stay up too late every night.
22:58 >> And how do you try to handle that? >> I'm trying to create a bedtime routine. I set an alarm to remind me to start getting ready for bed.
23:06 >> Does it work? >> Sometimes. I'm still working on it. It's a process. >> Change takes time. Don't be too hard on
23:13 yourself. >> So viewers, we want to know about you. >> What is your biggest daily challenge and how do you handle it? Please share your
23:22 answer in the comments below. We read every single comment and we love to learn about your lives. >> It is the best way to practice your
23:30 English writing >> and it helps us understand what topics to cover in future videos. >> So to summarize today, we practiced
23:38 talking about daily challenges. >> We learned many useful words and phrases you can use in real conversations. >> We hope you feel more confident now
23:48 about discussing your own challenges in English. We remember that practice is very important. The more you speak, the better you become.
23:56 >> Thank you so so much for joining us today. >> If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up.
24:02 >> Share it with a friend who is also learning English. >> Don't forget to subscribe to our channel, Leo English Podcast.
24:09 >> Click the bell so you never miss a new lesson. >> We have new conversations every day to help you improve. Each video covers a
24:17 different practical topic you can use immediately. >> Next time we will talk about a different useful topic,
24:24 >> something fun and interesting for your English learning journey. >> So from both of us, keep learning, keep practicing, and have a wonderful day.
24:32 >> Remember, everyone faces challenges. You're not alone. >> And talking about them in English is great practice.
24:40 >> Goodbye everyone. See you in the next video. >> Bye. Take care and keep speaking