


Why the pencil is perfect

An ER doctor on triaging your “crazy busy” life by Darria Long
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THE BLUE TREE
Entertainment

CEFR B2
Upper
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions. Listen to the sample answers.Â
What are some common signs or indicators that suggest you may be experiencing burnout from a hectic lifestyle? |
TRANSCRIPT
For me, common signs of burnout are feeling constantly exhausted, struggling to stay productive, and noticing that I’m emotionally detached from things I usually enjoy. It often feels like I can’t fully disconnect from work, even during my downtime, which makes it tough to recharge. I’ve tried different time management methods, but staying consistent can be challenging when things get hectic. I’m still looking for practical ways to handle stress better and find a healthier balance.
In your opinion, what are the key challenges in balancing work, personal life, and self-care in today’s fast-paced world? |
TRANSCRIPT
You know, for me, the biggest challenge is managing my time between work, relationships, and self-care. As a single guy focused on my career, I often find myself neglecting my social life without even realizing it. Plus, after long days at work, I usually don’t have the energy left to properly take care of myself. I’d really like to find a healthier balance so I’m not just surviving but actually enjoying all parts of my life.
Have you tried any time management techniques or strategies in the past? If so, how effective were they in helping you regain control over your busy schedule? |
TRANSCRIPT
I’ve tried a few time-management techniques, especially ideas from Covey’s 7 Habits. Things like prioritizing tasks and focusing on what’s really important have helped me get better organized. But honestly, making these habits stick has been tricky, especially during busy periods at work. I sometimes slip back into old habits. Still, I see clear benefits whenever I apply these techniques, so I’m determined to keep trying.
part one
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 0:20 Would you have risen your hand to the question: “Have you ever used the phrase “Crazy Busy””?
- ⌚ 0:34 Does Darria use this word in the ER?
- ⌚ 1:11 How does the Crazy Mode diminish our capability of handling the ‘busy’?
- ⌚ 1:37 What does the research show about our ability to react to a stressful situation?
- ⌚ 1:48 What does Darria contrast the “Crazy Mode’ with?
- ⌚ 2:19 What does being in the “Ready Mode” mean in general?
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the second part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 2:35 What is the first step to go from Crazy Mode to Ready Mode?
- ⌚ 2:50 What does it mean to triage?Â
- ⌚ 2:58 What does the work of Dr. Robert Sapolsky show?
- ⌚ 3:15 What are the colours of triage? What do they mean?
- ⌚ 3:34 What is part of the problem with Crazy Mode?
- ⌚ 4:11 How does noise make triaging more difficult?
part three
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the third part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 5:19 How does Darria approach the green tasks?
- ⌚ 5:34 What does the black colour mean in triage?
- ⌚ 5:51 What are black tasks in our lives?
- ⌚ 6:12 What is the next step in moving from Crazy Mode to Ready Mode?
- ⌚ 6:28 What does science tell us about the relationship between a number of choices and our decisions?
- ⌚ 6:40 What is the second step about?
- ⌚ 7:39 How does planning, autonomating, collocating, and decreasing temptations help with designing?
part four
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the fourth part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 8:09 What is the third step of getting from Crazy Mode to Ready Mode?
- ⌚ 8:44 What matters when we get scared?
- ⌚ 8:59 How can being scared derail us?
- ⌚ 9:18 How does Darria get our of her head?
- ⌚ 9:42 What effect does compassion have on tunnel vision and negative internal monologue?
part five
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the fifth part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 11:04 How did the other patients react when Darria helped deliver a baby?
- ⌚ 11:13 What happens when you go from Crazy Mode into Ready Mode?
- ⌚ 11:29 What does Darria encourage us to do?
DISCUSSION
Answer the questions below. Try to throw some newly learned words and phrases.
Have you ever found yourself in “Crazy Busy Mode”? How did it affect your ability to handle your responsibilities, both at work and in your personal life?Â
Dr. Darria Long mentions the importance of triaging tasks and prioritizing by degree of urgency. Can you think of a recent situation in your life where proper triaging could have helped you manage your busy schedule more effectively?Â
According to the presentation, reducing daily decisions can help alleviate stress. How do you currently manage decision-making in your daily life, and can you identify any areas where you could implement automation or planning to make it easier?Â
Dr. Darria Long talks about getting out of your head and focusing on others as a tactic to disrupt tunnel vision and improve decision-making. Can you share a situation when this approach could be helpful in your life or work?Â
The presentation emphasizes the importance of being in “Ready Mode” and embracing challenges with confidence. How can you apply the concept of “Ready Mode” to your daily life, and what steps can you take to build resilience and preparedness for handling busy times?
POLL
Cast your vote in the poll below. How does your answer compare with the other respondents?
lesson glossary

The Trick to Regaining Your Childlike Wonder by Zach King
Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
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THE BLUE TREE
Surprise Me

CEFR A2
Pre-Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below.
In what ways are children different from adults? |
TRANSCRIPT
Well, there are quite a few ways children are different from adults. For starters, kids are way more open-minded and curious. They ask loads of questions and aren’t afraid to explore new ideas or make mistakes. It’s like they see the world as this huge playground full of endless possibilities.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to get stuck in their routines and often worry too much about what others think. We’ve got responsibilities and stress that can make us less adventurous. Also, kids live more in the moment and have this genuine excitement about life. They’re not bogged down by the past or too worried about the future. It’s like they have this innate ability to find joy and wonder in the smallest things, which is pretty refreshing when you think about it.
What helps children be so imaginative and creative? |
TRANSCRIPT
Honestly, I think what helps children be so imaginative and creative is their curiosity and sense of play. They’ve got this amazing ability to see the world without all the filters adults have. Everything is new and exciting for them, so they’re constantly exploring and asking questions.
Kids aren’t afraid to make mistakes either. They’re like little scientists, experimenting with everything around them. Plus, they’ve got heaps of energy and time to just play, which is a huge part of creativity. Their imagination runs wild because they’re not bogged down by worries or limitations. It’s like they see magic in the everyday, turning ordinary stuff into something extraordinary.
How could adults benefit from being more creative? |
TRANSCRIPT
You know, I reckon adults could really benefit from being more creative. It’s like giving your brain a good workout, keeps things fresh, you know? For starters, it helps you think outside the box, which is a massive plus in solving problems. Instead of hitting a brick wall, you find new paths around it.
Plus, creativity is a bit like a breath of fresh air in your daily grind. It breaks the monotony, makes life more colourful and exciting. Imagine looking at the world with a bit more wonder, like when we were kids. It can make even the dullest tasks seem a tad more interesting. So yeah, letting that creative side shine can really spice things up and keep your mind sharp.
part one
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 00:28 Why was Zach late for his talk?
- ⌚ 00:42 How did Zach eventually get on the stage?
- ⌚ 00:49 Who is Zach King?
- ⌚ 01:01 How did you answer Zach’s question at the beginning?
- ⌚ 01:26 Who doesn’t see it as a box?
- ⌚ 01:47 How are adults different from children?
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the second part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 01:52 What has Zach been trying to find out over the past decade?
- ⌚ 2:20 Which example of imaginative thinking did you like the most?
- ⌚ 2:23 Does Zach believe adults can regain this childlike wonder?
- ⌚ 3:56 How did Zach play with the box when he was a small boy?
- ⌚ 4:19 What happened when Zach found winter jackets in his box?
- ⌚ 4:39 What happened to the box over the years?
part three
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the third part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 05:02 What happened when he heard some noise coming from the garage?
- ⌚ 05:37 Who did they meet in space and what did they show them?
- ⌚ 5:52 What is the key to regaining childlike wonder?
- ⌚ 06:03 What does it mean not to hold any assumptions about things?
- ⌚ 06:13 How could this ability help us in life?
part four
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the fourth part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- ⌚ 06:35 What did Zach show us and what was your first thought when you saw it?
- ⌚ 7:32 How did Zach return on stage?
- ⌚ 7:52 When can new ideas enter the world?
POLL
Cast your vote in the poll.
lesson glossary
COMMENTS
How important is creativity and imagination? What are the benefits of keeping childlike wonder? Do you agree with Zach that we need to get rid our assumptions to regain childlike wonder?
Share your thoughts and ideas below.

COMMENTS
Have you got your own strategies for dealing with Crazy Mode?
Share your views and experience here.