Shadowing Practice: my anti-brainrot everyday carry 2026 - Learn English Speaking with Video

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So, this is my everyday carry.

As someone who's trying to achieve his goals and reduce distractions, I try to be very intentional about what I carry with me every day.

In today's video, I'm going to share with you the everyday carry that helps me reduce distractions and stay more focused.

Starting with what I carry inside my pockets, my daily driver is this old iPhone XR.

I really love this phone because of how minimal it is.

Most people think that the reason they get distracted is because of their phones or social media, but I'd rather say the problem goes a little deeper.

It's really a matter of design.

Instead of asking how to use your phone less, I think it's more useful to ask what you actually want your phone to do.

Once you define that, you can see whether those tasks compete with each other.

If they do, then separating them across different devices often becomes the best solution.

That doesn't mean dividing your phone into a hundred different devices for no reason.

It simply means giving each device a clear purpose.

That's exactly why I like this phone so much.

Because this thing doesn't have the latest specs, I can actually use it instead of being used by it.

I'd say that the lack of high-end features, like a fancy display and a giant battery, is actually what makes this phone so good for me.

It simply makes me use my phone in a more intentional way, which ultimately helps me live more in the present moment and stay more focused while working toward my goals.

My daily screen time has been ridiculously low these days.

Currently, I mostly use it for listening to music, recording these videos, making calls, and texting some friends.

The reason all of these tasks can coexist on the same device is because they don't really compete with each other.

To give you a dumb but real example, I don't feel the need to use the camera instead of making a phone call.

That's also why I don't think it makes sense to buy a separate device for every simple task.

In cases like these, having more devices just becomes impractical.

I also used to read on it.

But recently I replaced it with this thing, which brings us to the next upgrade.

Recently I bought this tiny e-reader.

I guess you've all heard about it, but this is the Xtink X4.

It's a really simple device with only one function, reading books.

Actually, you can't do anything else on this thing, besides reading books and customizing it.

Before buying this, I used to read a lot on my phone.

However, it ended up making my eyes hurt, especially when reading at night.

I was literally cooking my eyes.

This thing is really good because it causes virtually no eye strain at all, because it has no backlight.

I actually stopped my bad habit of sometimes reading until 3am.

Besides the notebook that I keep inside my backpack, I also carry this mini journal.

I've been using it for about a month now, and it has helped me a lot with capturing insights and and important ideas that come to mind.

This one in particular is from a brand called Mi Plus and it's actually made out of real leather, which feels really nice to touch.

In fact, it feels so nice that my cat ended up wanting to devour this thing.

I really ended up loving having this kind of second brain in my pocket.

One cool thing is that it also pairs really nicely with this tiny e-reader.

I actually stuck a magnetic sticker on one of the sides of this mini journal, which allows me to keep both of these things together in my pocket pretty easily.

It also lets me read a book, while always having a piece of paper nearby to capture important ideas or thoughts.

The last things I carry with me are my keys and wallets.

Normally I prefer to use this leather wallet that my grandfather gave me when I was a kid.

I've had it with me for many years.

He actually told me that he bought it when he was 30 years old, which means this wallet is now over 40 years.

That's insane.

The cool thing about this wallet is that it has this hidden compartment where I keep my important cards.

I think this feature is really cool, because if I ever end up losing my wallet, I doubt anyone would figure out that this hidden compartment even exists.

I really love this wallet, both because of all its history, and because of its unique features that make it different from any other wallet I know.

However, whenever I'm wearing something simpler and more minimal, I use this tiny wallet.

This thing is tiny and really simple, and despite its size, I can still store money and cards in it.

While I tend to use the wallet that my grandfather gave me more often, I really like how both of these wallets are built.

They both feel very durable, so I'm really grateful that I get to use both of them.

So, starting with the backpacks.

I actually own two different ones this $40 random one, and this slightly more expensive TomTalk backpack.

They serve two completely different purposes.

The smaller budget one is for days when I don't have much to carry, and I know I won't be wearing it all day.

The bigger TomTalk backpack though is the one I use whenever I need to carry more things with me.

The reason I split it up like this is because the comfort level between the two is night and day.

Sure, the budget one works for lighter loads, but once I add some real weight, it gets incredibly uncomfortable.

Not to mention, it runs out of space pretty quickly.

For comparison, I can't even fit my gaming laptop comfortably in its laptop compartment.

However, in this larger backpack, I'm able to fit both of these laptops, my e-reader, and a few books.

That's why I usually prefer to carry this one around.

It's comfortable regardless of how much I'm carrying.

And the extra space means that each item has its own place.

I'm especially concerned about how the items fit inside the backpack, because sometimes things can get dangerous,

especially with more fragile devices like these e-ink tablets and headphones.

Another big difference between these two lies in the build quality.

The cheaper backpack isn't bad, I've been using it for two years, and while it has its fair amount of scars, I still think it will last for a long time.

However, it doesn't feel nearly as comfortable to use as this one.

The biggest difference lies in the compartments.

This cheaper backpack just has a thin layer of material separating the outside from the inside, which is completely fine for light use.

But this one has much better padding, which makes it much more comfortable.

I'm really happy with my current backpack setup, though I might eventually replace this cheaper backpack with a comfortable, tinier one.

Talking about what I actually keep inside my backpack,

usually the only computer I carry with me is this really cool Japanese laptop that I bought on eBay for around $130.

This is the Panasonic Let's Note CF SV7.

Basically, it has the same specs as the ThinkPad T480 while being cheaper and having this really cool design.

Well, since my last upload about this laptop, I actually switched its operating system from Arch with Hyperland to Debian with GNOME.

I only made the switch on this laptop because Arch

and Hyperland were causing some weird bugs that I didn't have the patience to fix.

I also wanted to try a different Linux distro with a different desktop environment.

Even with Debian and GNOME, this thing continues to be really fast for everything I do on it.

For comparison, it's actually faster than my Windows gaming laptop when switching between workspaces.

Of course, that's mostly an operating system issue, but it's still really impressive to see.

While I sometimes use this thing for coding, I actually tend to use it more as a writing tool for taking notes and writing video scripts.

Having this laptop dedicated to those kinds of tasks actually helps me stay more focused and productive.

Overall, I really love this laptop, not just because of its hardware, but also because of how different it feels to use.

Even though I love the touchpad on this laptop because of how unique it feels.

I still tend to carry this Bluetooth mouse alongside with it.

This thing is super responsive while being very small and minimal.

It also pairs perfectly with my Panasonic laptop.

Sometimes I also carry my gaming laptop around.

Besides my laptop, I also carry this e-ink tablet and notebook inside this compartment.

I usually use this e-ink tablet for taking notes in class, studying, or just reading books and manga.

Writing on this thing feels really good, especially with this pen that came with it.

I bought it secondhand for around 300 bucks, and it has already paid for itself thanks to the number of books I've read on it.

It runs Android, which means I can install any app I want on it.

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The best part about devices like this, though, is the screen.

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Because it's made up of tiny particles that move across the display, it causes virtually no eye strain, and since the refresh rate is so low, it also prevents you from getting distracted by doomscrolling or social media.

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Overall, this is a really nice and useful device to carry around.

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It also helps keep my backpack lighter, since I don't need to bring any school textbooks with me.

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Besides the e-ink tablet, I also carry this notebook.

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This one, in particular, cost me just $1.

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Well, to write on this tablet, I usually use either this Samsung S Pen or this more expensive Books Pen.

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And to write in my notebooks, I usually just use one of these random pens that I bought at my school for cheap.

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I usually just store them in this simple and minimal pencil case.

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So inside this tiny compartment, I usually keep my console.

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This is the PSP 3000 model, and even though I don't use it every single day, It genuinely improved my relationship with games, simply because this thing doesn't have the latest specs.

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It actually allows me to enjoy gaming without making it so distracting or addictive.

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This device actually allowed me to simplify my relationship with technology by giving each device its own purpose, which removed that feeling of uneasiness I used to feel whenever I tried to focus on a device

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that I also used for gaming.

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I actually carry this thing around to play a game whenever I don't feel like reading a book, or when I simply want to make time go by in a way that I find meaningful.

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Well, I really like having this console, and I love how this thing feels to play.

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I also appreciate the fact that it's an actual portable console that I'm able to carry around.

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Inside this tiny pocket, I also carry my Apple EarPods.

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Even though they're cheap, their sound quality is actually pretty good.

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They stay in my ears in a way that feels comfortable and seamless.

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I also carry my Sony headphones.

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They're perfect for cancelling outside noise, especially when I want to focus in a loud place, or simply when I want to drift away from reality and appreciate some nice music.

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I really love how they sound, however they tend to be uncomfortable to use during the summer because they make my ears sweat.

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These are just random things that I carry, but I would say that sometimes they really save my day.

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Inside the main compartment, I also carry this essentials bag where I store things like my deodorant, some cream to keep my skin hydrated, my perfume, and a bunch of other small things.

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I'd say this is one of those things that everybody should carry.

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It can really save you when you you truly need it.

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Other random things that I also like to carry in my backpack are this grip strength trainer.

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I tend to use it to make boring classes pass a little faster while having some fun.

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The last things I carry are these random chargers and these calculators.

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I'd like to end this by saying

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that the purpose of this video is not to convince you to buy any of the things I own.

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The reason why this everyday carry works for me is

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because it makes me more intentional about how I use my time and attention.

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All the devices I own have a specific purpose.

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I still have a lot to improve, and that's why I'm constantly trying to find ways to use my technology in a healthier way

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that helps me accomplish my goals.

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If you want to join a community where we talk about tech, productivity, and intentional living, consider checking the discord link in the description.

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Thanks for watching.

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This B2 speaking lesson is built on the video “my anti-brainrot everyday carry 2026”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: carry, device, backpack, laptop, wallet. This video has 138 sentences and 2222 words to shadow. The speech runs for 9:55. The speaker talks fast, about 224 words per minute, so expect linked and reduced sounds. Only 81% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.

Key vocabulary in this video

The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
backpack noun	/ˈbæk.pæk/	A knapsack, sometimes mounted on a light frame, but always supported by straps, worn on a person’s back for the purpose of carrying things, especially when…
wallet noun	/ˈwɑl.ət/	A small case, often flat and often made of leather, for keeping money (especially paper money), credit cards, etc.
compartment noun	/kəmˈpɑɹtmənt/	A room, or section, or chamber, typically within a vehicle.
tablet noun	/ˈtæblət/	A slab of clay, stone or wood used for inscription.
intentional adjective	/ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/	Intended or planned; done deliberately or voluntarily.
notebook noun	/ˈnoʊtˌbʊk/	A book (physical or digital) in which notes or memoranda are written.
minimal adjective	/ˈmɪn.ə.məl/	The smallest possible amount, quantity, or degree.
spectacles noun	/ˈspɛktəkl̩z/	A pair of lenses set in a frame worn on the nose and ears in order to correct deficiencies in eyesight or to ornament the face.
distract verb	/dɪˈstɹækt/	To divert the attention of.
console noun	/ˈkɑn.soʊl/	A stand-alone cabinet designed to stand on the floor; especially, one integrated with home entertainment equipment, such as a TV or stereo system.
distraction noun	/dɪsˈtɹæk.ʃən/	Something that distracts.
headphones noun	/ˈhɛdfoʊnz/	A pair of cushioned speakers worn over or in the ears so only the wearer can hear the sound.
strain noun	/stɹeɪn/	A particular variety of a microbe, virus, or other organism, usually a taxonomically infraspecific one.
uncomfortable adjective	/ʌnˈkʌm.fɚ.tə.bl̩/	Not comfortable; causing discomfort.
backlight noun	/ˈbæk.laɪt/	Light shining from a source behind the object of interest or attention.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Meaning
end up verb	To bring to a conclusion.
figure out verb	To come to understand; to discover or find a solution; to deduce.
make out of verb	To construct from; to create (something) using (a material or substance).

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

That's exactly why I like this phone so much.
I've had it with me for many years.
It's comfortable regardless of how much I'm carrying.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

Structure	In the video
“Used to” used to + verb — a past habit or state that is no longer true	used to read · used to feel
Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — an action that started earlier and is still going on	I've been using
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now	has been · has helped · I've had
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thing	old, which means · inside, which is · padding, which makes

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 36 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, don't, doesn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “sh” and “zh” sounds: intentional /ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/, distraction /dɪsˈtɹæk.ʃən/, refresh /ɹɪˈfɹɛʃ/, accomplish /əˈkɑm.plɪʃ/, patience /ˈpeɪ̯.ʃəns/
Long words — get the stress right: intentional /ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/, uncomfortable /ʌnˈkʌm.fɚ.tə.bl̩/, deodorant /diˈoʊ.də.ɹənt/, impractical /ɪmˈpɹæktɪkəl/, uneasiness /ʌnˈiːzinəs/

How to practise with this video

Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like backpack, wallet, compartment.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →

Shadowing Practice: my anti-brainrot everyday carry 2026 - Learn English Speaking with Video

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