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Learning to switch off


It’s officially the holiday season, and my vacation started right after our office Christmas party. You know the kind—bright lights, laughter, and that festive drunken chaos that somehow manages to feel both exhilarating and exhausting. After the confetti settled, I knew I needed a break.


So I took my leftover vacation days and decided to spend them differently. Instead of jamming my calendar with travel plans, I chose to stay home. Not because I don’t love traveling—there’s something magical about discovering new places—but because I know myself. I’m an introvert to my core, and sometimes a quiet recharge at home feels more like a vacation than an adventure ever could.


The first week? I became one with my bed. Full-on Hibernation Mode. After a year of nonstop go-go-go, my body practically demanded it. Once I felt like a human again, I filled my days with peaceful little rituals: rearranging my room to feel cozy, listening to the rain while sipping tea, cooking something warm and comforting. Even taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood felt restorative in a way I hadn’t noticed before.


Looking back, I think I’ve spent so much time mastering the art of booting up—of being productive, on-the-go, and ready for whatever—that I never learned how to switch off. And honestly? I need to practice that more.


Next year, I want to find a better balance. I’ll mix in some travel, sure, but I’ll also leave room for the kind of slow, quiet moments that help me feel grounded. Because whether it’s a plane ticket or a cozy couch, the real point of a vacation is to recharge, right?


For now, I’m soaking in this magical time of year, enjoying the small joys of a peaceful holiday season. There’s something truly special about finding comfort and happiness right at home.


 

Only nine more days left of 2024.

kimchikartoffl.

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