There’s something about being home that makes me want to reset, reorganize, and get my life together—or at least attempt to. Since coming back, I’ve been in full organization mode, sorting through everything from my routines to my long-term plans. And honestly? It’s been a mix of productive bursts and overwhelming moments (fueled by many, many cups of tea, of course).
How I’ve Been Feeling About Being Back Home
It’s been a rollercoaster. One minute, I’m loving the ease of being in England—communicating effortlessly, hopping in the car for errands, watching deer on the chase, and doing a food shop without feeling like I’m training for a weightlifting competition. But then I’d find myself missing my life in Korea—my space, my routine, my friends who have become family. The emotional whiplash has been real.
I didn’t realize how much I’d been holding in over the past year and a half—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Going home to England for a visit gave me space to breathe, but coming back to Korea made me reflect on everything that’s changed. On one hand, I feel clear-minded and refreshed. On the other, I feel unsettled, like I’m still trying to figure out where I stand between these two worlds.
Getting Back into a Routine
I thought I’d slip right back into my old habits (even the ones I’d rather not keep), but no—life had other plans. My sleep schedule? A mess. While in England, I was somehow stuck on Korean time, then as soon as I returned, I was magically on UK time. Make that make sense!
Add to that the delightful side effects of being on steroids—insomnia, vivid nightmares, and a hunger that could rival a bear before hibernation. But, silver lining, my condition seems to be stabilizing. I’ll do a full health update in another post, including my experiences with the Korean healthcare system.
I have so many ideas and plans, but as a certified creature of habit, I find myself procrastinating when I don’t know where to start. So, it’s time for a good old-fashioned sit-down with a pen and paper to write out my goals and break them down into baby steps. If I don’t, I’ll just keep pretending they don’t exist.
What I’ve Organized Since Being Home
I kicked things off with unpacking (because, you know, survival). My apartment was surprisingly tidy when I returned, so it wasn’t as overwhelming as I feared. Initially, I planned a dramatic decluttering session before integrating my new clothes, but that… didn’t happen. Instead, I just put away the new stuff and told myself, One thing at a time.
If you don’t know, buying clothes in Korea when you’re not super slim is almost impossible. So, my England trip turned into a full-blown shopping spree, and I basically came back with an entire new wardrobe. Now, I’m actually prepared for summer, unlike last year when I was out here sweating in winter layers.
A few days later, I tackled my closet with ruthless efficiency. Things I hadn’t worn? Gone. Things I was holding onto for no reason? Also gone. Then came the doom pile—you know, that chaotic accumulation of things that somehow appears in every home. Mine was pretty bad. Korean apartments don’t have much storage, so I had to be cutthroat. I even let go of sentimental nonsense like a random straw I once kept for reasons unknown.
Other areas I tackled:
The kitchen and entrance cupboard – I shuffled things around until my storage trays, Tupperware, and baking gear have a proper home. For now. They tend to migrate.
- Furniture upgrade! – The biggest win? A new sofa. If you’ve lived in Korea, you know the struggle of not having a comfy place to lounge, sometimes its the bed or the floor are your only options. My dear friend gifted me a sofa, and I have never loved an inanimate object more. My evenings look completely different now—sofa lounging with a cup of tea just hits different. Now I need to find the perfect blanket to protect it… from myself.
Small Wins in Getting Back on Track
Since coming back, I’ve focused on feeding myself properly. Steroids make me hungry all the time, so I’ve been stocking up on healthy snacks and meal prepping to avoid falling into the “must eat everything” trap and grab all the unhealthy opttions, of course i’ve allowed myself a few nice things here and there because you know, balance.
I actually want to do a full post on freezer meals, because I’ve been testing out recipes that will save future me from hangry decisions, but also because I start my new job soon and my schedule is about to change. Batch cooking now is my way of preparing ahead so the transition feels easier, and I can still maintain healthy, balanced meals with ease, even on days when I have less time and energy to cook. Having meals ready to go will help me stay on track and not feel overwhelmed when life inevitably gets busier.
Another small but impactful habit? Putting my bed away every morning. My IKEA daybed is a pull-out, so at night, it expands to a full-size bed. In the morning, I push it back to a single, which instantly gives me more space. It’s a bit of a faff, but I’ve got it down to a science now, and honestly, it makes my apartment feel less chaotic.
Looking Ahead: My Plans Moving Forward
I’m really excited about starting my new job in March. It feels like a fresh start, and I want to go in feeling prepared and confident. I’ve already done some observation classes, and I love the vibe—the students seem great, and the staff are so welcoming.
I’m also itching to get back into content creation. I don’t love the term “content creation” because it sounds too influencer-y, but at the end of the day, I’m sharing my journey, and I want to do it well. So, I’m setting a goal to be more consistent with my blog and Instagram.
More than anything, I’m looking forward to building a solid routine—one that works for me and doesn’t make me feel like I’m sprinting toward burnout.
Setting Intentions for the Week
Before heading into Monday, I like to set a few realistic goals to keep me on track:
✔ Continue to declutter one small area each day
✔ Stick to a morning & night routine
✔ Plan my meals ahead to stay on track
✔ Set aside time for creativity & rest
It’s all a work in progress, and that’s okay. This season is about rebuilding, not rushing. So here’s to another Set Up Sunday—a little bit of planning, a little bit of progress, and a fresh start for the week ahead.
What’s one thing you’re organizing or resetting right now? Let’s chat in the comments! ✨
Life in Progress Diaries 
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