‘Desire Alone Doesn’t Do It’: Han Kang’s 3 Habits for Success

Author Han Kang’s lifestyle habits have garnered attention following her recent achievement. On December 11, Han was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her novel The Vegetarian at Stockholm’s Concert Hall in Sweden.

Since the announcement of her Nobel Prize, discussions have not only centered around her literary works but also her personal routines and habits. A note left by Han during a donation event on the eve of the award ceremony offers a glimpse into the routines she has maintained over the years.

"While writing Greek Lessons, I tried to follow several routines (though not always successfully):

- Waking up at 5:30 AM to write the next section of my novel with the clearest mind possible.

- Walking along the riverside near my home at least once a day.

- Brewing black tea leaves in a teapot usually reserved for green tea, and sipping a cup each time I returned to my desk—about six or seven cups a day. Looking into the bluish inside of the small cup became the focal point of my daily life."

These routines, rooted in discipline and mindfulness, have sparked curiosity about their health benefits.

1. Early Morning Wake-Up

While ideal sleep duration and wake-up times vary for individuals, maintaining about 8 hours of sleep is generally recommended for health. Experts suggest that falling asleep between 10 PM and midnight and waking up between 6 AM and 8 AM helps maintain a stable circadian rhythm. However, they note that personal schedules, health conditions, and age should also be considered when determining optimal sleep patterns.

2. Writing

Writing has been shown to alleviate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It enhances focus, rebuilds confidence, and helps regulate emotions, thereby improving quality of life.

For non-writers, starting with a journal can be beneficial. Journaling allows individuals to reflect on their emotions and brainstorm solutions to challenges. It also provides a space to release emotional burdens, helping them start the next day with a clearer mind.

3. Walking

A simple walk, like writing, helps organize thoughts and manage emotions. While walking is not an aerobic exercise—it does not require additional oxygen to meet energy demands—it can still provide significant mental and physical benefits.

Doctors recommend brisk walking as one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise. It aids cognitive function and promotes overall well-being.

4. Drinking Tea

Han Kang’s preferred beverage, black tea, has long been regarded for its medicinal properties. Black tea is rich in antioxidants and supports diuretic functions.

Its flavonoids offer powerful antioxidant effects, preventing free radical-induced aging. Free radicals are a major factor in accelerating aging both inside and outside the body. Black tea also helps regulate blood sugar, which can combat symptoms of insulin resistance, such as abdominal fat, fatigue, insomnia, and hair loss.

While black tea contains caffeine for a quick energy boost, its effects are short-lived. Adding cinnamon and honey to black tea can enhance vitality and awaken the mind and body naturally without overstimulating the nervous system. It also boosts the immune system, making it a rejuvenating and healthful choice.

Han Kang’s disciplined routines and mindful practices highlight the balance she has maintained in her creative and personal life, offering inspiration for anyone seeking harmony and productivity.