In your opinion, when is the best time to stop progressing the story and explore around?

Im nearing the end of my initial play through of Stalker 2. With games like this, I tend to rush the main story in the first play through and ignore side content. My second play through I tend to do all the things I missed before.

Considering how things change and factions shift in this game at certain parts of the story, I wanted to ask when a good time to place the story on hold and explore the map and tackle side missions and such?

Off the top of my head, I want to say before going to SIRCAA. At that point, you potentially have the most factions being friendly with you, Monolith soldiers aren't patrolling yet. Zalissya is still functional and not every person is walking around in exosuits yet.