In today’s fast-paced world, few can follow the 8-8-8 rule religiously but its core message — balancing work, rest and personal time — remains a healthy goal worth striving for?
Actor Akshay Kumar recently revealed that he swears by the 8-8-8 rule — eight hours of work, eight hours of personal time and eight hours of sleep. At 58, the actor credits this balanced routine for helping him stay fit and energetic.
But is the 8-8-8 rule practical in today’s fast-paced world? And can it really improve physical and mental well-being? My Kolkata spoke to experts to find out.
According to Shreya Poddar of AM Medical Centre, Southern Avenue, the 8-8-8 rule is best seen as a guiding principle rather than a strict formula.
“Doctors, healthcare workers, new parents, shift workers and many other professionals may not always be able to divide their day equally. Instead of obsessing over the numbers, people should focus on getting adequate sleep, following a healthy routine, managing stress and allowing the body enough time to recover,” she said.
“People with demanding careers — such as doctors, media professionals and those in target-driven jobs — often work well beyond the conventional 9-to-5 schedule. While an ideal work-life balance is desirable, it can be difficult to achieve it consistently, especially in India where longer work hours and fewer holidays are common,” she explained.
Banerjee stressed that even if the 8-8-8 split is not possible, prioritising quality sleep and making time for restorative activities such as gardening, painting, cooking or exercise can go a long way in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Counselling psychologist Saloni Priya said the 8-8-8 principle aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
“Our biological clock is designed to keep the mind and body in sync. A balanced routine with sufficient sleep improves energy levels, concentration and emotional well-being,” she said.
However, she pointed out that the digital age poses a significant challenge, particularly for younger people.
“Many youngsters stay awake late into the night because that’s when they’re most active online. Social media, streaming platforms and digital connectivity have shifted sleep schedules, making it harder to follow a routine like the 8-8-8 rule,” she noted.
The experts agree that while few people may be able to follow the 8-8-8 rule religiously every day, its core message — balancing work, rest and personal time — remains a healthy goal worth striving for.