According to psychologist Gurleen Baruah from That Culture Thing (India), the 8-8-8 rule helps balance life in a busy world, dividing 24 hours into 3 equal parts, including: 8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest and 8 hours for personal activities.
8 hours of work: Spend 8 hours a day on work or productive activities, study. This is the time you focus on your career, projects or work that needs to be completed.
8 hours of rest and self-care: This is the part for sleep and other activities such as eating, relaxing, and taking care of your health. Getting 8 hours of sleep every night helps your body and mind recover and get ready for a new working day.
8 hours for family and personal interests: This time can be spent with family, friends or pursuing personal interests. This is the time for you to enjoy the things you love, reduce stress and create connections with the important people in your life.
Psychologist Gurleen Baruah notes that this rule requires careful planning and discipline to implement effectively, especially for people with irregular jobs and hours.
The 8-8-8 rule also helps achieve balance by focusing on the essential aspects of life. However, in professions that require long working hours, such as healthcare, hospitality, or freelancing, this rule can be more difficult to apply.
Notes when applying the 8-8-8 rule
Sleep is important to maintaining this balance. If you can’t get a full eight hours of sleep, you can break up your rest time. For example, take a nap or take short breaks to relax or practice mindfulness.
However, the biggest challenge in implementing this rule is busy schedules, long work hours and family responsibilities. Psychologist Baruah advises people to set clear boundaries, prioritize tasks and turn family activities into opportunities to bond.
When time is balanced, it reduces stress and promotes harmony in life. Adequate rest helps the brain recover, increases focus, and reduces the risk of burnout. Time spent on hobbies and family also creates a protective mental health buffer, helping to maintain resilience and emotional stability.
Psychologist Baruah concludes that maintaining a work-life balance helps you work effectively without burning out, stay motivated long-term, and protect your physical and mental health.
