Does Akshay Kumar’s 8-8-8 Rule Really Work? Experts Explain Whether It Is Practical

Actor Akshay Kumar has often spoken about the importance of discipline and a healthy routine. Recently, the 58-year-old actor revealed that he follows the 8-8-8 rule, which divides the day into eight hours of work, eight hours of personal time and eight hours of sleep. He credits this structured lifestyle for helping him remain fit and energetic.

But can an average person realistically follow the same routine every day? In a world where work pressure, digital distractions and personal responsibilities often take up most of the day, experts believe that the idea behind the 8-8-8 rule may be more important than following the exact eight-hour division.

Experts Say 8-8-8 Rule Should Be a Guideline

According to Shreya Poddar of AM Medical Centre, Southern Avenue, the 8-8-8 rule should be treated as a guiding principle rather than a fixed formula that everyone must follow.

She explained that several professionals, including doctors, healthcare workers, new parents and shift workers, may not have the flexibility to divide their day equally into three eight-hour blocks.

Instead of focusing too much on the numbers, people should make sure they get adequate sleep, maintain a healthy daily routine, manage stress and give their bodies enough time to recover.

The idea is to create a routine that supports physical and mental well-being, even if it does not exactly match the 8-8-8 structure.

Why Following the Rule Can Be Difficult

Mental health professional Madhuja Banerjee also believes that the principle can be beneficial for both physical and mental health. However, she pointed out that maintaining such a routine is easier said than done.

People working in demanding professions often have schedules that extend well beyond the traditional 9-to-5 working hours. Doctors, media professionals and employees in target-driven jobs may have to work for long hours, making it difficult to maintain a fixed work-life balance every day.

Banerjee noted that achieving a perfect eight-hour division may be particularly challenging in India, where long working hours and limited holidays are common in several professions.

However, she stressed that people can still follow the basic idea of the rule by protecting their sleep and making time for activities that help them relax.

Activities such as gardening, painting, cooking and exercising can provide a much-needed break from work and help reduce stress.

Sleep and Routine Remain Important

Counselling psychologist Saloni Priya said that the 8-8-8 principle is broadly in line with the body's natural circadian rhythm.

According to her, maintaining a balanced routine and getting sufficient sleep can help improve energy levels, concentration and emotional well-being. A consistent daily schedule can also help the mind and body function more effectively.

At the same time, she pointed out that maintaining a healthy routine has become more challenging in the digital age.

How Social Media Is Affecting Sleep

Young people, in particular, often stay awake late at night because they spend more time online during those hours. Social media, streaming platforms and constant digital connectivity have changed sleeping patterns for many people.

Late-night screen time can make it difficult to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. As a result, following a routine based on eight hours of sleep, eight hours of work and eight hours of personal time can become challenging.

Experts believe that rather than trying to follow the rule perfectly, people should focus on building habits that support their overall health.

Is Akshay Kumar’s 8-8-8 Rule Worth Following?

The experts agree that very few people may be able to follow the 8-8-8 rule exactly every day, particularly those with demanding jobs, family responsibilities or irregular working hours.

However, the core idea behind the rule remains useful. Giving adequate importance to work, sleep and personal time can help people maintain a healthier lifestyle and manage stress more effectively.

Therefore, Akshay Kumar’s 8-8-8 routine may not be a practical formula for everyone, but its underlying message is worth considering. Instead of worrying about following the exact eight-hour division, people can focus on getting enough quality sleep, taking regular breaks and making time for activities that help them recharge.