8+8+8 Rule: Balancing Your 24 Hours

In the hustle and bustle of life, have you ever stopped to wonder how to truly make the most of the 24 precious hours gifted to us each day? It’s a common question that often leads to countless strategies and routines aimed at achieving a sense of equilibrium in our lives. Amidst the sea of advice, there exists a simple yet profoundly effective principle known as the “8+8+8 Rule”. This unassuming rule possesses the power to transform the way you perceive and utilise your time, ultimately paving the way to a more balanced and, dare we say, happier you. So, let’s embark on a journey to decode this rule, step by step, and unravel its potential to bring equilibrium and contentment into your daily life.

8 Hours of Hard Work:

The first part of this rule is dedicating 8 hours of your day to hard work. This includes your job or any other productive tasks that you do during the day. Hard work is essential because it helps you achieve your goals, earn a living, and contribute to society. It’s where you put your skills and talents to good use.

8 Hours of Good Sleep:

The following 8 hours are for something equally important: SLEEP. Sleep is like a magic potion for your body and mind. It helps us recharge, heal, and prepare for the next day's challenges. Without enough sleep, we might feel tired, grumpy, and less able to concentrate. So, make sure to get those 8 hours of quality sleep each night.

8 Hours for 3F, 3H, and 2S:

Now, we come to the remaining 8 hours of your day, where things get interesting. These hours should be distributed among three categories: 3F, 3H, and 2S.

3F—Family, Friends, and Faith:

• Family: Spending time with your family is incredibly important. They are the ones who support you, love you, and are always there for you. Whether it’s having a meal together, going for a walk, or simply chatting, cherish the moments you spend with your family.
• Friends: Friends are the family you pick for yourself. They bring happiness, laughter, and light into your life. It’s important to set aside time for your friends, enjoy good times together, and make memories that will last. I have some friends who stood by me during my toughest times when I had nothing, and they played a big part in helping me come out of depression.
• Faith: Faith can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about religious beliefs, while for others, it’s a spiritual practise or simply having confidence in yourself and what you can do. It’s valuable to nurture your faith because it can give you strength and direction. Personally, I’m not particularly religious, and I wouldn’t label myself as an Atheist either. I’d say I’m more of an Agnostic Theist. But let’s not dwell on my religious beliefs; they’re not the focus here.

3H—Health, Hygiene, and Hobby:

• Health: Your health is your wealth. Allocate time for physical activity, like exercise or a brisk walk. Eat nutritious food to keep your body in top shape. Your health should always be a priority.
• Hygiene: Personal hygiene is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. Maintaining good hygiene helps you stay healthy and confident.
• Hobbies: Hobbies are what make life more colourful. Whether it’s painting, playing music, gardening, or any other activity you enjoy, spend some time doing what you love.

2S—Soul and Smile:

• Soul: Take a moment to reflect, meditate, or simply find peace within yourself. This is your time to connect with your inner self and find balance.
• Smile: Smiling is a simple act that can make a big difference. Share your smile with others, and you’ll not only brighten their day but also feel happier yourself.

The 8+8+8 rule is all about balancing your life for a happier you. By allocating your time wisely to work, sleep, family, friends, faith, health, hygiene, hobbies, your inner self (soul), and spreading smiles, you can create a fulfilling and well-rounded life. So, give it a try and see how this rule can bring more joy and balance to your daily routine.