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Journalism of Courage
The idea that waking up at 4 AM is the ultimate key to success is often glorified, but Ghazal Alagh, Mamaearth co-founder, has a different take. In a candid LinkedIn post, she shared how following this routine nearly led to burnout, especially as a woman juggling multiple responsibilities.
A few years ago, Alagh believed that waking up at 4 AM would boost her productivity. However, she found herself constantly exhausted, irritable, and struggling with her health. “The 4 AM wake-up routine almost burned me out, and I don’t advise it to anyone, especially women,” she wrote in the post.
According to the post, Alagh realised sacrificing sleep wasn’t making her more efficient—it was doing the exact opposite. Now, she prioritises getting seven-nine hours of rest and follows a routine that works for her lifestyle. “The lesson I learnt is that seven-nine hours of sleep is critical for a healthy physical body, and sacrificing sleep does more harm than good.”
“Now, I wake up early, but in a way that actually works for me. I follow my own ‘6 to 9 before 9 to 6’ routine, making time for what matters without running on empty,” she wrote.
Alagh now structures her mornings around what truly matters, ensuring she starts her day feeling refreshed and focused. Her routine includes:
“Movement – A workout, yoga, or a walk to set the tone for the day.
Mindset Reset – Structuring my thoughts or self talk or deep focus time.
Skill-Building – Reading, upskilling, or prioritising.
Family Time – Slowing down and spending time with my kids before the pace of the day takes over.”
Alagh concluded her post saying, “Productivity shouldn’t come at the expense of health. I truly believe sleep isn’t optional and time management matters more than waking up at a specific hour. It’s not about when you start your day, it’s about how you use the 24 hours of the day most efficiently.”
Alagh’s take sparked a wave of reactions online. Many users appreciated her honest perspective. A user wrote, “I appreciate your honesty and insight on the importance of prioritising health and well-being in our morning routines. Your ‘6 to 9 before 9 to 6’ approach is a great reminder that productivity should never come at the expense of self-care.”
Another user said, “Thank you for sharing such an important lesson, Ghazal. It’s a refreshing reminder that productivity isn’t solely defined by early mornings, but rather by how we choose to invest our time wisely.”
A third user commented, “Sleep isn’t optional, only a well rested brain and an active body can make you more productive. Don’t think that will work out for me either. Movement, time spent with family and doing what makes you calmer are ideally the things you need to stay focused and energetic too.”
