Is Waking Up at 4 AM the Secret to Success? Mamaearth’s Ghazal Alagh Offers Her Unique View

Waking up early has always been associated with success. From Benjamin Franklin’s “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” to the countless productivity gurus who swear by the 4 AM wake-up call, the idea that rising before the sun is the key to achieving your goals is deeply ingrained in our culture. But is it really as simple as that? Does setting your alarm for 4 AM guarantee a life of accomplishment? 

Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, a leading natural and toxin-free personal care brand, offers a unique perspective on this age-old question. However, she has challenged this belief, revealing that the routine nearly led to burnout for her. In a LinkedIn post, Alagh shared her experience, emphasising the importance of sleep and a sustainable approach to productivity.

Linkedin Link 

The Burnout Experience:

Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, has spoken out against the pressure to wake up early, sharing her personal experience of how it nearly led to burnout. She said forcing herself into an early morning routine caused more harm than good. She recalled how waking up at 4 am every day left her feeling drained, irritable, and dealing with health issues. 

Alagh explained, “The 4 am wake-up routine nearly pushed me to burnout, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, especially women. A few years ago, I tried waking up at 4 am daily, thinking it would boost my productivity. Instead, it led to sleep deprivation, irritability, burnout, and negatively affected my physical health.”

The Importance of Sleep:

Alagh realized that sacrificing sleep for a rigid morning routine was detrimental to her well-being. She discovered that 7-9 hours of rest are crucial for both mental and physical health. Since then, she’s embraced a more balanced approach, focusing on efficiency rather than strict schedules.

“I learned that getting 7-9 hours of sleep is vital for a healthy body. Giving up sleep does more harm than good. Now, I wake up early, but in a way that works for me. I follow my own ‘6 to 9 before 9 to 6’ routine, prioritizing what matters without burning myself out,” she described.

A New Approach to Productivity:

Rather than adhering to a strict 4 am routine, Alagh has designed a morning schedule that better aligns with her energy levels and priorities. Her routine encompasses:

Movement: Engaging in a workout, yoga session, or a brisk walk to kickstart the day on a positive note.

Mindset Reset: Taking time to structure her thoughts, engage in positive self-talk, or practice deep focus techniques.

Skill-Building: Dedicating time to reading, pursuing professional development, or focusing on her most important tasks.

Family Time: Slowing down to enjoy quality time with her children before the day’s activities commence.

“Productivity shouldn’t come at the cost of health. I firmly believe that sleep is non-negotiable, and effective time management is more crucial than waking up at a specific hour. It’s not about when you start your day, but how efficiently you utilize your 24 hours. I’ve adjusted my morning routine,” Alagh concluded.

How the Internet Reacted?

Alagh’s comments about the 4 am myth generated a lot of buzz online. Many people agreed with her, appreciating her honesty about the unrealistic nature of the trend.

One commenter wrote, “Finally, someone said it! Waking up at 4 am isn’t for everyone, and it shouldn’t be portrayed as the only way to succeed.” Another person chimed in, “This is so relatable! I tried the 4 am routine and just ended up feeling exhausted all day.”

Some users agreed that getting enough sleep is essential for productivity, with one person stating, “The idea that success requires sleep deprivation is outdated. Working smarter is better than working longer!” However, some people disagreed, with one user saying, “The 4 am routine works for me, but I get that not everyone functions the same way.”

Nevertheless, as the saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” While waking up early can be beneficial for some, it’s not a magic formula for success. Ultimately, finding what works best for you is key.