Social media trends showcasing elaborate pre- and post-workday routines, dubbed "5-to-9s," have garnered millions of views on platforms like TikTok, sparking debate among experts regarding their effectiveness and potential drawbacks. These routines, popularized under hashtags like 5to9routine, feature aspirational depictions of individuals engaging in activities such as journaling, exercising, meditating, cleaning, and pursuing side hustles before and after the traditional 9-to-5 workday. The trend is considered an offshoot of the "5 a.m. club," a concept embraced by high-profile figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Michelle Obama.

The core objective of these structured routines is to maximize productivity during personal time, shifting focus away from leisure activities like television viewing and towards more proactive endeavors such as meal preparation. Well-being coach Adrienne Adhami, in an interview with Vogue, emphasized the importance of structure in these routines, stating that it is "a key part of making it work" by clearly delineating work and personal time. Adhami suggested incorporating transitional activities like showering or changing clothes, and utilizing specific scents through lotions or candles to further distinguish different phases of the day. The concept of a "third space," a location separate from both work and home, was also proposed as a way to enhance the separation between 5-to-9 time and the rest of the day.

However, the trend has also raised concerns about potential burnout and the pressure to constantly optimize personal time. While proponents argue that these routines promote well-being and productivity, critics suggest they can lead to an unsustainable lifestyle and exacerbate feelings of inadequacy if individuals are unable to maintain such demanding schedules. The debate highlights a broader cultural conversation about work-life balance and the increasing pressure to maximize productivity in all aspects of life.