Many high-powered CEOs, like Apple’s Tim Cook and PepsiCo’s Indra Nooyi, start their mornings with intense routines—exercise, email triage, and tightly scheduled agendas. Jeff Bezos, however, takes a different approach. The Amazon founder, one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, prefers a slow, unstructured start to his day—a habit he calls puttering.
While it might seem counterintuitive for a man who built one of the most powerful companies in the world, Bezos believes this unhurried approach is key to both personal well-being and professional success. In a world that often equates busyness with productivity, his routine offers a refreshing alternative—one that challenges conventional wisdom about how leaders should start their day.
A No-Screen Start to the Day
Speaking at the Economic Club of Washington in 2018, Bezos described his laid-back morning routine. Unlike many executives who dive straight into high-stakes decisions, he begins his day with leisurely activities—reading the newspaper, enjoying a cup of coffee, and having breakfast with his family.
Notably absent from this routine? His phone.
His fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, reinforced this practice in a recent interview with People, sharing that Bezos has a strict no-screens rule in the morning.
“We don’t get on our phones. That’s one of the rules,” Sánchez explained.
For Bezos, avoiding screens in the morning is a deliberate choice, not just a preference. It helps him set the tone for the day, ensuring that his mind is clear before he begins making important decisions.
Why Bezos Prioritizes a Slow Start
While most productivity gurus encourage early morning efficiency—starting the day with emails, task lists, and work meetings—Bezos believes in the power of an unstructured, pressure-free morning.
His approach aligns with research on cognitive performance and productivity, which suggests that giving the brain time to ease into the day can lead to better focus, decision-making, and creative problem-solving.
The Science Behind Bezos’ Routine
Neuroscience supports the idea that a slow, screen-free morning can enhance brain function. The human brain operates through two primary modes:
- The Task-Positive Network (TPN): Engaged when we focus on tasks, problem-solving, and execution.
- The Default Mode Network (DMN): Active during relaxation, reflection, and daydreaming—key for creativity, strategic thinking, and long-term planning.
Most people immediately activate their TPN when they wake up, checking emails and tackling work. Bezos, however, embraces the DMN first, which allows him to think more clearly, make better decisions, and foster creative insights.
By avoiding the instant rush of news, social media, and work stress, he preserves his mental energy for what truly matters.
The Hidden Cost of Early Screen Time
For many, the first instinct upon waking up is to grab their phone, checking emails, social media, or news updates. While this might seem like an efficient way to start the day, research suggests it can actually be counterproductive.
1. Overstimulating the Brain Too Early
When you wake up, your brain is still transitioning from sleep to wakefulness. Flooding it with information, notifications, and urgent demands can create cognitive overload, making it harder to focus later in the day.
2. Reactive vs. Proactive Mindset
Morning phone use forces you into a reactive mode, responding to external demands rather than proactively setting your own priorities. This can lead to:
- Increased stress and anxiety from urgent emails or notifications.
- Feeling mentally drained before real work even begins.
- Less time for self-reflection, creativity, and strategic thinking.
3. Negative Impact on Mental Health
Studies show that excessive phone use, especially early in the morning, can trigger stress and decision fatigue. By starting his day without screens, Bezos protects his mental clarity, ensuring that when he does begin work, he’s fully present and in control.
How “Puttering” Boosts Productivity
Bezos describes his early-morning puttering as a way to slow down and savor life, but it also has direct benefits for productivity and leadership.
1. More Strategic Decision-Making
By avoiding instant distractions, Bezos ensures that his first major decision of the day is made with a clear and rested mind.
As a business leader, the quality of decisions matters far more than the speed of execution. Bezos understands that big-picture thinking requires space, not just immediate action.
2. Enhanced Creativity
Creativity often emerges in moments of relaxation, not when you’re under pressure. Many of history’s greatest ideas have come during moments of mind-wandering, quiet reflection, or daily routines.
Bezos’ puttering time encourages free thinking, allowing his brain to make connections that might not happen in a highly structured schedule.
3. Avoiding Decision Fatigue
Making too many small decisions early in the day—like responding to emails or checking social media—depletes mental energy. Bezos preserves his decision-making power for more important choices.
How You Can Apply Bezos’ 1-Hour Rule
Inspired by Bezos’ routine? You don’t have to be a billionaire to adopt a more intentional morning. Here’s how you can integrate a screen-free, low-stimulation hour into your daily life:
Step 1: Delay Screen Time
- Keep your phone on Do Not Disturb for the first hour.
- Avoid checking emails, social media, or the news immediately.
Step 2: Engage in a Restorative Activity
- Read a book or newspaper instead of scrolling on your phone.
- Enjoy a quiet breakfast or have a conversation with family.
- Go for a walk or stretch to ease into the day.
Step 3: Set Your Own Agenda First
- Before jumping into emails, take 5-10 minutes to write down your top priorities for the day.
- Reflect on your goals instead of reacting to external demands.
Step 4: Experiment and Adapt
- Not a morning person? Adjust the timing to fit your rhythm.
- Even 30 minutes of screen-free time can make a difference.
The Bigger Lesson: Success Doesn’t Require Hustle 24/
In today’s fast-paced world, people often equate hustling with productivity. Bezos’ routine challenges this belief, proving that slowing down can actually make you more effective.
By prioritizing clarity, creativity, and intentionality, Bezos ensures that when he does begin working, he’s making decisive, high-impact choices rather than reacting to external noise.
Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to improve your mornings, adopting even a small part of his screen-free, slow-start philosophy can lead to better mental clarity, reduced stress, and smarter decision-making.
So, before reaching for your phone tomorrow morning, consider this: What would Jeff Bezos do?
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