When you think of high-powered CEOs, you likely imagine a fast-paced, highly structured start to the day. CEOs like Apple’s Tim Cook or Pepsi’s former CEO Indra Nooyi boast about their intense morning routines, which often include early wake-up calls, strict exercise regimens, and productive screen time. However, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, takes a different approach, one that might seem surprising given his success and the scale of his achievements. Instead of diving straight into emails and conference calls, Bezos dedicates his early morning hours to what he calls “puttering.”
What is ‘Puttering’?
Unlike the rigorous schedules that many business leaders maintain, Bezos embraces a slower start to the day, filled with leisurely activities such as reading the newspaper, enjoying his morning coffee, and having breakfast with his family. This may seem counterintuitive in today’s hustle culture, where productivity is often equated with early and intense activity. However, Bezos has made it clear that his version of “puttering” allows him the mental space to start the day on his own terms.
In a 2018 speech at the Economic Club of Washington, Bezos explained that his morning routine includes a lot of unhurried, low-stress activities—none of which involve staring at a screen. “I like to putter in the mornings,” he said. For Bezos, this “puttering time” allows him to mentally prepare for the day without the pressure of immediately diving into work. It’s a time for quiet reflection, free from the bombardment of digital distractions.
A Screen-Free Zone
One of the most distinctive elements of Bezos’ routine is his commitment to avoiding screens for the first hour after waking. In a world where smartphones are often the first thing people reach for when they open their eyes, this might seem revolutionary. Bezos’ avoidance of screen time in the morning reflects a conscious choice to prioritize his mental well-being and create a buffer between his personal life and the demands of running a multi-billion-dollar empire.
Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, confirmed this in a recent interview with People magazine, where she revealed that the couple adheres to a strict no-phone rule during their mornings together. “We don’t get on our phones,” Sanchez explained. “That’s one of the rules.” This decision to unplug for the first hour of the day allows the couple to focus on being present with each other and their surroundings, creating a serene start to what is likely to be a busy day.
Why Does Bezos Avoid Screens?
It’s easy to assume that someone as successful as Jeff Bezos must have access to the best tools for productivity. However, his decision to avoid screens for the first part of his day is likely a reflection of a deeper understanding of his personal energy levels and mental needs. Experts in productivity and mental health often emphasize the importance of aligning daily routines with one’s natural rhythms. Bezos appears to understand that jumping directly into a world of notifications, emails, and news alerts first thing in the morning would disrupt the calm and focus he cultivates in those early hours.
Bezos has also alluded to the importance of reserving his peak energy levels for making crucial decisions later in the day. “I do my best thinking in the morning,” he once said, noting that if he has any critical meetings or decisions to make, he schedules them for 10 a.m. This strategic use of his energy may be a key reason why Bezos avoids screens during his “puttering” time—he is saving his cognitive resources for when they are most needed.
The Science Behind a Slower Morning
Bezos’ approach to the morning isn’t just a personal quirk; it is backed by research. Neuroscientists and psychologists have long studied how different routines impact our cognitive function and overall well-being. Many experts agree that the way we start our day can have a profound effect on our mental clarity and emotional state. A slow, intentional start, like Bezos’ screen-free mornings, can help reduce stress and increase productivity throughout the day.
Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers, an expert in mindfulness and self-care, suggests that easing into the day rather than rushing into a flood of information allows for a more balanced and focused mindset. “We are bombarded with information all day long,” Albers says. “Starting the day off slowly gives your brain a chance to wake up and ease into tasks.” This might explain why Bezos feels more energized and clear-headed after a morning spent reading the paper, sipping coffee, and spending quality time with his family.
Honoring Your Own Rhythms
What can we learn from Jeff Bezos’ approach to mornings? One takeaway is the importance of creating a routine that aligns with your natural rhythms, rather than fighting against them. Bezos’ method works for him because it honors his particular energy levels and allows him to be fully present during his most productive hours. His refusal to check his phone first thing in the morning is part of a larger strategy to maintain balance and clarity.
We live in an era where the pressure to be constantly connected and available is overwhelming. Many people feel the need to check their phones before they even get out of bed, starting their day with a barrage of emails, news updates, and social media notifications. However, as Bezos demonstrates, there is value in creating a barrier between personal time and the digital world, especially during those early, formative hours of the day.
Could ‘Puttering’ Work for You?
While not everyone has the luxury of leisurely mornings, the principles behind Bezos’ routine can be applied to almost anyone’s life. Whether you are a CEO, a small business owner, or a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, creating intentional “puttering” time in the morning—free from screens and distractions—could lead to a more focused, productive day.
Try dedicating the first 30 minutes to an hour of your morning to non-digital activities. Read a book or a newspaper, enjoy a mindful breakfast, or simply sit in silence with your coffee. Avoid the temptation to reach for your phone, and see if this small change brings a sense of calm and clarity to the rest of your day.
Jeff Bezos’ morning routine may seem unconventional in a world that prizes productivity at all costs, but it serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes slowing down is the best way to speed up. His commitment to “puttering” and avoiding screens in the morning offers a fresh perspective on how we can approach our daily routines. By giving ourselves the time and space to ease into the day, we might find that we are more focused, energized, and ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.
