Jeff Bezos' One-Hour Rule: The Secret to a Smarter, Healthier Morning
When we think of CEOs and their morning routines, images of 5 a.m. wake-up calls, intense workouts, and rapid-fire email replies come to mind. However, Jeff Bezos — Amazon founder and billionaire entrepreneur — flips the script with a refreshingly laid-back approach. His secret weapon? The one-hour rule: a strict, no-screen period at the start of each day. Here's a look at how it works and why neuroscience backs him up.
The Puttering Life
Unlike his peers who hit the ground running, Bezos prefers a gentle entry into the day. His morning routine is centered on what he calls "puttering." This involves sipping coffee, reading the newspaper, and having a relaxed breakfast with his family. Most importantly, his puttering time is 100% phone-free.
Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, recently confirmed that the tech mogul stays committed to this screen-free hour. "We don’t get on our phones. That’s one of the rules," she shared in an interview with People.
Why the No-Phone Rule Works
Bezos claims that this intentional downtime not only enhances his energy but also sharpens his decision-making abilities throughout the day. Science supports this idea. Experts from Stanford's Lifestyle Medicine Program point out that early morning screen exposure can disrupt mental focus and elevate stress levels throughout the day.
“When we dive straight into our phones, we bombard our brains with information before they’ve had a chance to reset,” explains Stanford psychologist Maris Loeffler. “A slow start can be transformative for mood and mental clarity.”
Image by Daniel Oberhaus - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99823440
The Neuroscience of a Screen-Free Morning
- Better Decision-Making: Studies suggest that giving your brain time to warm up without screen distractions leads to clearer thinking and better decision-making.
- Improved Sleep Patterns: A phone-free morning routine can reinforce healthier sleep cycles, as blue light from screens has been linked to disrupted sleep.
- Mood Boost: Less screen time in the morning is associated with reduced anxiety and increased feelings of well-being.
Related: A Day in the Life of Jeff Bezos: Octopus for Breakfast, Puttering, and Gym Gains
Related: Mackenzie Scott's Monumental Donations: A Legacy of Philanthropy
How to Steal Bezos' One-Hour Rule
Want to adopt Jeff Bezos' relaxed approach to mornings? Here are some practical tips:
- No Screens Until Coffee is Finished: Create a boundary by keeping your phone off until after breakfast or your first cup of coffee.
- Morning Rituals: Incorporate screen-free habits such as reading a book, journaling, or simply enjoying quiet reflection.
- Family Time: Use the hour to connect with loved ones without digital interruptions.
- Start Small: If an hour seems daunting, start with 15 minutes and gradually build up.
The Bezos Effect: Productivity Through Balance
Despite his laid-back mornings, Bezos is known for his razor-sharp focus at work. He schedules high-IQ meetings at 10 a.m., during his mental prime, and concentrates on just a handful of critical decisions each day. His one-hour rule is a cornerstone of this approach, allowing him to show up refreshed and ready to lead.
So, while it might be tempting to check emails before your feet hit the floor, Bezos' approach is a reminder that sometimes doing less can lead to more — more clarity, more focus, and ultimately, more success.
