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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos starts every day with a unique routine: a peaceful, screen-free first hour sometimes called “puttering time.” During this period, he sips coffee, reads a physical newspaper, and enjoys an undistracted breakfast with loved ones no phones allowed. This intentional ritual is how he primes his energy and decision-making capacity for the day ahead. His fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, reinforces this practice, saying, “We don’t get on our phones. That’s one of the rules.”

Why It Makes Sense: Neuroscience & Focus
Rather than diving into notifications first thing, Bezos believes this moment of low stimulation boosts his clarity and mental energy. Emerging neuroscience supports him: experts from Stanford’s Lifestyle Medicine Program emphasize that bombarding your brain with screens right after waking can induce decision fatigue, disrupt focus, and impair long-term memory formation. The first hour after waking is when the brain’s prefrontal cortex—responsible for planning and self-control—is still “booting up.” Flooding it immediately with digital inputs weakens its ability to regulate stress and stay focused.

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Benefits Backed by Research
Research continues to validate Bezos’s method:

  • Improved cognitive function: Screen-free mornings can enhance clarity and decision-making.
  • Reduced stress & fatigue: Avoiding early digital chaos helps preserve mental energy for later.
  • Enhanced memory retention: When used wisely, the first hour supports better memory formation and long-term planning.

How to Implement Your Own “One-Hour Rule”
You don’t need Bezos’s resources to adopt this habit. Here’s how to begin:

  • Start small – If a full hour seems daunting, begin with 15 minutes of no screens and gradually extend the time.
  • Build a meaningful routine – Replace screen time with calming, intentional activities: brewing coffee, reading, journaling, or taking a quiet walk.
  • Set boundaries – Use “Do Not Disturb” on your devices or delay notifications until after your first hour.
  • Involve loved ones – Share this screen-free period with family or roommates to foster connection and accountability.

The Broader Takeaway
Today’s digital world fights for our attention from the moment we open our eyes. Bezos’s “One-Hour Rule” isn’t just about productivity—it’s about reclaiming mental space. As productivity coach Laura Vanderkam puts it:

“Your first hour sets the tone for the day. Fill it with intention, and the rest follows.”

So whether it brings you calm, creativity, or clarity, this simple act of digital discipline may be the key to unlocking a better day.

Morning Mindset and Emotional Benefits
Beyond productivity, the “One-Hour Rule” also nurtures emotional well-being. Starting the day calmly, without immediately responding to messages or notifications, allows the mind to enter a more reflective state. Bezos himself has emphasized that this period helps him prioritize important decisions rather than react impulsively to external pressures. Experts suggest that this calm, intentional start can improve emotional regulation, making it easier to handle stressful situations later in the day.

Conclusion
For those wanting to adopt this habit, small adjustments can make a big difference. Consider preparing a morning routine the night before, such as laying out reading material or planning a short meditation. Limiting exposure to digital devices for the first hour can also improve sleep quality, as checking phones immediately upon waking often reinforces fragmented sleep patterns. Some experts recommend combining this screen-free hour with light exercise or journaling, further enhancing clarity and focus.

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