TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 24, 2026, 13:30 IST
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5 unusual morning habits of US presidents you never knew
It is said that the routines people follow in the morning often show a lot about them, even more so than what they show to the world. The same is true when it comes to the world’s most powerful leaders, like the presidents of the United States. Despite their busy lives and responsibilities, the routines followed by the US presidents vary from disciplined to bizarre.
Although some presidents had formal routines, others had routines that reflected their individual characteristics or their opinions on health. Historical records from official sources, like the White House Historical Association and the National Archives, show us the lesser-known sides of the US presidents.
It is important to look beyond the official responsibilities of the presidents to understand the unusual routines they followed in the mornings, which show us the real sides of these powerful people.PC: AI-Generated
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John Quincy Adams and his early morning swims
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, was a strong believer in a disciplined morning routine. In fact, as per the records of the United States National Archives, John Quincy Adams woke up early each morning and went for a swim in the Potomac River, without wearing any clothes.
He believed that cold water helped him improve his physical and mental health. This practice continued even after his presidency.PC: Wikipedia
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William Howard Taft and his heavy breakfast
The 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft, had a vastly different approach to breakfast. According to accounts recorded by White House housekeeper Elizabeth Jaffray in her book Secrets of the White House, Taft’s breakfast often included a twelve-ounce steak, along with toast, fruit, and coffee.
Taft’s breakfast routine shows how individual comfort and taste influenced breakfast preparation. President Taft’s breakfast routine was unusual by today’s standards, but it was consistent with the era.PC: Wikipedia
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Calvin Coolidge and his unique wellness ritual
The 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, maintained a morning routine that consisted of an unusual health-related activity. According to available information from the White House Historical Association, the president had petroleum jelly applied to his scalp while he took breakfast.
The activity helped him to alleviate sinus pressure. This unusual activity shows how health-related practices influenced people’s routines.
PC: Wikipedia
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Harry S. Truman and his prescribed drink
The 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, started his day according to a morning routine prescribed by his physician. According to historical records linked to the Truman Library, Truman started his day by drinking a small amount of bourbon and then going for a walk before eating his breakfast. This morning routine by Truman is a good example of how medical advice can influence a person.
PC: Wikipedia
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Bill Clinton and his morning food stops
Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the US, is known to have had a more spontaneous routine in the morning. As documented in various sources, which have been referenced by the presidential archives, he would often include his morning jog with visits to fast food restaurants. Such spontaneous acts on his part became widely known and were a defining aspect of his personality. Such acts, though not part of his routine, became a defining aspect of his time in office.
PC: Wikipedia
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