TOI Global Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / 24 March 2026, 13:30 IST
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5 unusual morning habits of US presidents that you never knew before
It is said that the routine people follow in the morning often reveals a lot about them, even more than they do to the world. The same is true when it comes to the world’s most powerful leaders, such as US presidents. Despite their busy lives and responsibilities, the routines followed by US presidents range from disciplined to bizarre.
Although some chiefs had formal procedures, others had procedures that reflected their individual characteristics or their views on health. Historical records from official sources, such as the White House Historical Association and the National Archives, show us lesser-known aspects of the character of US presidents.
It is important to look beyond the formal responsibilities of presidents to understand the extraordinary routines they followed in the morning, which show us the true sides of these powerful people.

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John Quincy Adams taking an early morning swim
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, was a firm believer in a disciplined morning routine. In fact, according to US National Archives records, John Quincy Adams would wake up early every morning and go swimming 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

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William Howard Taft and his heavy breakfast
The 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft, had a completely different approach to breakfast. According to accounts recorded by White House housekeeper Elizabeth Jaffray in her book White House Secrets, 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 times.

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Calvin Coolidge and his unique health rituals
The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, maintained a morning routine consisting of an unusual health-related activity. According to information available from the White House Historical Association, Vaseline was applied to the president’s scalp while he was eating breakfast.
This activity helped him relieve his sinus pressure. This unusual activity shows how health-related practices have influenced people’s routines.
Computer: Wikipedia

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Harry S. Truman and his prescribed drink
The 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, started his day according to the morning routine prescribed by his doctor. According to historical records associated with the Truman Library, Truman would start his day by drinking a small amount of bourbon and then going for a walk before eating breakfast. This Truman morning routine is a good example of how medical advice can affect a person.
Computer: Wikipedia

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Bill Clinton and his morning meal stop by
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, is known to have a more spontaneous morning routine. As documented in various sources, and referenced in the presidential archives, he often interspersed his morning jogs with visits to fast food restaurants. Such spontaneous actions on his part became widely known and were a defining aspect of his personality. Such actions, while not part of his routine, became a defining aspect of his time in office.
Computer: Wikipedia
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