Morning routines may provide a window into a person's personality, and for US presidents, such routines may have been just as unique as the presidents themselves. From routines that emphasised discipline and order to those that reflected the presidents' eccentricities, a number of US presidents had routines that were quite unique, according to historical records and accounts.
Although not all of the routines may have been strictly daily or formally recorded, they do offer a glimpse into the lives of the US presidents beyond their official roles.
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Habits shaped by discipline, health and personality
One of the most documented instances is that of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, who started his day with a swim in the Potomac River. His personal diaries, stored in official archives, show that he believed that such a practice had a positive effect on his physical and mental health.
On the other hand, William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the United States, was known for his heavy breakfasts. Accounts from his staff, such as his housekeeper, Elizabeth Jaffray, in Secrets of the White House, show that his breakfasts were heavy, with steak sometimes featured in his meals.
Wellness practices and personal preferences
Some of the habits may have been influenced by health-related concerns. The 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was said to have had an unusual habit that involved the application of petroleum jelly to his scalp during breakfast with the aim of relieving sinus discomfort. Although the habit is well known and documented, it was not recorded in detail.
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Another instance of a president's habit is that of Harry S. Truman, who was said to have had a habit that involved a small amount of bourbon before going for a morning walk, according to a doctor's orders.
For some of the presidents, the routines may not have been clear and may have become part of their image. The 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton, was known for jogging in the mornings and stopping at fast food restaurants for a snack.
