Working parents often face multiple types of chaos each morning, balancing school preparations with a flood of work emails detailing new challenges. For Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, work-related issues consistently arise at the start of his day.
Zuckerberg typically wakes between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., often prompted by one of his three daughters. He is immediately drawn to his phone to address emerging work concerns.
In a recent podcast with comedian Theo Von, Zuckerberg described this experience: “I look at my phone, and it’s all these things that these people are doing. I’m like, you did what? Are you kidding me, I have to deal with this?”
To manage stress and efficiently tackle these problems, Zuckerberg employs a morning strategy. This is essential as remote work and constant communication continue to blur the lines between work and home life.
“I compose myself and go fight for two hours, recenter myself, and it’s like, now I can go deal with this stuff,” he explained.
Exercise is a well-documented way to enhance overall health and manage stress by releasing endorphins, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality.
Some years ago, Zuckerberg began practicing Brazilian jujitsu, a martial art. His physical transformation became a topic of widespread conversation. In 2023, even The New York Times described him as “completely shredded.” Zuckerberg has expressed his passion for strength training, MMA fighting, and running, telling Von that his morning fighting routine is “better than caffeine for me.”
“I wake up, and I fight people,” he shared with Von.
Zuckerberg further noted that he dedicates about two hours to fighting in the morning, enjoying both physical and mental stimulation. “I’m doing more striking, and that’s really fun,” he said. “I think it’s the greatest sport. It’s neurologically stimulating. It’s good cardio.”
He previously told Joe Rogan that he engages in intense exercise sessions because he enjoys them and looks forward to the activity. Experts have informed Fortune that enjoying one’s chosen form of exercise is the most reliable way to maintain a regular regimen.
“What’s something that’s both physically super engaging and intellectually stimulating, where you can’t afford to focus on something else?” Zuckerberg remarked to Rogan. “After an hour or two of working out or wrestling with friends or training with different folks, now I’m ready to solve whatever problem at work for the day.”
For additional insights on exercise:
- The top 6 exercises this strength coach thinks everyone should do to stay fit
- Here’s exactly when and what to eat before and after a workout, according to experts
- This workout mistake could hurt your sleep and make you feel worse
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
