4 min read · Feb 23, 2023
As someone who is always looking for ways to be more productive and creative, I was intrigued when I heard about Leonardo da Vinci’s daily routine. Da Vinci was one of the most brilliant minds in history, and his daily habits have been studied by scholars for centuries. I decided to put his routine to the test and try it out for a week. Here’s what happened.
Who was Leonardo da Vinci?
Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance genius and one of the most influential figures in Western art and science. Born in Italy in 1452, he was a polymath who excelled in multiple fields, including painting, sculpture, architecture, engineering, anatomy, and mathematics. He is perhaps best known for works such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but he also made significant contributions to fields like botany and aviation.
What was Leonardo da Vinci’s daily routine?
According to historical records, Leonardo da Vinci had a highly regimented daily routine that he followed for most of his life. He believed that good health was essential for creativity and productivity, and he designed his routine to promote physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key components of his routine:
- He woke up early, often before dawn.
- He drank water before breakfast.
- He ate a light breakfast that included eggs, bread, and wine.
- He spent the morning on creative work, such as painting or drawing.
- He took a break for lunch, which usually included vegetables, soup, and more wine.
- He spent the afternoon on administrative tasks, such as managing his finances or running errands.
- He took a nap in the afternoon to refresh his mind.
- He spent time outdoors, often going for walks or observing nature.
- He had a light dinner in the evening, which often included fruit and cheese.
- He went to bed early, often around 9 or 10 p.m.
Trying out Leonardo da Vinci’s daily routine
I was initially intimidated by the idea of waking up before dawn, but I decided to give it a try. I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. and started my day with a glass of water, just like da Vinci. I found that waking up early gave me a sense of accomplishment and allowed me to start my day on a positive note.
For breakfast, I tried to stick to da Vinci’s recommendations and had eggs, bread, and some fruit. I also tried to drink more water throughout the day, since da Vinci believed in the importance of hydration.
I spent my mornings working on creative projects, just like da Vinci. I found that working on creative tasks before the distractions of the day set in was a great way to focus my mind and get into a state of flow.
After lunch, I spent my afternoons on administrative tasks, like responding to emails and paying bills. I also tried to spend more time outside, going for walks and enjoying nature. I found that getting fresh air and exercise helped me feel more energized and productive.
I took a nap in the afternoon, which was a bit of a challenge since I’m not used to napping during the day. However, I found that taking a short nap helped me feel more alert and focused for the rest of the day.
The results of the experiment
Overall, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed following da Vinci’s daily routine. Although it was challenging to wake up early and stick to a strict schedule, I found that the routine gave me a sense of structure and purpose. I also felt more focused and productive during the week, and I was able to accomplish more than I usually would.
While I can’t say for sure whether following da Vinci’s routine will make me as brilliant as he was, I do think that some of his habits are worth incorporating into my own daily routine. For example, I’ve started trying to wake up earlier and work on creative tasks in the morning, and I’ve found that it helps me be more productive and focused throughout the day.
It’s also worth noting that da Vinci’s daily routine was designed for a different time and place than our own. He lived in a time before electricity, computers, and smartphones, and his daily routine reflects that. However, I think that some of his habits are still relevant today, such as the importance of getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and spending time outdoors.
In conclusion, trying out Leonardo da Vinci’s daily routine was a fascinating experiment, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. While I don’t think that following his routine will turn me into a genius overnight, I do think that some of his habits are worth emulating, especially for anyone looking to be more productive and creative in their daily life.
Sources:
- “The Daily Routines of Famous Creative People” by Mason Currey in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/gallery/2013/oct/05/daily-rituals-creative-minds-mason-currey-in-pictures
- “The Real Life of Leonardo da Vinci” by Elizabeth Abbott: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-real-life-of-leonardo-da-vinci-161149997/
- “Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing” exhibition at the British Library: https://www.bl.uk/events/leonardo-da-vinci-a-life-in-drawing
- “Leonardo da Vinci’s Daily Routine: Inside the Mind of a Genius” by John Paul Titlow in Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/3051417/leonardo-da-vincis-daily-routine-inside-the-mind-of-a-genius
