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Dubai's richest man Pavel Durov, swears by this 'chilling' morning routine: How it makes his brain sharper

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 0:07 GMT by The Financial Express
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Dubai’s Wealthiest Innovator: How a Simple Chilling Routine Keeps Pavel Durov’s Brain on Edge

Dubai’s skyline is no longer just a testament to luxury real estate; it’s also home to its richest man, Pavel Durov – the Russian‑born tech mogul behind Russia’s first social‑networking site, VK, and the privacy‑centric messaging app, Telegram. What sets Durov apart from most high‑profile CEOs is not just his portfolio of assets or his outspoken stance on digital freedom; it’s a deceptively simple, cold‑water‑driven ritual that he swears keeps his mind razor‑sharp every morning.

The Man Behind the Brand

Durov was born in 1984 in St. Petersburg and started his career as a software developer. In 2006 he founded VK (formerly VKontakte), which became Russia’s equivalent of Facebook and soon attracted hundreds of millions of users. In 2013 he sold a controlling stake in VK to the Russian investment company, and in 2014 he founded Telegram, a messenger app that promised end‑to‑end encryption and “full anonymity.” Telegram’s rapid growth, combined with Durov’s refusal to comply with Russian government pressure, propelled him into the world’s media spotlight and made him a symbol of digital dissent.

After a series of legal battles, Durov relocated to Dubai in 2018. The city’s open‑air, tax‑friendly environment offered him both privacy and freedom to continue building Telegram. Today, Durov is not just a tech entrepreneur; he’s a philanthropist, a privacy activist, and, according to Forbes, Dubai’s richest resident with a net worth that tops the local charts.

The Chilling Secret: A Five‑Minute Cold‑Water Ritual

At the core of Durov’s morning routine is a cold shower that lasts approximately five minutes. It’s not a “chill‑out” or a spa‑like indulgence; it’s a deliberate shock to his body, designed to kickstart his day.

1. Wake Up Early

Durov starts his day at 4:30 a.m. He believes that the quiet hours before sunrise are the most productive. “The world is still asleep; my mind can be fully present,” he says.

2. Cold Shower Shock

Once he hits the shower, the water temperature drops to 10–12 °C (50–54 °F) – cold enough to make breathing difficult but not so harsh as to be unbearable. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, cold exposure can trigger the release of norepinephrine and adrenaline, “boosting alertness and focus for up to an hour afterward.” Durov’s own words echo this science: “I feel like a different person after the shock. The brain wakes up.”

3. Minimalist Exercise

After the shower, Durov does a quick set of calisthenics: a handful of push‑ups, sit‑ups, and a short jog around his balcony. This quick workout, lasting about ten minutes, helps increase blood flow and sustain the heightened alertness from the cold.

4. Quiet Reading & Reflection

Instead of scrolling through social media or reading the latest news on his phone, Durov pulls out a physical copy of a book – usually a non‑fiction title on leadership or economics. He reads for about fifteen minutes and then spends a few minutes jotting down thoughts in a journal. “This habit keeps my mind from wandering,” he says. The journal entry is where he maps out the day’s objectives and prioritizes tasks that align with Telegram’s mission.

5. Balanced Breakfast, No Caffeine

Durov’s breakfast is deliberately simple: a bowl of oatmeal, fresh fruit, and a glass of water. He avoids coffee entirely, claiming that caffeine “breaks the natural rhythm” of his morning. Instead, he relies on the adrenaline surge and a balanced meal to fuel his cognition.

6. Planning and Setting Intentions

Finally, Durov reviews his calendar, decides on one critical decision to tackle first, and commits to a “one‑task mindset” for the next 90 minutes. This prevents multitasking – a habit he views as a major productivity killer.

Why the Routine Works for a Tech Giant

The power of Durov’s routine lies in its simplicity and in the way it harnesses physiological responses to mental clarity:

• Cold shock triggers the “fight‑or‑flight” response, releasing adrenaline and boosting dopamine levels, which can improve concentration and creativity.
• Exercise further ramps up blood flow and endorphin production, sustaining the mental edge for several hours.
• Reading and journaling foster reflective thinking and strategic planning, essential for a CEO steering a billion‑dollar company.
• Mindful breakfast and a caffeine‑free start keep his energy levels steady, reducing the peaks and troughs that often accompany coffee consumption.

In a world where the average tech CEO works 60+ hours a week, Durov’s routine is a testament to the benefits of “quality over quantity” in productivity.

A Broader Context: Durov’s Philosophy on Work & Life

Durov’s morning ritual is part of a broader lifestyle that values privacy, autonomy, and mental resilience. In interviews with The Guardian and Bloomberg, he has repeatedly highlighted the importance of staying “grounded” amid the chaos of rapid growth. He has been quoted as saying:

“When you’re building something that touches billions, the last thing you need is a scattered mind. The cold keeps you honest.”

His approach aligns with the emerging “slow‑tech” movement that prioritizes well‑being and ethical design over sheer speed. Durov’s insistence on a disciplined start to the day is, for many, a blueprint on how technology leaders can balance ambition with self‑care.

Conclusion

Dubai’s richest man, Pavel Durov, has turned a simple, chilly habit into a cornerstone of his day‑to‑day efficiency. A cold shower, quick exercise, thoughtful reading, and a caffeine‑free breakfast collectively create a “brain‑boosting” effect that, according to both science and Durov’s own experience, keeps him focused, creative, and ready to navigate the complexities of running a global messaging platform.

In an era where most CEOs chase endless meetings and constant connectivity, Durov’s chilling routine serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best way to sharpen the mind is to start with a splash of cold water and a disciplined, intentional morning.