Novak Djokovic’s Morning Habit Shocks Even Top Doctors—He Starts Every Day With THIS

In the world of elite athletics, it’s common to expect rigorous training regimens, carefully calibrated diets, and relentless mental discipline. But Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned Serbian tennis superstar, has long stood apart—not just for his unmatched dominance on the court but also for his unconventional and often controversial approach to health and performance. Over the years, he’s spoken openly about gluten intolerance, meditation, visualization, and biohacking. But recently, fans and even top doctors have been stunned to discover a morning habit that Djokovic swears by—one that has shocked the medical community and reignited the debate around wellness, tradition, and the power of the mind-body connection.

The Startling Ritual

Every morning, before he even speaks to another person, before he checks his phone, and long before he touches a tennis racket or steps into a gym, Novak Djokovic begins his day by drinking a glass of warm water with lemon and a dash of Himalayan salt, followed by ten full minutes of silent gratitude facing the sun—even if the sun is not visible.

It sounds simple—harmless, even. But what’s shocking to many in the medical community is not the act itself, but the profound physiological and psychological effects Djokovic attributes to this ritual. According to the tennis star, this practice doesn’t just improve his digestion, focus, and muscle function. He claims it realigns his entire nervous system, balances his circadian rhythm, and gives him an “internal charge” stronger than caffeine.

This revelation came to light during a recent podcast interview with a European longevity expert, where Djokovic opened up about the non-negotiable elements of his day. The ritual, he explained, is more than just a habit. It is a daily ceremony, a spiritual and physiological reset that he believes is responsible for much of his energy, focus, and emotional resilience.

More Than Just a Health Hack

What separates Djokovic’s approach from the typical wellness routine is his intentional mindset. The ritual is performed with complete silence, and always outdoors if possible. Standing barefoot on the ground—a practice known as “earthing”—he holds his warm concoction in both hands, closes his eyes, and breathes deeply, expressing gratitude for his body, his breath, and the privilege of being alive.

This is not a quick self-help trick. According to Djokovic, this ten-minute morning connection sets the tone for everything he does. In his own words:

“When I start the day connected to my body and the Earth, everything flows differently. My thoughts are calmer, my hunger is balanced, and my competitive edge sharpens—without needing to chase it.”

This combination of ancient Eastern wisdom and modern physiological awareness is what’s catching the attention of doctors, neuroscientists, and sports physiologists. Some dismiss it as spiritual fluff. But others are beginning to take a closer look.

The Science Behind the Shock

While drinking warm water with lemon is an age-old Ayurvedic tradition believed to aid digestion and detoxification, adding Himalayan salt brings a unique twist. Rich in trace minerals, Himalayan salt is said to help replenish electrolytes and support adrenal function, especially useful after a long night’s fast.

But it’s not the drink alone that’s causing a stir. What astonishes many experts is how Djokovic couples this physical routine with a strict regimen of mental stillness. The practice of silent gratitude—specifically outdoors, and preferably in contact with natural elements—has roots in multiple ancient healing systems. Modern research is beginning to catch up. Studies on grounding (earthing) have shown measurable changes in cortisol levels, inflammation markers, and sleep cycles after as little as 30 minutes of barefoot contact with the Earth.

Dr. Meera Gupta, a leading integrative medicine specialist based in London, noted in a recent interview:

“Djokovic’s morning practice reflects a profound understanding of mind-body synchrony. It’s not just about what you consume. It’s about how you prepare your nervous system to receive it.”

She continues:

“Starting the day with gratitude resets the parasympathetic nervous system, and when done in combination with grounding, it can actually produce measurable changes in heart rate variability and immune signaling.”

Still, not everyone is convinced.

The Medical Debate

As the revelation spread across social media and sports news outlets, many conventional doctors voiced skepticism. A prominent American cardiologist took to Twitter, saying, “Drinking warm lemon water is not going to win you a Grand Slam.” Another nutritionist quipped, “Salt and sunlight don’t replace sleep, training, and genetics.”

While these criticisms might seem valid on the surface, Djokovic’s supporters argue that the criticism misses the point entirely. It’s not that his ritual is some magic bullet—it’s that it represents an intentional alignment of body and mind, every single day, before performance is ever on the table.

Indeed, sports psychologists and wellness coaches across Europe have come out in defense of Djokovic, calling him a pioneer in the new era of holistic performance. One German neuro-coach claimed:

“What Novak is doing isn’t weird. It’s the future of athletic preparation—training the nervous system to regulate itself first, before loading it with pressure.”

And fans? They’re hooked. Social media is flooded with testimonials from people attempting Djokovic’s habit and claiming everything from increased energy and focus to deeper sleep and emotional calm.

A Lifetime of Unconventional Wellness

For those who’ve followed Djokovic’s career closely, this is just the latest chapter in his unorthodox approach to health. He’s long been outspoken about his strict gluten-free, dairy-free diet, his belief in structured water, and his use of alternative therapies like hyperbaric oxygen chambers and craniosacral therapy.

In 2010, he famously collapsed during a match due to breathing issues. That incident led him down a path of self-discovery and experimentation that would eventually culminate in him eliminating gluten from his diet—a move that he says transformed his career. Since then, he’s gone on to win over 20 Grand Slam titles and remains one of the fittest athletes on the planet, well into his 30s.

But it’s this morning ritual—this seemingly minor, private act—that many now believe could be the most important piece of the puzzle.

The Hidden Power of Simplicity

What makes Djokovic’s habit so compelling is not its complexity—but its sheer simplicity. There are no expensive machines, no supplements, no biohacked devices involved. Just a cup of warm lemon water, a sprinkle of pink salt, a patch of Earth, and ten minutes of presence.

In a world overwhelmed by productivity culture, performance anxiety, and digital overload, Djokovic’s habit offers a radical counter-narrative: that the most powerful thing you can do for your performance is not to “do” at all—but to be. To stand in stillness. To breathe. To give thanks.

It’s a message that’s as old as time and yet shockingly relevant today. And coming from a man who continues to break records, defy expectations, and rewrite the limits of the human body, it’s a message that’s impossible to ignore.

A Challenge to All of Us

Whether or not you agree with Djokovic’s beliefs, whether you’re a fan of his tennis or not, one thing is undeniable: he lives what he preaches. His discipline is relentless. His belief in mind-body connection is unwavering. And his results speak for themselves.

So when top doctors and skeptics express shock at his morning habit, maybe the real shock is that we’re only just beginning to understand what the greatest athletes already know—that how we start our day determines everything.