Why cold mornings can affect your productivity
By Trizer Lijondo, September 14, 2026As temperatures drop across parts of Kenya, getting out of bed early can become more challenging, especially when the morning begins with chilly temperatures and cloudy skies.
While cold weather does not automatically make someone unproductive, it can influence sleep, mood, comfort and morning habits, all of which can affect how quickly a person settles into the day’s responsibilities.
The temptation to stay under the covers
Cold mornings can make leaving a warm bed feel like a difficult task. Instead of getting up immediately, people may delay their alarms, spend more time under blankets or postpone starting their morning routines.
That extra time in bed can have a knock-on effect, particularly for people with early work or school schedules. A delayed morning may mean rushing through breakfast, getting ready quickly or arriving late, leaving someone feeling unsettled before the day has properly started.
For people working from home, the cold can also make it tempting to remain in bed longer or start work later than planned.
Cold weather can change your energy and mood
Temperature can also influence how comfortable and alert someone feels. When the body is focused on staying warm, activities that require effort can feel less appealing, particularly early in the morning.
Cold and gloomy conditions may also encourage people to remain indoors and reduce outdoor movement. For someone who normally starts the day with a walk, run or other physical activity, skipping that routine can make the morning feel less energetic.
This does not mean that feeling less motivated during cold weather is unusual. Changes in routine, reduced exposure to daylight and spending more time indoors can all contribute to a slower start.
Simple ways to stay productive
Creating a morning routine that accounts for the weather can make cold days easier to manage. Preparing clothes the night before, keeping warm clothing within reach and setting an alarm away from the bed can reduce the temptation to remain under the covers.
Having a warm drink or breakfast can also provide a comforting reason to get moving, while opening curtains and getting some natural light can help signal that the day has begun.
Most importantly, productivity does not have to mean maintaining the exact same pace every day. Adjusting your routine while still completing important tasks can help you remain productive without fighting the weather at every step.