Mondays may seriously mess with your health, study says
What's the story
A recent study by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has revealed a link between anxiety over Mondays and elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The connection was found to continue even after retirement. Although correlation does not imply causation, increased cortisol levels are closely associated with health risks. This could explain why a 2005 meta-analysis found up to a 19% rise in cardiovascular events on Mondays compared to other days.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Cortisol naturally spikes in the morning, and study shows the levels are even higher on Mondays, likely due to anticipation of the workweek ahead. What's more concerning is that this stress pattern doesn't stop after retirement. The so-called "Monday effect" appears to be hardwired into our routine, possibly built up over years of associating the start of the week with pressure, deadlines, and responsibility. The elevated cortisol level is more than just a mental strain, it's tied to physical health.
Research details
Analyzing data of 3,511 adults aged 50 and above
In the study, the research team analyzed 3,511 adults aged 50 and above who were part of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Participants reported their anxiety levels on different weekdays, while hair samples were taken to measure cortisol levels. The results showed that those who felt particularly anxious on Mondays had about 23% higher cortisol levels than those who felt anxious on other days.
Health implications
Chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular issues
The study's findings suggest that Monday anxiety could impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's primary stress management system. However, chronic stress can overstimulate this system and lead to immune system issues, metabolic diseases such as cancer or diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This could explain the previously observed rise in cardiovascular events on Mondays.
Cultural impact
Mondays act as a 'stress amplifier'
Interestingly, the study found that even retirees experienced higher stress levels and negative health effects on Mondays. "Mondays act as a cultural 'stress amplifier,'" said Tarani Chandola, a sociologist at HKU. "For some older adults, the week's transition triggers a biological cascade that lingers for months," he added. This highlights how deeply ingrained Monday-related stress is in our physiology, even after retirement.