Biological explanation for disliking Mondays: It intensifies stress levels

Biological explanation for disliking Mondays: It intensifies stress levels

Monday Anxiety Linked to Long-term Cardiovascular Risks

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong has revealed a significant association between anxiety on Mondays and long-term cardiovascular risks. This groundbreaking research singles out Mondays as a particularly disruptive day in terms of stress hormone levels.

The study, published in the journal Nature, focuses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress hormones such as cortisol. Chronic elevation of these hormones can contribute to hypertension, insulin resistance, and immune system dysfunction.

Prior research has observed higher cortisol levels on weekdays compared to weekends. The University of Hong Kong study found that participants who felt anxious on Mondays showed a 23 percent higher level of cortisol compared to their peers who were anxious on other days of the week.

The long-term cardiovascular risks associated with this chronic stress hormone dysregulation include hypertension, inflammation and atherosclerosis, arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction, vascular damage and poor circulation, increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), and behaviors increasing cardiovascular risk.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs due to sustained adrenaline-induced heart rate increase and vascular constriction, which strains the cardiovascular system. Elevated cortisol contributes to systemic inflammation, promoting the development and progression of atherosclerosis—hardening and narrowing of arteries—which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Stress hormone imbalances can disrupt heart rhythms, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions, leading to arrhythmias and possibly sudden cardiac events. Prolonged stress may also damage blood vessels directly and promote venous diseases such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

Chronic mental stress is linked to increased risk of acute cardiovascular events including heart attacks, with stress acting as a trigger in those with underlying cardiovascular disease. Additionally, chronic anxiety often leads to unhealthy habits that further exacerbate cardiovascular risks.

Effective stress management and lifestyle interventions are essential to mitigating these long-term risks. Exercising first thing on Monday morning can help clear the mind, elevate mood, and reduce stress levels. Meditating on Sunday evening can help reduce stress and support cardiovascular health. Natural stress-relieving adaptogenic herbs like holy basil and ashwagandha can help balance the system during stressful periods.

Scheduling something enjoyable on Monday can help one look forward to Monday instead of dreading it. Sleeping consistently over the weekend can help reduce cardiovascular risk.

The study was conducted on 3,511 adults aged 50 and older living in England who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The researchers emphasize the need to identify why some people do not adapt to the Monday effect, while others are more resilient. The Monday effect was observed in both working and retired participants.

The researchers write in the study that the cumulative life course effects of feeling anxious on Monday suggest the need for further investigation into adaptation and resilience. The participants submitted hair samples and were asked about their anxiety levels and on what days they experienced anxiety.

The connection between Monday anxiety and long-term cardiovascular risks is supported by recent cardiovascular research identifying the physiological mechanisms linking chronic stress hormone elevation to heart disease and vascular dysfunction. However, individual risk also depends on underlying health status and the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7163794/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6661672/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6529828/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7745868/

1. The study published in the journal Nature highlights the connection between chronic stress hormone elevation, specifically due to anxiety on Mondays, and long-term risks related to cardiovascular health, mental health, and aging.
2. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress hormones such as cortisol, plays a significant role in this association, as chronic elevation of these hormones can lead to conditions like hypertension, immune system dysfunction, and atherosclerosis.
3. To mitigate these long-term risks, the study suggests implementing stress management techniques, such as exercising first thing on Monday morning, meditating on Sunday evening, and using natural adaptogenic herbs like holy basil and ashwagandha. Additionally, it's recommended to schedule enjoyable activities for Monday, maintain consistent sleep patterns, and be aware of individual risk factors, considering the presence of underlying health conditions and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Read also: