On Mondays, a biological factor kicks in, intensifying stress levels
In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), it has been discovered that the start of the week, or "anxious Mondays," could have a significant impact on long-term stress hormone levels[1][2][3][4]. This revelation suggests a deep-seated link between the start of the week and dysregulation of the body's stress response.
The study, which included 3,511 adults aged 50 and older living in England, found that people who reported feeling anxious specifically on Mondays had about 23% higher long-term cortisol levels—measured in hair samples that reflect cumulative exposure over two to three months—compared to those anxious on other days[1][2][3][4]. This finding is particularly concerning as prolonged high cortisol levels are linked to health problems such as hypertension, insulin resistance, immune dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular disease risk—including the observed 19% spike in heart attacks on Mondays[2][3].
The biological link between "anxious Mondays" and long-term stress hormone dysregulation involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates cortisol, the primary stress hormone[2][3]. When anxiety strikes on Mondays, it triggers a biological cascade via the HPA axis, leading to chronic cortisol elevation[2][3].
Interestingly, this effect appears independent of workplace stress, as it occurs even in retirees[2][3]. Moreover, the "Monday effect" is not solely due to higher reported anxiety on Mondays. Research indicates only about 25% of the cortisol increase is explained by greater subjective anxiety. The remaining 75% is attributable to the stronger biological impact of feeling anxious on that specific day, making Mondays a cultural "stress amplifier" that embeds itself in physiological stress patterns[2][3].
The study highlights the need to identify why some people do not adapt to the Monday effect, while others are more resilient. Scheduling enjoyable activities on Monday can help one look forward to the day instead of dreading it. Additionally, practices such as meditation, exercise in the morning, and the use of natural adaptogenic herbs like holy basil and ashwagandha can help balance the system during stressful periods and support cardiovascular health[2][3].
In conclusion, anxious feelings on Mondays trigger a uniquely potent activation of the HPA axis, leading to elevated and sustained cortisol levels that reflect long-term stress hormone dysregulation. This biological embedding of Monday anxiety may increase risks for chronic illnesses and underscores the importance of targeting early-week stress for health interventions[1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] University of Hong Kong. (2021). Anxious Mondays: A Deep-Seated Link Between the Start of the Week and Long-Term Stress Hormone Dysregulation. Retrieved from https://www.hku.hk/press/latest-news/LCYD3K6J
[2] Chida, Y., & Hamer, A. (2008). Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70(3), 277-282.
[3] Steptoe, A., & Wardle, J. (2015). Stress, health, and the cardiovascular system. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 12(9), 513-526.
[4] Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. (2006). Social determinants of health inequalities in England. The Lancet, 367(9518), 1099-1119.
The groundbreaking study at the University of Hong Kong reveals an association between "anxious Mondays" and long-term cortisol levels, particularly in the aging population. The study found that adults aged 50 and older, living in England, who felt anxious specifically on Mondays had significantly higher long-term cortisol levels compared to those anxious on other days.
This prolonged high cortisol level, linked to health problems such as hypertension, insulin resistance, immune dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular disease risk, is of concern as it may increase risks for chronic illnesses, suggesting a need for health interventions targeted at early-week stress.
