Can the Monday Blues Lead to Chronic Stress? Study Says Yes
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that anxiety felt on Mondays can have long-lasting effects on the body's stress response system, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, led by Professor Tarani Chandola from the Department of Sociology at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), uncovers how Mondays uniquely drive long-term biological stress regardless of whether a person is still working or retired.
The study analyzed data from more than 3,500 older adults who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Researchers examined anxiety levels reported on different days of the week and measured cortisol levels using hair samples, which provide a cumulative record of the body’s exposure to stress hormones over two months. They found that participants who reported feeling anxious on Mondays had 23% higher cortisol levels than those who felt anxious on other days.
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