Translated with AI
Mondays do have a significant impact on the human body, increasing stress and anxiety levels, which can cause long-term harm to health, according to researchers cited by Scientific American and Tengri Life.
According to scientific research, the start of the workweek is a biologically measurable stress factor. Specifically, Mondays are associated with higher levels of anxiety, stress, and even suicidal tendencies compared to other days of the week. Studies conducted in various countries have shown that the likelihood of sudden death from confirmed heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases increases by 19 percent on Mondays among men and women of all age groups.
Scientists note that the impact of Mondays extends beyond short-term mood swings. People who report anxiety on the first day of the workweek show increased activity in the stress response system for several months. This effect persists even in older people no longer employed, suggesting that Monday stress can become a long-term burden on the body.
The study surveyed over 10,000 residents of England aged 50 and over. The results showed that anxiety on Mondays significantly increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to other days of the week. According to the researchers, this is due to the transition from the weekend to a structured workweek, as well as increased levels of uncertainty at the start of the week.
"For some people, the 'Monday blues' become an automatic response that persists even after the initial stressor has been eliminated. Repeated Monday stress accumulates over a lifetime and can lead to long-term problems with stress regulation, which increases the risk of developing diseases," the study authors note.
Scientists emphasize that the brain's response to stress is malleable and can change. Practices that promote emotion regulation—meditation, mindfulness, regular physical activity, and good sleep hygiene—help restore the brain's weekly functioning cycle and reduce stress-related health risks.
