The Monday Effect: How Mondays Can Etch Stress into Your Biology for Months

A groundbreaking research study conducted by Professor Tarani Chandola from the University of Hong Kong has shed light on a surprising phenomenon: Mondays can trigger long-term biological stress in older adults, regardless of their working status. This “Anxious Monday” effect has significant implications for heart health and suggests that societal rhythms, not just job demands, can deeply embed themselves in human physiology.

The study analyzed data from over 3,500 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and found that older adults who felt anxious on Mondays exhibited significantly higher long-term stress hormone levels – up to two months later. This is a striking biological phenomenon that points to a deep-rooted link between the start of the week and the dysregulation of the body’s stress response system.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to hypertension, insulin resistance, and immune dysfunction when chronically elevated. While prior research noted higher cortisol levels on weekdays versus weekends, this study is the first to pinpoint Mondays as uniquely disruptive.

According to Professor Chandola, “Mondays act as a cultural ‘stress amplifier.’ For some older adults, the week’s transition triggers a biological cascade that lingers for months. This isn’t about work – it’s about how deeply ingrained Mondays are in our stress physiology, even after careers end.”

The study underscores the importance of addressing Monday-specific stress to combat heart disease in aging populations. By acknowledging and managing this unique stress trigger, we may unlock new strategies to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with long-term stress hormone dysregulation.

The study, presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the profound impact of weight-loss surgery on patients’ self-esteem. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center found that within one year of undergoing bariatric surgery, participants experienced a staggering 131% increase in their self-esteem scores.

The study involved a database of 5,749 patients aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more who had undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2019. The participants completed the Impact of Weight Quality of Life (iwQOL) survey before and 12 months after their operation to assess weight stigma and quality of life.

The results showed that self-esteem scores rose from an average of 33.6 to 77.5, a more than 40-point increase on a scale from 0 to 100. The study also found that the amount of weight loss was directly correlated with the increase in self-esteem, regardless of demographics such as gender, age, and race or type of bariatric procedure.

Justin Dhyani, MD, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding weight stigma and psychosocial factors associated with obesity. “While these factors should not dictate the decision to have bariatric surgery, they should be an important part of the conversation,” he said.

Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, FASMBS, President of ASMBS, added that weight stigma is a serious issue that places an extra psychological burden on patients struggling with obesity. “This study shows we need to understand what patients are going through and be supportive and empowering of them as they navigate their health and make decisions about treatment,” she said.

The findings of this study have significant implications for the holistic care of patients with obesity, highlighting the importance of addressing weight stigma and psychosocial factors in conjunction with medical treatment. By providing supportive and empowering care, healthcare professionals can help patients achieve a better quality of life and overcome the challenges associated with obesity.

A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that a single dose of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms, can provide sustained reductions in depression and anxiety in individuals with cancer suffering from major depressive disorder. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal CANCER, suggest that this treatment approach may offer long-term relief for cancer patients struggling with depression.

The study involved 28 participants who received psychological support from a therapist prior to, during, and after receiving a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin. Two years later, a significant proportion of these individuals demonstrated lasting reductions in depression and anxiety. Specifically:

* 53.6% (15 patients) showed a sustained reduction in depression.
* 50% (14 patients) experienced remission from depression as well as reduced anxiety.
* 42.9% (12 patients) reported reduced anxiety at the two-year mark.

Building on these promising results, an ongoing randomized, double-blind trial is currently evaluating up to two doses of 25 mg of psilocybin versus placebo for treating depression and anxiety in cancer patients. This study aims to determine whether repeating the treatment can resolve depression for more than half of the participants.

According to lead author Manish Agrawal, MD, from Sunstone Therapies, “One dose of psilocybin with psychological support has a long-term positive impact on relieving depression for as much as 2 years for a substantial portion of patients with cancer. If randomized testing shows similar results, this could lead to greater use of psilocybin to treat depression in patients with cancer.”