Why Do Many People Hate Monday? Research Reveals Shocking Facts
JAKARTA - Many people complain about the severity of facing Monday. But apparently, it's not just feelings, our bodies really respond Monday in different ways.
A recent study from the University of Hong Kong found that adults who were anxious on Monday had 23% higher levels of cortisol stress hormone up to two months later, compared to those who were anxious on other days.
Cortisol is actually important to keep the body on alert. But if it is too high, this hormone can damage the immune system and increase the risk of heart disease, anxiety, and chronic health problems.
According to Modupe Akinola, professor at Columbia Business School, anxiety on Monday is unique because it brings feelings of pressure and uncertainty.
"There is something different from Monday. We have to wake up early, refocus, face traffic, and return to our routine after the weekend. All these demands make the body feel the need to be ready for war," said Akinola, quoted from the New York Post page.
In fact, this effect is also found in people who are retired. This means that for years feeling stressed every Monday can leave long-term traces on the body and brain.
Robert Sapolsky, a biologist and neuroscientist from Stanford University, explained that changes in sleep, eating, and activity patterns over the weekend also affected. This makes the body's biological clock disturbed, so Monday feels heavier.
"Cortisol is not only reactive, but also anticipatory. Expectations for stress can increase levels of this hormone even higher than stress itself," said Sapolsky.
No wonder other studies also found that heart attacks occur more frequently on Monday.
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How to Deal with it
To reduce this bad impact, Akinola suggested that people compile a list of things that make him feel anxious.
"Many people don't realize they're stressed, let alone know what triggers it. By recording things that make us anxious every week, we can be more aware and eventually take control." he explained.