Chanting To Calm The Monday Effect

Recent evidence suggests that heart attacks are more common on Mondays; however, this effect is modest, as most heart attacks still occur on other days. More concerning is the fact that today, women—over 60 million Americans—are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases than men.

What I want to offer you today is a form of prayer that can help you ease into your Monday. This type of prayer involves chanting, which is a traditional practice. Since chanting has a proven track record of improving circulation and can help manage blood pressure and stress, it serves as a valuable tool for wellness and self-care.

In Hindu astrology, Monday is known as Soma Vāra, which means "moon day," as it is associated with the moon. Lord Shiva is also linked to the moon; one of his epithets is Chandra Śekhara, meaning "the one who wears the moon in his hair." Meditating on Shiva on Mondays can promote calmness, emotional balance, and personal growth.

The set of mantras chanted for you in the meditation comes from the Shaivite tradition. These mantras are collectively known as “prārthanā,” meaning prayer or request.