Wellness
Understanding General Adaptation Syndrome
An explanation of the three-stage process your body goes through when under stress and how it impacts your long-term health and wellness.
What is it?
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a model describing the physiological process the body undergoes when exposed to any kind of stress. Developed by endocrinologist Hans Selye, GAS consists of three distinct stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. The first stage, alarm, is the initial "fight-or-flight" response, where the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, increasing heart rate and alertness. The second stage, resistance, occurs if the stressor persists. The body tries to adapt and repair itself, remaining on high alert. The final stage, exhaustion, happens after prolonged exposure to stress, depleting the body's physical and mental resources.
Why is it trending?
With growing awareness of mental health and the impact of modern-day pressures, understanding the body's stress response has become crucial. GAS provides a clear framework for recognizing the physical toll of chronic stress. It's a key topic in wellness and mindfulness because it highlights the transition from a normal, acute stress reaction to a state of chronic exhaustion and burnout. As people seek to manage their well-being proactively, knowledge of GAS helps them identify the signs of prolonged stress in the resistance stage before it leads to the more severe health consequences of the exhaustion stage.
How does it affect people?
GAS affects individuals by dictating their physiological and psychological reactions to stressors. While the initial alarm stage can be beneficial for survival, prolonged stress leading to the exhaustion stage is harmful. People in this final stage often experience fatigue, burnout, depression, anxiety, and a decreased tolerance for stress. Chronic activation of the body's stress response can weaken the immune system and significantly increase the risk of developing serious health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and other stress-related illnesses. Understanding this process empowers people to manage stress before it leads to severe health complications.