General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a three-stage response that the body shows to stress. The main causes of the GAS in the body include any psychological stress and other life events that leave a bad impact on it. Since these stressors are harmful to both our physical and mental health, it is crucial to manage and maintain the body. The main causes of high stress in the body include symptoms like mental fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. Here is a brief study of what the general adaptation syndrome means and its main stages.
Basics of GAS
As per the scientists, GAS is the body’s inherent skill to adapt to the perceived threat and prepare it to counterattack it. The Vienna-born scientist Hans Selye was the first man to describe the term GAS. During one of his experiments at McGill University in Montreal, he observed some psychological changes in the rats. He exposed all these rats to stressful events and observed the three stages of a series. So, to fight stress, you must first be well-aware of them.
The Three Stages of GAS
Now that you know what General Adaptation Syndrome is, the next up is the three stages of GAS.
Stage 1# Alarm Reaction
- The body sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus in the brain
- Glucocorticoids releases
- Triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones)
- Heart rate and blood pressure increases
Stage 2# Resistance
- Body counterattacks the psychological changes in the body
- Cortisol release drops, bringing the body to normal
- As an effect, the person struggles to concentrate and get irritated
Stage 3# Exhaustion
- Depletion of energy, unable to fight the stress reaction
- The person may experience:-
Tiredness, Depression, anxiety, e.t.c.
When Does a General Adaptation Syndrome Occur?
However, one can suffer from GAS in even minor stress, the main causes of this stress might include:-
Loss of job; disputes in a relationship; financial problems; trauma; and many more.
Since all of us deal with such stressful situations at a certain point or the other, it can cause chronic stress if it extends in the long term. As per the research conducted back in 2008, chronic stress could:-
- increase the risk of viral infection
- increase the risk of diabetes type 2
- lead to stomach ulcers
- lead to depression
- Even lead to increased risk of heart disease
How to Manage General Adaptation Syndrome?
The foremost step to manage GAS is to know what triggers your stress and avoid it. If you learn to control reacting to situations that let you down and increases your stress, the effects won’t be much high. Other ways to compensate for the increased effects of stress and, in turn, GAS in your body, you must follow other effective ways. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommend physical activity as a way of reducing stress. Doing exercise releases endorphins, which improves your sleep cycle and manages your stress well.
Other effective ways to manage GAS are:-
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Talking to your near and dear ones
- Meditating
- Adopting healthy eating and sleeping habits
Since, due to the present pandemic, most of us might be already suffering from GAS, it shouldn’t be left unattended. Try all the necessary measures to manage your stress, and remember, this too shall pass. Make a good note of your quarantine by developing new skills and being productive.
If you’re stressed about having no job during quarantine, reading our blog can help:-
