The General Adaptation Syndrome

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a model that describes how the body responds to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. In the alarm stage, the body detects stress and initiates a "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline. During the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stress, maintaining high alert and energy. If stress persists, the body may enter the exhaustion stage, where resources are depleted, leading to fatigue, burnout, or illness. Understanding GAS helps us recognize the effects of stress on our health and the importance of managing it effectively.