Stress and GAS Part 2

Selye, Stress without Distress, 1974

 

I know, not that exciting…but luckily for us, it’s simple. First we will give a rundown of what we are looking at in four sections:

 

Before Phase A: Homeostasis or “Chillin” Phase

 

This is the line labeled: “Normal Level of Resistance.” This is our resting level before the stress occurs. Without getting into it too much, homeostasis is a balance our body maintains regardless of outside influences. Certain things like temperature, pH, electrolyte levels and tissue maintenance are kept relatively consistent. No extra input of calories or rest is needed because we are simply cruising along under clear skies.

 

Phase A: Alarm or “Whoa!” Phase

 

Once a stress is imposed, there is an initial drop in bodily activity from homeostasis. The body realizes it is being challenged somehow and the upwards curve marks the body springing into action. This could mean the immune system increases its activity and / or we divert blood to our muscles to run from danger or defend ourselves. 

 

Most of the time, we know that we are under an increased workload. So, it’s no surprise that we experience passing symptoms like:

 

• disrupted and poor sleep (you wake up tired)

• brain fog

• headaches / migraines

• bruxism (teeth grinding), or TMJ flares

• low energy levels

• dry itchy skin

• digestive troubles (indigestion, constipation)

• random body aches and joint pain

• nerve pain similar to sciatica

• increased inflammation / water retention

• reflux / heartburn

• more emotional / irritable overall

• mood swings

• hair loss 

• menstrual irregularities 

• cravings for sugar, fat 

• tinnitus

 

As you can tell, there isn’t a specific sign. It is completely unique, but your body will tell YOU somehow. You dismiss it out of sight because as quickly as the symptom pops up, it will disappear just the same. This signals your body “rising” to the occasion as you slide into “Phase B.”

 

Phase B: Resistance or “Eye of the Tiger playing on loop in your mind” Phase

 

The body is now operating at a higher activity level than it normally does. If there is an infection, this could mean a fever has set in. You may be burning the midnight oil to meet a deadline or two. Or, you could be taking another ZOOM meeting instead of your daily walk for the fifth day in a row. 

 

Regardless of what the threat is, your stored bodily resources are now being used at an increased rate. All to ensure that you can continue doing what you’re doing without noticing too big of a shift in output activity levels. Depending on things like your prior level of health, conditioning and age, you may be able to continue the resistance for a while. 

 

At this point you’re thinking, “great, I never knew I could do so many things on such little sleep! 

​

Maybe I’m more productive and function “best on stress?

 

Could there be something to the saying: ‘Pressure makes diamonds?” 

 

And just like that…those pesky signs that first showed up in Phase A, make a strong comeback. Additionally, the following can also let you know the jig is up:

 

 

• you begin to feel rushed for time (most of the time) 

• you start to feel under the weather quite a bit

• sleep is becoming less effective  

• you are increasing your caffeine intake to no avail

• you are googling ‘body hacks’ in an attempt to have ‘more energy’ 

• the previously listed symptoms approach chronicity 

 

These are all signs that the fuel tank is running dry leading us to the final phase.

 

Phase C: Exhaustion or “Game Over” Phase

 

Yes, the name indicates what is happening. Bodily resources are low and you are now running on fumes. If you try to continue your rate of activity, you will further grind yourself into the ground. 

 

At some point during this downhill slide, people often describe this phase with words like ‘burnt out’ and ‘exhausted’ in the clinic. This is also the zone where it seems that no amount of sleep, napping and caffeine seems to bounce you out of your brain fog…

 

Now, so far this graph paints a bleak picture. It seems that the only inevitable outcome resembles what happens to Apollo Creed after facing Ivan Drago in Rocky IV (bonus points if you know what I mean). 

 

For those who don’t know…it’s not good. 

 

But this is not always the case. There is a secret hidden to the naked eye in the graph above.

 

Find out in part 3…