G.A.S Syndrome

G.A.S. or General Adaptive Syndrome is an increasing problem and one which we are either unaware of or unwilling to confront.

In a stressful situation, the body adapts and switches gear to activate the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight).
Short-term:
It is an essential response to keep us alive, e.g. running away from the bulls in Pamplona (not really for me, but there’s nowt so queer as folk, so the Italian saying goes…). This massive dump of adrenaline into our system poses little risk to our health as we have burned off the adrenaline through intense activity.
Long-term:
When a stressful situation continues without resolution, our body continuously drip-feeds small quantities of adrenaline into our body. Prolonged exposure to this hormone compromises our immune system, makes us more prone to disease, and makes us more likely to succumb to injury.

In long-term stressful situations, our body adapts: masking pain or teaching us to live with limitations (such as reduced movement in shoulders, neck or hips). This “physical attrition” causes the whole body to weaken and inhibits healing.

I’ll be the first to admit that stress is largely unavoidable. However, to repair the damage to our health and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring, it is imperative to break the stress cycle. Regular reflexology sessions, massage, exercise or engaging in hobbies are some ways to switch off the sympathetic response and begin health restoration.

How often are you putting up with omnipresent pain, persistent headaches, or crushing exhaustion? These are examples of G.A.S. and they are not something you need to “learn to live with”. Let’s find ways to flip that sympathetic switch and keep you fit and healthy.