What are the three stages of stress response?

The three stages of stress response, which are Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion, describe how the body reacts to stressors over time.

In the Alarm stage, the body perceives a threat and activates the "fight or flight" response, triggering physiological changes such as increased heart rate and adrenaline production. This stage prepares the individual to confront or escape the stressor.

During the Resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor. This involves a range of physiological responses that are designed to restore homeostasis while still managing the ongoing stress. The body remains in a heightened state of alertness, which can be maintained for a longer period.

If the stress continues beyond the body's capacity to cope, it enters the Exhaustion stage. This stage represents the depletion of the body's resources, increasingly leading to fatigue, burnout, and a higher risk of stress-related illnesses.

Understanding these stages is crucial for recognizing how prolonged stress can negatively affect health and well-being, highlighting the importance of stress management techniques to prevent reaching the Exhaustion phase.