What level of stress is suitable for optimal performance?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Moderate level of stress
Option (1) High level of stress — Incorrect. Stress works like electricity: too high a current fuses the bulb. High stress produces unpleasant effects and makes performance deteriorate.
Option (2) Low level of stress — Incorrect. Too little stress leaves a person listless and low on motivation, so she or he works slowly and less efficiently.
Option (3) Moderate level of stress — Correct. Stress gives energy and raises arousal. At a moderate level it is eustress, the level of stress that is good for you and one of a person’s best assets for achieving peak performance.
Option (4) No stress — Incorrect. With no stress at all there is no arousal to drive effort, the extreme case of too little stress.
NCERT (2025-26): “Introduction … Stress is like electricity. It gives energy, increases human arousal and affects performance. However, if the electric current is too high, it can fuse bulbs, damage appliances, etc. High stress too can produce unpleasant effects and cause our performance to deteriorate. Conversely, too little stress may cause one to feel somewhat listless and low on motivation which may lead us to perform slowly and less efficiently. It is important to remember that not all stress is inherently bad or destructive. ‘Eustress’ is the term used to describe the level of stress that is good for you and is one of a person’s best assets for achieving peak performance and managing minor crisis.…” |