Understanding the Role of Stress in Performance
As we can see from this graph, stress is necessary to achieve peak performance. When stress levels are low, we get bored, and we underachieve. Without a little bit of stress to push us in the right direction, it's easy to procrastinate. We don't feel motivated, so we don't perform very well.
As stress levels increase, our performance actually improves. We feel energized and excited by the challenge. The added stress stimulates our creativity and helps us problem solve. When stress levels are just right, we perform better and accomplish more.
When it comes to stress, the trick is to manage it, so we don't become overwhelmed. If stress levels get too high, performance is negatively impacted. We can avoid this problem by developing good strategies that help manage our time and our emotions, so we can stay in the peak performance zone.
As stress levels increase, our performance actually improves. We feel energized and excited by the challenge. The added stress stimulates our creativity and helps us problem solve. When stress levels are just right, we perform better and accomplish more.
When it comes to stress, the trick is to manage it, so we don't become overwhelmed. If stress levels get too high, performance is negatively impacted. We can avoid this problem by developing good strategies that help manage our time and our emotions, so we can stay in the peak performance zone.
Changing Your Stress Mindset
Most people think stress is always bad, but that’s not true. Our bodies are built to handle stress—it’s part of how we survive. When we feel stressed, our heart rate and breathing speed up to send more oxygen and blood to our brain and muscles. This reaction helped our ancestors escape danger, and it still helps us today when we’re facing challenges like tests, deadlines, or busy schedules.
Stress can actually improve brain function and help us stay alert and focused. Our bodies react to stress in the same way they react to excitement, so changing how we think about stress can make a big difference. If we see stress as something helpful, we’re more likely to stay calm and use it to our advantage.
Stress can actually improve brain function and help us stay alert and focused. Our bodies react to stress in the same way they react to excitement, so changing how we think about stress can make a big difference. If we see stress as something helpful, we’re more likely to stay calm and use it to our advantage.
Research shows that the way we think about stress can influence how we respond to stress, so shifting our mindset is important. If we believe stress is harmful, being stressed makes us feel more stressed. We're also more likely to respond to stressors with negative emotions (e.g. anger, anxiety, sadness) and to choose unhealthy or unproductive ways of coping with their stress (e.g. procrastination, aggressive behaviour). Adopting more positive mindset about stress is important because it helps us feel more in control and respond to stress in healthy ways.
For example, two students might both feel stressed about a math test, an English presentation, and a science project that are all due in the same week. One sees stress as a bad thing, feels overwhelmed and procrastinates until the last minute leading to even more stress. The other sees the week as a challenge, puts it in perspective, and makes a plan. They schedule study time, take breaks, get enough sleep, and stay focused. Both students are busy, but one feels more in control and confident.
Changing your mindset about stress and using healthy coping strategies is a big part of developing a growth mindset. It helps you stay focused, reach your goals, and handle whatever life throws your way.Growth Mindset
For example, two students might both feel stressed about a math test, an English presentation, and a science project that are all due in the same week. One sees stress as a bad thing, feels overwhelmed and procrastinates until the last minute leading to even more stress. The other sees the week as a challenge, puts it in perspective, and makes a plan. They schedule study time, take breaks, get enough sleep, and stay focused. Both students are busy, but one feels more in control and confident.
Changing your mindset about stress and using healthy coping strategies is a big part of developing a growth mindset. It helps you stay focused, reach your goals, and handle whatever life throws your way.Growth Mindset
