Stress affects performance differently for everyone
The Yerkes-Dodson Law explains how stress affects performance: too little stress leads to boredom, while too much causes anxiety. The sweet spot — moderate stress — maximises focus and efficiency.
But this model isn’t one-size-fits-all. When applying it to your life and work, it’s important to leave room for nuance.
Take the Extended-U Hypothesis, for example. The Extended-U suggests that different tasks require different levels of arousal. For simple, repetitive tasks, higher stress might enhance performance — there’s nothing quite like the rush of a tight deadline to inspire you to complete a dull report! For complex or creative work, too much pressure can be counterproductive — you want to give yourself time to breathe, reflect, and have those all-important ‘light bulb’ moments in the shower.
In sports, another nuance comes into play. The Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) suggest that each person has a unique stress-performance relationship. Some thrive under pressure, while others need calm to excel.
Understanding your optimal stress zone can help you harness “smart stress” — using the right amount of pressure to motivate you without burnout. While strategies like the Yerkes-Dodson Law can help you understand stress better, your best teacher is YOU. By tuning into your needs and becoming aware of your responses and energy levels, you can harness this science to support your wellbeing.
Arousal, Anxiety, and Performance: A Reexamination of the Inverted-U Hypothesis