Under which scenario do humans perform best in relation to stress levels?

Humans typically perform best under medium stress levels due to the optimal arousal theory, which posits that a certain amount of stress can enhance performance, motivation, and focus. When stress is moderate, it can prompt individuals to mobilize their resources effectively, maintain attention, and increase alertness, leading to improved decision-making and execution of tasks.

In contrast, low stress levels may result in complacency or lack of urgency, leading to underperformance as individuals may not feel compelled to put in the necessary effort. Extremely high stress levels can induce anxiety and overwhelm, resulting in decreased cognitive function, impaired judgement, and reduced performance. Similarly, a complete absence of stress can lead to boredom and lack of engagement, which can also detract from optimal functioning. Thus, medium stress levels strike the right balance for peak performance.