Inverted U-Theory

Bismillahirahmanirahim...

This graph below is called:

The Inverted-U Theory or Optimal Level of Arousal

It basically explains a person's optimal level of arousal or motivation. Too much arousal or too little arousal results in low performance whereas, having a moderate level of arousal results in the highest level of performance. Before I talk more, let me explain some basic related concepts:

1- Stressors: It is the situations that cause stress. For example, examination, wedding, interviews, sports tournament.

2- Strains: The consequence of stress.

3- Eustress: Positive stress.

4-Distress: Bad/ negative stress.

Now, we shall look back at the graph.

When you have too little amount of stress...you will have no motivation to do your work. For example, examination. Yes. Thinking about it already trigger some level of stress in our self. Avoiding it, by not reading your books or even try to take a peek at your your notes, will not make the situation any better. The chance of us to perform in examination is low (unless miracle happens or you are a genius).

In contrast, when your level of stress is too high, your performance level will drop. I will still use the same example. Examination. How many of us aimed to obtain 5A's for our USPR examination? Or 9A's for our PMR? 4 flat for our degree? It's every person's dream, right? It is good to put as much of our effort in achieving our goals but we should also take into consideration our abilities and capabilities. As there is a Malay sayings that goes like this:

''Ukur baju di badan sendiri...''

You study till the wee hours of the morning, ignore your meal times but forget that your mother always say "Don't forget to take your meals, dear'' as you have gastritis a.k.a gastric. Stress will also make your gastritis more severe and probably, if you still continue with your style of study, you may just have to take a rest at the hospital and not able to take your examinations.

Maintaining an optimal level of stress or arousal is the best thing to do. For example in the office or at our workplace. The beginning of the year (January) and the end of the year (December) is the 'peak hours' of stress. In January, you will find yourself busy planning for the year ahead and at the end of the year, you find yourself stuck in the meeting room discussing about the things happened throughout the year, finding the best ways to improve it and prepare for next year.

In this situation, it is best to get to know yourself. Some people, headache is the sign that their stress level is at peak, some people loss their appetite, some people cry, while to some extend, they resorted to drug abuse or commit suicide. As a Muslim, it is best for us to take wudhu', perform prayer, zikr. You can also take a break by observing the beauty of nature created by Allah S.W.T, have a tea break or take a nap.

Rasulullah S.AW thousands of years ago recommended his ummah for qailullah or short afternoon nap. It is only now, people discovered the benefit of qailullah or they called it as siesta. Taking a short nap (particularly during lunch hour)will motivate and help us to perform better. But remember! Not too long until you totally forget about your work or your Zuhur prayer.

Al- 'Aql Saleem fil Jism Saleem

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