Have you ever felt anxious prior to a job interview? What about going on a date, do you get a little nervous? Most of the time we hear that anxiety is a bad thing, but do you know that it is also a good thing?

Anxiety, just like depression are natural emotional experiences that everyone goes through in life. These emotional states become troublesome when they do not match the situation. For example, if you are depressed because your loved one broke up with you, that can be expected. But it should be of concern if you’re still depressed after three years. Anxiety follows the same reasoning. Being anxious about meeting a person is completely understandable. It’s not within the norm of expectations however if you get anxious just by watching television.

GOOD TYPE OF ANXIETY

Anxiety is a good thing as well. Enter the Yerkes-Dodson curve. In 1908, psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson postulated that as physiological and mental arousal increases so does performance. The increase in performance is only to a certain point. As the arousal continues to increase, the performance diminishes. In plain English, too low or too high anxiety equals poor performance. A little anxiety equals best performance.

EXAMPLES

So how does this relate to you? Well, health-wise, if you are a little sick and it is not something that bothers you too much, chances are that you will not go to the doctor. If it is something that is somewhat bothersome, you will make a doctor’s appointment. Academically, if you are taking a test and you are too relaxed or too nervous chances are that you will make mistakes or freeze. In contrast, being a little anxious will keep you alert during the test. The same can be said about relationships, job performance and sports.

The Yerkes-Dodson theory has been supported by many studies. The manifestation of this performance is manifested in concentration, memory, reaction and problem solving.

What are other reasons anxiety is good for you?

Post you comments. I would like to hear from you.