Final answer:
The term for stress that motivates and energizes an individual is eustress. This type of positive stress enhances performance and well-being when managed in moderation but can lead to distress when it becomes excessive.
Step-by-step explanation:
A force that motivates and energizes you rather than makes you anxious and frustrated is called eustress. This is a type of positive stress that is associated with positive feelings, optimal health, and performance. A moderate amount of stress can be beneficial and improve efficiency and mental sharpness. For instance, athletes might experience eustress during pregame preparations, helping them to perform better. Similarly, students may experience this positive form of stress before an exam, leading to enhanced memory recall of educational material.
Not all stress is harmful. Selye called this positive stress eustress, differentiating it from the negative stress known as distress, which can lead to burnout and decrease in performance. The inverse relationship between these types of stress illustrates how a balanced amount of eustress can promote well-being and peak performance, whereas excessive stress can result in diminished health and efficiency.