Final answer:
Jesseca needed to complete tasks ahead of time to experience healthy eustress and manage her stress effectively through preparation and stress reduction strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
To experience more positive stress, or eustress, Jesseca needed to complete tasks ahead of time, which aligns with option c: Tasks should have been done ahead of time to experience healthy sustress. This is built upon the understanding that a moderate amount of stress can improve performance and mental sharpness. Being prepared would allow Jesseca's body to anticipate the speech without going into a prolonged high-stress mode, which is counterproductive.
According to the literature, anticipatory stress for an event like public speaking can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to responses such as elevated heart rate, which are natural in the face of acute challenges. The key difference between positive and negative stress is the individual's capacity to handle the situation effectively—preparation factors heavily into this. Comprehensive preparation for a speech, which includes not only the content but also managing stress, can convert potentially crippling anxiety into a positive driving force.
Stress reduction techniques such as exercise also play a crucial role. Regular physical activity contributes to overall physical and mental health, making individuals more resilient toward the adverse effects of stress and aiding faster recovery from it. Hence, beyond mere preparation for the speech itself, Jesseca's overall approach to wellbeing, including stress management, is vital for her to experience eustress rather than distress.