In some cases, this can be just enough excitement to get you going for the day, while at other points it may leave you feeling bored or anxious. This is due to the Optimal Arousal Theory.
This theory is based on the idea that people also require an optimal level of excitement or arousal to perform their best (Drive-reduction theory, 2003 ). We can concentrate better, perform well while doing things, and love what we are doing when our energy or excitement level is in equilibrium.
What is Arousal?
Arousal – This describes how awake, alert or excited we feel. It is how much energy our body and mind can gather at a point in time. We are most aroused, as in getting ready to play a game or experience something new.
At other times we may be at low arousal, e.g., relaxed or in ready-to-sleep state. It focuses us, it motivates us and it can assist us in getting things done when we need that extra surge to keep going.
In the Optimal Arousal Theory, when we say arousal, it is defined in terms of striking a balance between not being too calm and not too excited. This balanced state is what a psychologist might call optimal arousal, while we are neither sleepy nor wired but somewhere in between. Like a roller coaster, too slow is boring and too fast is terrifying. At the right speed, this is a lot of fun and can put a smile on your face.
How the Optimal Arousal Theory operates
According to the Optimal Arousal Theory, everyone has an optimal level of arousal or a certain amount of excitement that helps them perform their best.
Once we reach this level, it is much easier to focus, stay engaged and be energized. When we are not stimulated enough, the worst case is apathy or lack of attention. When it is too high we could become stressed, or anxious.
Put yourself in your seat in class. If the type of lesson taught fascinates and stimulates thought, you will effortlessly feel engaged and focused on the topic.
This is an example of a flow state. For example, if you are teaching composition and the lesson seems easy peasy or just boring, then your mind may not be disciplined and it will crave something else! Conversely, if the lesson is too difficult or moves at an unacceptable speed you can become overwhelmed and leave that class to your own devices.
An example of this is the Optimal Arousal Theory which provides insight on how to become in tune with our bodies and know when enough activity is enough not too little or not overly a dull level of excitement.
The Significance of An Optimal Arousal
It is important because when at optimal arousal, our motivation for performing well in any activity we partake in will generally be quite high. Regardless of whether we study, practice a sport or devote time to our hobby, the right amount of this makes these activities more pleasurable and performed more easily. When we are in our perfect arousal zone, we feel more centred and confident, and more into what it is that we are doing.
Optimal levels of arousal can also lead to better decision-making. While our guard is down, we may let our attention slip and this can be a recipe for error. If we are too giddy or jittery, we may be too complacent to have blind spots. That equilibrium helps us better focus and be centred, even when faced with difficulties.
Impact of Different Activities on Arousal
We are sometimes desirable depending on the activity in question and how your arousal may change over time. Relaxed activities versus exciting and energized ones. Examples of how different activities affect the elevation of arousal
Activities that have the opposite effect of getting us all amped up are going to be calming activities: like reading a book, sketching or listening to smooth tunes typically low arousal. They can calm our senses and fill us with a sense of peace which makes them just the right kinds of activities to wind down or to take frequent breaks in between.
High-arousal activities (exciting): playing a sport, riding a roller coaster, engaging in a competition. These activities are the ones that energize us and get us as excited if not more than nervous. This may also be an exciting subject however if an e-mail is just too extreme, it feels overwhelming.
Homeostatic Activities: Engaging in activities of this kind like playing a board game, solving a puzzle or participating in an educational class helps us return to our optimal state of arousal. These activities maintain engagement and concentration without the intensity of feeling too overworked.
By studying how activities relate to arousal, we can choose the right ones based on how we want to feel. We choose calming things when we need to relax. And if we want to be more energized, we can do something exciting.
Identifying Your Sweet Spot
Not only are we all aroused differently and have our level of arousal where it feels good, but it also depends on what you are doing. For instance, some people require the hustle and bustle to get motivated while a quiet environment works better for others. Dialling up to the right level of arousal is learning how you learn, ie the state that allows you to be focused, interested and curious.
What activities do you enjoy doing? If you are someone who likes to move and be energetic, dancing around or was a tagged player when younger, you will need more arousal in your system to feel fitι But if your pursuits are passive such as drawing or reading, lower arousal might suit you better.
If we instead pay close attention to what feels good in moments of arousal, we can learn which state gets us focused and happy. This way you select what to do that has a learning, play and growth perspective.
Benefits of Optimal Arousal for Learning
Awe, tip-top income level, I am here to tell you that optimal arousal has quite a bit to do with how well we learn. At the moderate can level, we are more likely to be able to take in new information and make sense of it (pay attention) and store this for a while in memory so that effective learning might occur (or remember).
We can yearn to learn simply by having been allowed to explore a fascinating topic; This state of optimal arousal allows us to concentrate and makes learning fun.
On the other hand, learning is more difficult when we are bored or distracted. But then our mind gets distracted, and we forget everything. However, when we learn something new at the peak of stress or overload our brain struggles to make sense of the information. However, striking the right balance ensures that this does not hinder the fluidity and efficacy of learning.
Teachers try to keep students in an optimal arousal zone with their teaching by making the lessons interesting and practical and asking lots of questions. It makes learning fun and exciting, while also keeping students interested in their studies.
The Role of Optimal Arousal in Sports & Physical Activities
This is also critical in sports and physical pursuits as well. At our peak, arousal level feels like we are completely tuned in and ready to bring in our A-game.
As an example, when playing soccer or any sport for that matter, a little bit of excitement can help you to run faster and make quicker decisions, because your senses are sharpened so being hurt.
However, if you feel too comfortable then you may not try your hardest and when too uncomfortable you may appear shaky or make more mistakes.
Using warm-up exercises, encouraging words and relaxation techniques coaches can help athletes to find their zone arousal level. Finding this balance allows athletes to stay in peak performance and appreciate the sport.
Optimal Arousal and Day-to-Day Activities
It is not just important for learning, sports but contributes to everyday activities as well. Being at the correct level of arousal is what allows us to do chores, hang out with friends or make time pass by. If you are, for instance cooking dinner the passion for trying a new meal can add to the evening.
We start to find the best arousal level for various tasks, and they feel less like a chore of some burden on our backs but a fun part of our daily routine. Balancing this by creating enough variety in our daily lives leads to a feeling of more happiness and motivation to experience new things and tackle obstacles.
So, What is Your Best Arousal
This one is a little harder to assess because demonstrating an open, relaxed body while speaking in front of others will naturally take some practice, and getting used to hearing yourself out loud may be less than pleasant for many people who have not had that experience before. Simply take note of how different activities feel to you. Do you feel focused and engaged? Or “Is it too casual or too fun?
Take a walk or do something to move and challenge yourself when you are too relaxed. If all else fails and you are getting too excited do something that relaxes you, like deep breathing or music to the rescue!
You may also find that looking at different levels of arousal and listening to yourself will help you determine what levels feel best for you in a variety of situations.
How To Be in the Optimal Arousal Zone
Now, how do you remain in your optimal arousal zone?
- How to avoid after-eating sleepiness Stay Active: When you feel very sluggish you need to move it and increase your arousal level. Even just a short walk can get you moving and geared up for the next task.
- Give Yourself Breaks: If you are feeling overwhelmed, just give yourself a break and chill. Get some fresh air, play soothing music, or try taking deep breaths. The ability to be calm and practice coping skills when you are overaroused.
- Take the Challenge: Do new things and some challenges also that run your mind. Engaging yourself in fun activities will keep you at the right level of arousal thus making boring chores feel interesting and fulfilling.
- Remain Curious: The things which make you feel curious to find to do that. It can be through reading, walking in nature or learning a new hobby, anything that keeps your sense of curiosity alive and well.
Conclusion
The Ideal Arousal Theory explains that we perform best with the appropriate amount of excitement or arousal. It becomes especially useful if we are trying to learn, do sports or other activities every day such balance helps us keep focused, energized and happy. We can learn to listen to our feelings, try various activities and keep trying by actively seeking the right arousal level that suits us best.
Once we understand this, we can begin to have fun with our activities, push ourselves and grow in confidence that we will be able to tackle anything. Ideal arousal gives us a way to not only win but enjoy the process.
