Which statement best illustrates eustress?

• A. I feel energized and capable when facing a challenge.
• B. I feel overwhelmed by new responsibilities.
• C. I feel tense and anxious about upcoming tasks.
• D. I feel withdrawn and avoidant.

Answer: (B)

Eustress is the positive form of stress that helps you perform better when you view a challenge as doable and energizing rather than threatening. The statement that best illustrates this is the one where you feel energized and capable when facing a challenge, because that sense of energized competence shows a favorable appraisal of the situation and an arousal level that supports focus and effort. Feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities signals distress—the demands exceed your resources. Feeling tense and anxious about upcoming tasks also reflects distress, as does withdrawing and avoiding tasks. So the energized, capable response best captures eustress.