The relationship between stress and performance is often depicted as an inverted U-shaped or bell curve. In this graph, the x-axis tracks the stress level from low to high, and the y-axis tracks the performance level, also from low to high. The curve illustrates that as stress increases, performance also rises to a peak, which is the optimal level. The rising portion of the curve represents 'eustress,' or beneficial stress. Once stress surpasses the optimal point, performance begins to decline, and this descending portion of the curve represents 'distress,' or negative stress.