As we move from low to moderate physiological arousal, mostly good things occur, because arousal does several things: Enhances memory and cognitive functioning. Helps us focus, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and allowing us to pick up relevant information. Prepares our body for action. Physiological arousal prepares our muscles to work, improving our reaction time and freeing up energy to fuel the task at hand. Motivates us. Enhancing the saliency of the reward with a hit of dopamine.
