How to Overcome Anxiety About Math

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By David Wetzel
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$Math Anxiety$

Math Anxiety

Many students suffer from math anxiety. This anxiety is based on stress, tension, and strain brought onto one's body and mind. Anxiety can be broken down into two types: somatic and cognitive. Somatic is the loss of control of one's body which results in sweaty hands, pain in the neck, and a feeling of being sick in the stomach. Cognitive is the loss of concentration which results in loss of self-esteem, feelings of doubt, wandering mind, and negative self-talk. Math anxiety can be extreme and often caused by have negative experiences in prior math classes. Over half of all students have math anxiety; however, it can be overcome by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Many students who think they have math anxiety, in reality they may have test anxiety. If the problem is test anxiety, them an entirely different approach needs to be taken. If you answer yes to either of these two questions, then you probably have test anxiety and not math anxiety:

1. Do you understand the math you are learning and maybe even like math; however, you do seem to do well on math tests?

2. Do you have trouble passing tests in other subjects that you understand or even like?
Step 2

It is okay to have some anxiety when it comes to math, because it keeps you on your toes and focused on learning math. However, too much anxiety leads to not doing well. The first thing you should do is practice deep breathing exercises. These exercises include learning how to breathe deeply and slowly. This eliminates rapid breathing caused by and possibility hyper ventilating about math.
Step 3

Maintain a positive attitude about math at all times. When ever you feel that you can not solve math problems, think yes I can. Never think negative about yourself and your ability to solve math problems, other positive thoughts include: I am confident and calm about math; Math will help me get to where I want to go; and I am relaxed when I work on math problems.
Step 4

Use "programmed positive visualization." This is a state of deep relaxation about math. Allow yourself to positively visualize yourself as you progress through each step of a math problem. When in math class visualize your ability to successfully solve math problems. Practice everyday, until you eliminate the dread of going to math class.
Step 5

Discover your learning style. Are you a visual, kinethestic/tactile, auditory learner? Take the two minute learning style test in the resources below. Knowing how you learn is critical to overcoming math anxiety.
Step 6

Learn effective math study skills. Here are a few skills to master: sit in the front of the class if possible, take notes, review your notes everyday, work on practice problems, and create your own practice problems. Visit the Effective Math Study Skills website in RESOURCES to learn more strategies.
Step 7

Always get a good night sleep, do not let worrying about math keep you up all night. Do not let worrying about affect your eating habits - eat regular and nutritious meals. Always think positive thoughts about math, even when having difficulties. Even the so called math gurus have trouble with math on occasions.
Step 8

Even if you have had math anxiety for years, you can overcome your negative feels about math by following the steps above. Every minute of the day and night think: I understand math and I can solve any math problem when I give myself a chance!