Last week we discussed the importance of adopting a growth mindset, which shows us that with time and effort, we can learn anything we put our mind to. Math anxiety can often be an obstacle to adopting a growth mindset. Math anxiety is very common. We have all been there. Is there any hope? You bet there is.

Below are a few helpful hints. Maybe they can help take the myth-tery out of math. No one is alone! Relax. I wanted to share some strategies with you that will help you tackle math anxiety.

Part of accomplishing the problem-solving skill is addressing various ways to tackle the math problems in this course that will lead to making data driven decisions. Pick one of the strategies below and discuss how you think you will use it.

Take a deep breath. You can do this! Focus on one problem at a time.

1. Take a break if you start to get frustrated. Take a walk or a 20-minute power nap. You will feel better when you try the problem once your mind is clear.
2. Find real world connections. They are endless!
3. Teach the concept to someone else. Once your brain memorizes the process, you have exercised your math muscle. The process never changes. If you are able to teach it to someone else, you will never forget it.  
4. Practice a little math each day. (Mozart did not learn how to play the piano just by watching.)
5. Do math in a way that's natural. There's often more than one way to work a math problem. Maybe the teacher's way stumps a student at first. Don't give up. Work to understand it in a way that is comfortable. Then it will be easier to understand how to solve the problem. Remember, "Each mind has its own method."
6. Ask for help. Your instructor can walk you through example problems step-by-step. Study hall is a great place to get help. Ask questions. Some people think asking questions is a sign of weakness. It's not. It's a sign of strength.