Math is Driving Me Crazy!
Hey everyone, I could really use some advice and just need to vent about my stress.
Math has always been a struggle for me throughout high school. In elementary school, I thought I was doing great because the work felt easy. However, the transition to high school was a huge leap, and I suddenly felt like I didn’t know anything.
On paper, my math grades haven’t been terrible (93, 92, 90), but the subject feels like a never-ending rollercoaster! Right now, I have a solid 80 in my Grade 12 math class, but I’m really worried that my score might drop after the last unit test.
I put in so much effort this week—studying for over 3 hours every night, doing all the practice problems, and with the help of my well-meaning (but sometimes intimidating) mom. Despite this, I still found the test really challenging, and my confidence took a hit. I can’t seem to grasp why I keep making mistakes and why I don’t learn from them. The true/false questions left me completely baffled, and now I’m left questioning everything. I got an 83 on the last quiz, and I really can’t afford to drop any further.
I feel like I’m kicking off my spring break with a wave of anxiety. Every time I try to focus on something positive or productive, my mind keeps circling back to that horrible test. I know I’m not terrible at math, but I struggle with calculations, which was crucial for this unit.
If there are any math whizzes out there, I would appreciate any tips on how to improve, calm down, or just general advice. I really want to stop feeling this way! 😭
Hey there! First off, it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed, especially with a subject as challenging as math. It sounds like you’ve been putting in a lot of effort, and that kind of dedication shouldn’t be underestimated, even if the results don’t feel great right now.
It’s great to hear that you’ve had solid grades in the past—those reflect your ability to understand the material, even if it feels tough at the moment. Remember, it’s totally normal for subjects to feel like a rollercoaster, especially as they get more complex.
Here are a few tips that might help:
Take a Break: It’s important to step back sometimes. Allow yourself to recharge without math for a little while. A clear mind can often lead to better understanding.
Focus on Understanding Concepts: If calculations are your weak spot, try breaking down the concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. Visual aids like graphs or diagrams might help since you mentioned you’re strong in that area.
Practice with Purpose: When practicing, take time to review the mistakes you make. Understanding why you made a mistake can be more valuable than just practicing more problems.
Study Strategies: Use different approaches when studying. Try teaching the material to someone else, or discussing it in a group. Sometimes explaining it to others can solidify your own understanding.
Talk to Your Teacher: Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for help with concepts you’re struggling with. They might provide insights or resources that could clarify things.
Mindfulness Techniques: Since you mentioned feeling stressed, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques could help. Even a short meditation session or deep breathing exercises can be very calming.
Lastly, remember that it’s completely okay to not be perfect at everything, and growth often comes from struggling with challenges. Just keep showing up and doing your best—you’ve got this! ❤️