Is math killing you?

If you are a student, or know someone who is, you are well aware that it's that time of year where final exams and papers are in full force. You've probably also heard desperate sighs followed by "my math class is killing me".

Sounds crazy, right? Maybe not. That stomach ache that you get every time you think about your math class may not be "all in your head". A new study has found that anticipation of math-related tasks can stimulate a part of the brain associated with threat detection (think fight or flight response) and may actually result in actual experiences of pain. Although this "pain" won't actually kill you, according to Lyons and his team, this pain response may explain why some people tend to avoid math and math-related situations.

Awesome, as if you need another reason to dread that math exam. The good news is that anxiety in anticipation of math was not actually related to performance, so don't despair! Being worried about that homework or final doesn't mean that you should give up all together!

Instead, explore ways to reduce your anxiety so that you can stay health and focus on the task ahead. There is no one right way to de-stress, so be open to the possibilities and find what works best for you!

In the classroom, try different approaches to learning the material, like trying new ways of studying, talking with your professors and peers or getting a tutor. Some people may even find that some medications, like beta-blockers, make stressful situations more manageable.

Consider embracing your fear. Mindfulness-based mediation, a type of meditation based in Buddhist principles may be a promising way to control physical and emotional pain. This type of meditation is all about being present in the moment and raising your awareness in a nonjudgemental way. Perhaps one of the best ways to get rid of your anxiety is to get to know it!

At home, explore different ways of relaxing in general, like yoga, going for a walk, or enjoying a good meal with friends. Chances are, you have things you like to do when you are not studying or working, so be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time to recharge so that your mind is fresh and you can focus on learning.

And most importantly, don't give up!

Who knows, maybe you are the next Albert Einstein.

Danielle Haley is a doctoral student at Emory University in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education. She is currently dealing with her own math-related stress by riding her horse, Luna.