How do you deal with Math Frustration?

Question

So I'm covering Algebra 1 and 2 atm and I'm wondering how you guys deal with frustration regarding math problems. Sometimes I find myself watching explanations and just can't figure out how it makes sense, so I get frustrated, leave for a couple hours. When I return I usually sit with it for 5 min and it turns out to make sense. I get this quite a lot and it interrupts my study sessions. Tips/Tricks?

Answer 1

Second year MS student here that had to take another semester in order to graduate.

Frustration is normal. Super normal. It's something I've become familiar with the last two years. The big thing, at least for me, is to push on. I also tell my students to "know when to quit." What that means is not when to give up, but when to step away, take a break, and come back with a clear head. Sometimes a solution comes after you've slept for the night, had a meal, or played a video game.

Of course, managing the frustration needs to be done healthily. Admittedly, I've wanted to throw things across the room, break cups and plates, even light things on fire (I didn't, thankfully). This behavior has also led to drinking more than I should. Find healthy ways to relieve stress - take a walk, eat a snack, talk to a friend, laugh at a comedy.

Practice makes it better. It's normal to be frustrated. You're not alone.