Written By: Liana Nehbin
Edited By: Sharlin Ulfatt
When we think of Mathematics, we are reminded of the clock tick-tocking, the room filled with silence and the sweats beads dripping down our forehead as we sit in front of the complex sums in our examination papers. However, what we fail to realize is that Mathematics is in fact not merely bounded within the school boundaries and has a greater potential. It brings our lives in order and helps prevent chaos. It nurtures our power of reasoning, creativity, communication skills, logical and critical thinking. Everything ties back to Math which can be used to explain everything. Even Galileo Galilei, the ‘Father of Modern Science’ was quoted saying, “Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” Mathematics has helped build bridges, building, towers, statues, monuments and all sorts of infrastructures as well as books, art, dresses, etc. We even use it in everyday errands such as cooking, grocery shopping, while calculating time from an analogue clock, temperature, humidity etc. Surprisingly, our emotions are deeply interlinked with Mathematics as well!
The impact of Mathematics in the walk of everyday life is truly amazing. Moreover, the curiosity among scientists are growing as they discover clues between Mathematics and human emotion. Mathematics, especially mental arithmetic, is known to significantly boost the capacity of the human brain. The study of the shapes, numbers, and patterns encourages one to develop solid observational skills. On the other hand, professional mathematicians tend to train the cerebral functions. This, in turn, provides people with an opportunity to keep their minds energized, healthy, and in perfect functioning condition. There have been hints that the more complex Math problems we practice; the more readily will we be able to grasp on how to judge complex emotional situations in various ways.
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to the current global situation and also because of excess work pressure can be resolved by practicing mental arithmetic or memory-based mathematical problems which stimulate a region of the brain that has been linked to depression and anxiety. Scientific studies have proven that people associated with this kind of practice have fewer symptoms for illnesses related to the brain. Not only this, Mathematics also enhances ones analytical, critical and problem-solving skills and broadens the mind to handle unfamiliar situations with ease and confidence.
This practice stabilizes ones’ emotional regulation which also resembles a skill so memory based mathematics must be practiced regularly and repeatedly.
Another way in which Mathematics influences our emotions is through music. Music is a unique art of Math. According to Pythagoras, ‘There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres, ‘and similarly according to Junoon-e-Sufi, ‘Music is emotional mathematics.’ Yes, you have read it right! The music that sways our emotions and to which we can relate so much to on an emotional level is also linked with Mathematics! It is, perhaps, quite astonishing that music with all its passion and emotion, is also based upon Mathematical relationships; many musical notions such as chords, scales and keys are understood logically using simple Mathematics. The pattern of music is also similar to the Math pattern that repeats based on a rule. Mathematics in every type of music is about time signatures, beats per minute and formulaic progressions. Performing music also stimulates parts of the brain used while doing Mathematical sums. Music extracts out various emotions of joy, sadness, loneliness, etc. and portrays different situations to us that we can relate. to Thus, we can confidently express that music uniquely connects our emotions to Mathematics.
Math does wonders. Studying higher Mathematics can help boost overall intelligence by developing important skills such as systemic thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, etc. In particular, Mathematics students become more skeptical in their reasoning plus, can think more logically, thus they develop more emotionally strength. Not to mention the confidence that is gained by practicing mental Math can change lives for the better in an emotional way as one can live their life free from the shackles of overthinking, anxiety and depression. Math makes one bright and can help emotionally sensitive people to manage their emotions well.
Furthermore, participating in Mathematical competitions provides a great sense of achievement and excitement. This expresses positive emotions like joy and contentment. Mathematics gives us hope that every problem has a solution.
However, along with positive emotions, it also influences negative emotions among many students. A lot of the time, it may bring out fear within pupils also known as ‘Math anxiety.’ This is the fear, nervousness and stress we all come across during exams while facing complex calculations of various kind. This anxiety develops when we pursue higher mathematics with weak basic knowledge resulting in a feeling of anxiousness while solving a problem. This anxiety uses up our working memory that is a part of the memory system used to do the Math problem. This anxiety might remain as a person grows up and might even affect them negatively when they face basic mathematics in their daily chores. Well, this anxiety will certainly make you hate Math but will still make you love it while counting your money.
It is truly astounding to know that Math truly advances our emotions. Math is a subject of patience. The more we practice, the more we become experts at it. The more we concentrate, the more we understand it. Thus, getting a hold of this habit and loving this subject can help us reduce our anger and create a peace of mind. This helps us overcome the frustration on minor difficulties in our daily life.
Indeed, Mathematics and emotions are connected but as Aimthesky has quoted, “Math is easy to express than emotions” it is true that Math can be easily expressed through formulas but for Math to make us regulate our emotions can need a high level of repetitive practice and dedication. Mathematics is the most beautiful and powerful creation and it is the true superpower that humans possess. By loving and practicing, it we can view the universe in a different light altogether and solve its complexities. Thus, we can make the world a better place with Math!