In this article, Christine explores laughter, mindset and how the Laughology approach to learning could help overcome Maths Anxiety.
Could Laughter Help Us Rethink Maths Anxiety and Build Learner Confidence?
Exploring Laughter, Mindset and the FLIP Model
Lately, I’ve been reading Laughology: Improve Your Life with the Science of Laughter by Stephanie Davies and it’s given me a lot to think about.
It’s not a book about jokes or comedy clubs. It’s about using laughter as a thinking tool, a way to reduce stress, build resilience and support emotional well-being in learning environments. As I was reading, I started to connect the message to my world and the world I work in, especially with the learners, tutors and providers navigating the emotional weight of Maths anxiety.
Here’s the thing: Maths anxiety isn’t just about ability. It’s about how we feel. When learners (or even tutors) are stuck in fear, frustration or shame, it’s almost impossible to engage the rational brain, let alone learn something new. I’ve been sharing video clips on this very thing, how Maths anxiety impacts the brain, for years. This book just takes that thinking one stage further.
Laughter and the FLIP Model
What Laughology offers, through something called the FLIP model, is a reminder that we can choose different mental habits and laughter might just be one of the most accessible tools we have.
FLIP: A Tool for Changing Mindset
FLIP stands for:
Focus
What are you paying attention to? How does your posture, energy or environment affect your mood?
Language
What words are you using — aloud and internally? Are they helping or harming your mindset?
Imagination
What story are you telling yourself about this challenge? Can you rewrite it?
Pattern Breaking
What small shift could you make that would interrupt the usual cycle and give you back perspective?
I don’t see this approach as a replacement for structured teaching or specialist support, but I do see it as something we can weave into how we help learners (and ourselves) reframe difficulty, develop resilience and move forward with a lighter touch.
What Does the FLIP Model Look Like in Practice?
Here’s where I’m starting to experiment:
- Language games to reframe self-defeating thoughts.
“I can’t do Maths” becomes “I’m still getting to grips with this.”
It’s a tiny change, but the effect on confidence and mindset can be huge. - Humour triggers before tackling difficult tasks.
A quick funny story, a meme or even a silly warm-up can lower anxiety and unlock more open thinking. - Comedy-grams — visual maps of a topic, filled with quirky or exaggerated observations.
(Try one for fractions. Trust me, it’s fun.) - Smiling on purpose — yes, even this simple physical act can change how we feel, and how others respond to us.
These small shifts can make a meaningful difference for adult learners, especially those experiencing low confidence, Maths anxiety or negative learning experiences.
None of these ideas are about trivialising difficulty. Quite the opposite, they’re about using humour as a serious tool for emotional regulation, engagement and learning.
Maths Anxiety and Learner Confidence
Reading Laughology reminded me that we don’t need to “be comedians” to bring humour into education. We just need to be curious about what makes us feel good, connected and confident and give ourselves and others permission to lean into that.
We tell learners to develop a growth mindset, but how often do we equip them with the emotional tools to make that shift? Humour, when used thoughtfully, can be one of those tools.
And if nothing else, a smile goes a long way, especially in a world where so many people feel anxious, judged or overwhelmed by learning.
Over to You
Have you ever used humour or playfulness in your teaching, training or learning?
What impact did it have?
If you’re curious about using comedy-grams, laughter triggers or language swaps in your own practice, drop me a message or keep an eye out. This is something I’ll be exploring more over the coming months.
Let’s FLIP our thinking on Maths anxiety — and maybe have a laugh along the way.