Interest in chess at an all-time low, any thoughts?

I've been playing chess pretty much non-stop (every day maybe a couple of hours on average) for the past 8 years pretty much and watching videos for the past 3+, produced videos and helped others games for the past 2 basically with 3 or 4 brief breaks from chess in between.

In the past week, I've lost the impulse and feeling that's kept me going all this time to play chess consistently and have no interest to want to continue. Matters outside of life have had an obvious influence on me, but even through "tough times", I always played chess. Its not like I don't have the freedom to play, I have plenty of time to plan and do so.

I always played during finals week of school, always during summers when I've had no school, during long road trips, sometimes during class, often while working on homework, etc.

I guess its just me realizing that chess has been not as important to me as career work/skills or my other interests, but honestly I'm in shock at how low its gotten for me this past week. If there was a rock bottom for me without feeling saddened, I'm in that place.

I don't need a friend or a psychiatrist here, but just a discussion to verify whether this makes sense. Does it make sense that it matters so little to me right now given how much time I've put consistently for the past 8 years?

Take a week/month/couple of weeks off of chess or something. You sound like you need a break. :) I watch 2+ hours of chess videos a day sometimes 4-5 hours and play as much or more than I watch. Be determined to come back stronger than ever. :) No doubt you can do it.

You are in shock that you seem to have suddenly lost interest in the game, and you ask if it makes sense.

Of course it makes sense. The interest we feel or don't feel always make sense. In fact that's where sense comes from.

Our interests and desires guide us, and lead us to do certain things at certain moments and periods of our lives.

If you've lost interest you will obviously stop playing. Perhaps that will provide you the needed break as someone else suggested. Or perhaps you will move on and spend this time on other pursuits. Both would be fine.

i would congratulate you on quitting :D but that's probably not the case.
it happens to me all the time, quit for a few months, then come back with full dedication again, then "why am i doing this" quit again.. you'll be back eventually without any special effort on your part.

Listen to your body, when you feel tired of chess, dont play. Give it a time to restore your chess muscles.
This has happened already 3 times to me. I quit for 1 year developped somewhere else and then came back and played even stronger than before.

Your personal life and career is much more important than this game.
Your life comes first, then the game. I'd quit for two years and now I'm back. I realize I still can't play tournaments because I'm too busy, so I might as well stop again, since I can't improve at the moment.
Also, playing chess is fun, you know, but think about how much time you lose by playing on the internet for example. Time you could dedicate to something else and actually be productive.

Yes U are correct to realize that career/professional skills are your top priority at this stage of your life. Chess comes later. All the above friends gave very good advices. Good luck and the best to U. bye

@InfiniteFlash #1

I have stopped a few times with chess in my life, not playing for a few years. It simply happens.

When starting again with chess I realize how much I like to analyse chess positions with others, play blitz, solve puzzles, read chess news, share chess games and thoughts, read chess books, do chess coaching.

However, there are many beautiful things on planet Earth (like traveling, nature, biking etc.)

Enjoy your time ! :)

I fully agree to #4 LM Lightsss, just the same with me....

It is perfectly normal to get bored about something. Especially after so many years.

Since abstract strategy games are actually good for health (prevent and even cures dementia, you have better memory, etc.) there is no reason to get lower with your brain fit. Go try to play GO. Maybe also try Xiangqi (Chinese chess)? You might get hooked. There is also Shogi.

GO online-go.com/
Xiangqi http://www.playok.com/en/xiangqi/
Shogi http://81dojo.com/en/ (few players and needs flash)