chess and mental health • page 1/2 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

I am a chess addict and I am publicly taking a solemn oath here that I am quitting for the next 30 days. If you see me playing games before October 16th, 2022 I hereby give explicit permission to the mods to delete my account and for any 1500s+ and titled players to flame me in the comments. (I may lurk online just to see how this thread is received tho)

Here is the reasoning: I think online chess is having a poor effect on my focus, self control and my physical/mental well-being. I play compulsively, even when I know I should be working or taking care of other important things. My adrenaline is triggered when I’m playing for a long session and afterwards I feel exhausted.

I am improving but there is no real benefit to playing chess besides enjoyment - and sometimes I will keep playing even though I’m no longer enjoying it. My focus on other hobbies or business ventures has waned because of chess. Lack of focus and adrenaline raises alertness and, for me, kills my appetite. A negative physical effect.

I love chess but compulsive play is harming my well-being right now. It’s time to take a break. Anyone else have this issue?

I, retickulous, the worst chess player in the world (you should see my middlegame play), solemnly swear I will not touch the chess pieces, whether virtual or physical, until October 16th, 2022, for the betterment of my health and focus. During this time, I also promise to re-explore other hobbies that I believe will have a positive effect on my health.

I am a chess addict and I am publicly taking a solemn oath here that I am quitting for the next 30 days. If you see me playing games before October 16th, 2022 I hereby give explicit permission to the mods to delete my account and for any 1500s+ and titled players to flame me in the comments. (I may lurk online just to see how this thread is received tho) Here is the reasoning: I think online chess is having a poor effect on my focus, self control and my physical/mental well-being. I play compulsively, even when I know I should be working or taking care of other important things. My adrenaline is triggered when I’m playing for a long session and afterwards I feel exhausted. I am improving but there is no real benefit to playing chess besides enjoyment - and sometimes I will keep playing even though I’m no longer enjoying it. My focus on other hobbies or business ventures has waned because of chess. Lack of focus and adrenaline raises alertness and, for me, kills my appetite. A negative physical effect. I love chess but compulsive play is harming my well-being right now. It’s time to take a break. Anyone else have this issue? I, retickulous, the worst chess player in the world (you should see my middlegame play), solemnly swear I will not touch the chess pieces, whether virtual or physical, until October 16th, 2022, for the betterment of my health and focus. During this time, I also promise to re-explore other hobbies that I believe will have a positive effect on my health.

Autofill

#2

Tbh I doubt you’ll actually make it a month without chess

EvilPyrokar

#3

U only played a few games per day...

NM MrPushwood

#4

Probably oughta be "chess or mental health."

lol

@retickulous said in #1:

I am a chess addict ...
Lack of focus and adrenaline raises alertness and, for me, kills my appetite. A negative physical effect.

Search the internet for "Adrenaline Addiction" and you'll see how much has been written about it. Here is the first article that came up:
https://www.rosglasrecovery.com/adrenaline-addiction-101/

@retickulous said in #1: > I am a chess addict ... Lack of focus and adrenaline raises alertness and, for me, kills my appetite. A negative physical effect. > Search the internet for "Adrenaline Addiction" and you'll see how much has been written about it. Here is the first article that came up: https://www.rosglasrecovery.com/adrenaline-addiction-101/

good luck

You cannot be the worst chess player in the world because I am the worst chess player in the world

Chesserroo2

#9

I have 27 chess books. I read 7 so far and have book markers in others. Takes a lot of time, leaves me not accomplishing other tasks. But chess is better than arguing politics. Also better than posting on hair loss forums.

Bellendo

#10

Online chess is definitely addictive. But I wouldn't say that the OP is an addict, doesn't play every day, doesn't play that long (though 29 blitz games may be a warning flag). Its only an issue if its causing major problems eg/ losing your job, home, family, friends etc because of online chess.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are people whose lives have been adversely effected by online chess.

Online chess is definitely addictive. But I wouldn't say that the OP is an addict, doesn't play every day, doesn't play that long (though 29 blitz games may be a warning flag). Its only an issue if its causing major problems eg/ losing your job, home, family, friends etc because of online chess. I wouldn't be surprised if there are people whose lives have been adversely effected by online chess.