How was the festive season chess freaks?
It was great for us!
But, like it or not, the month of January has brought in winter blues. It's dark and freezing outside and we (most of us) are stuck with a few dying resolutions inside. This can be practically tough on the mental health and might lead to depression. Especially for kids, after so much fun during the festive season, going back to the same daily routine can be overwhelming.
Further, the sadness around by the memories of friends & family, and the fact that the pandemic has not yet ended, is intensifying any new years' blues that we feel.
It pretty much feels like every day in January is a Monday!
In fact, psychologists think it's a real thing and the low morale at this time of the year is the highest. So, If you are dealing with depression or stress, know that you are not alone and this perfectly normal. Also, stomping and grunting is not the solution. There are ways to fight back and feel better. And, we are here to help you!
Do not let the blues' spread and kill Feb too. In preparation for the dreaded month and beyond, we have come up with these ideas to cope up with these new year blues:
1. Get a Hobby
Every year we get excited and make big resolutions like "I will finish my book" or"I will go on a Europe tour" and end up doing nothing.
This is very saddening.
It is okay to ditch your resolution(s), it's less daunting!
Instead, you can pick up a "January hobby" to get rid of the sickness! Do anything which makes you happy. Pick up that paintbrush and paint that scene that's stuck in your mind, or learn to cook food, or keep a diary and pen down your thoughts.
Why not?
It will get you through January.
How about playing chess online?
There are several sites that connect you with random people around the globe to play chess. Go ahead, show them how good you are.
And, if you are a beginner, no worries!
We at Chess KLUB, with the best coaches and curriculum train you to become a pro. Connect with us for a free 30-minute consultation!
2. Skip Resolutions, It's Movie Time
Yes, January is the time of resolutions.
It's when people want to work hard for money and health. But, let us tell you that, that's not what happens. No one wants to go out. So, pause your resolutions for a month or two at least, and do not let them hold back from all the fun you deserve.
January treated you badly, do not let February do the same to you. So, grab a coke and get the popcorn ready, and binge-watch all the movies/series that are still pending in your watch list!
If you are a chess lover we have a cool list of movie suggestions for you. And, if you are a parent, this is certainly a fun way of introducing chess to your kids and motivate them to play better!
So, take a break from whatever you are doing and beat the new year blues by watching these best-picked movies.
Heard of the Netflix show: "The Queen's Gambit"?
3. Exercise Your Mind
In this grey weather, getting back to our everyday routines is pretty difficult. The feeling of depression, stress, anxiety, nervousness, and loneliness is perfectly normal but it's very important to keep an eye on these symptoms of post-festival doldrums. You can overcome the blues through mental exercises.
Start with evaluating your failures and everything that's making you sad. Do not personalize them. Learn from mistakes and try to find solutions. Next, when depression hits in, bring changes in your lifestyle. Skip the boring routine. Take a walk around nature, play your favorite game, clean your house, or how about yoga? If you want to divert your mind towards something really interesting and fun, call us!
Join Chess KLUB Community!
We will not only teach you chess but make you strong in various aspects of life. Chess is not just a game of skill and intelligence, it teaches you life lessons as you walk through the blacks and whites.
4. Get Online
Getting online is the best way to beat the blues.
The internet is a big boom.
It's a great source to learn and connect with people of the same interest all around the world. Get to the channels like Youtube and learn new things, new tactics in chess, or you can even watch game recordings of some great players in history.
If you are an expert in chess and want to help others by sharing the knowledge you can create your own blogging and streaming channel. It's the best way you meet people and beat the loneliness. You can even join our community of chess players, grandmasters, trainers, & parents, share thoughts and interact with us.
How about tournaments?
I bet you won't find anything interesting than this if you are really into chess. Playing tournaments has its own advantages. It helps you understand your game much better. It also improves your life skills helping you take things positively and fight back what's hindering you during the blues.
We have 2 kinds of tournaments for you:
USCF tournaments & Daily tournaments
(Basic and Swiss formats)
5. Be Kind to Yourself
The world is experiencing a global pandemic. And, then there are personal traumas people are dealing with. For most of us, it’s a time of unprecedented struggle and upheaval. But, these are the times of learning and resilience.
Don’t be hard on yourself.
We know it’s hard but, try to take it easy. Think of all the good things that have happened to you.
Good things are awaiting you!
If you need someone to talk to, we are here for you!
Mail us at [email protected]
