Chess Stress

Everyone usually assumes that the stress one might face when they pursue some activity or sport is caused by people around them. However, there's more to that.

Parents and family members are often the ones who have expectations for their children, in daily life or in a particular sport/activity. These expectations can sometimes be high. Though it is a way to aim big and achieve big, it still inflicts a lot of pressure on people, causing stress levels to rise.

Let's say that Person A has learnt chess and wishes to pursue it. Well, Person A's parents appreciate this initiative and push them forward. Soon, Person A performs well and the parents start putting more pressure on Person A to excel continuously. Person A also has his own agendas and aims, which he wishes to accomplish. Add stress 1 from parents to stress 2 of individual dreams, and you get a mountain of worry.

Till now, we have only discussed problems. What about the solutions?

I am not qualified to really answer this question, but I will share my opinion on the subject. You can't remove stress 2. It is a part of you and it is necessary to fuel you. However, stress 1 is not required. To combat it, you will need to speak up to your parents or whoever is having expectations for you. I am not saying that expectations are bad. They are good, and they can fuel you to be great. But when excessive, they can be harmful for your mental health. Best idea is to come up with a compromise with your parents. If you achieve well in a particular tournament, or you have increased your rating to a certain point, you should get rewarded. Setting goals like this is perfect; doesn't disturb you mentally and completes its purpose.

That's all for now!
Enthusiast, out! :D