I'm getting mentally exhausted from playing so much chess, but I'm an addict. I just goofed up on three games that I was TOTALLY winning, but now I'm behind and there's a good chance I'm going to lose at least one of them now. Any suggestions on how to refresh my mind? Possibly without having to stop playing for a while?

take a break. Its as simple as that. Im an addict too and dont take enough breaks. 

I'm in the same boat.  If I feel like I'm off my game I'll just play the computer or some live games so I don't mess up my correspondance games.  But honestly I think a break from chess is probably the best thing.

Nah, dont worry. it averages out. I make these goofball moves sometimes, even if I dont have too many games going, you know the ones where just as you hit submit, you yell & wake everybody up? It happens to us all. Just try to laugh. I said try, it's easier said than done. Or take a vacation. I cant. Gots to have my chess fix!!!

How much time are you spending on chess each day? To refresh your mind you have to do something else, watch a movie, read a book, listen to music,or better yet go to a concert. 

So I took eddiewox's advice and well, I went to the Metallica concert Saturday night!!! TOTALLY ROCKED!

I seem to play my best games after a day off from anything chess. Clear your mind and go for a walk in the county,  while listening to some music.

Tony