Music helps set a mood. You can search youtube for music by adding words like: relaxing, meditation, trance, chill.
You can also try to make a habit like after every game you stop to analyze that game, or after every game you solve 10 quick tactic puzzles.
Yes relaxing music is a good idea, I will try that. And it took 9 straight losses for me to just laugh at myself and stop haha. I might try ranting more often. I already feel better.
Just use the calming strategies you learn in school and it will help you calm down. For example count to 10 or do some jumping jacks and run or something.
Here's one I like by the way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJHmDhLVRc
Or something more modern sounding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWRISvgAygU
You say slow chess calms you while fast chess upsets you.
So why don't you stop playing fast chess?
My guess is that blitz games give a sense of flow whereas long games can't
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
(guess you have to copy and paste it because it cuts off psychology from the link)
I am finding it very difficult to stay calm and calculate in 5 minute games. I will play well for a short period of time but after 3 or 4 games I lose my composure and start dropping pieces everywhere. I think the main problem is my attitude. I get upset when I lose and get impatient for points, then I start thrashing and make ridiculous moves. I know the obvious answer is to take a break when I get like this, but I have trouble making myself do this like an addicted gambler. I need someone to drag me away from the computer screen by the ear kicking and screaming but unfortunately there is no one stopping me from just throwing my points away. I don't have this problem when I play slow because I am not stressed out and i'm calculating everything clearly hence the rating difference. I know this whole post sounds immature but this has been an ongoing problem and I need it to end now! Any advice general or specific would be appreciated.
Here. I have some specific advice.
Blitz chess makes you worse because (This is mostly true) blitz is not real chess. You need to think, to understand the position in chess.
Blitz reinfoces superficiallity, there is not time to truly understand the position.
You should take a break from blitz, and improve you chess with study.
Improving chess will improve your blitz, but improving your blitz will only very rarely improve your chess.
I hope this helps!
I was gonna make a wisecrack about how booze helps me relax and end these sorts of losing streaks (as long as the quantity is kept in check). However, I prefer logozar's advice above.
Study. You will get better, even at blitz.
Go bitch to your wife.
I know the obvious answer is to take a break when I get like this, but I have trouble making myself do this like an addicted gambler. I need someone to drag me away from the computer screen by the ear kicking and screaming but unfortunately there is no one stopping me from just throwing my points away.
REPLY: I have the same problem. One night I played for hours while I was tired with a severe headache and lost 100 rating points. Once I lost eight games in a row. I should know when it's not my day/night to just walk away and do something else.
stassney: Sorry for the psychobabble, but it sounds to me like you've got an addictive relationship with blitz.
You might want to focus on playing only a game or two at a time, then taking a deep breath and logging out.
Thanks everyone for the thoughtful advice. I am taking a break from blitz for a few days and then returning in moderation with a clear mind.
Also, I see blitz as a different but equally credible type of chess. I hope to improve in the future. I respect my opponents and I don't mean to make excuses.
I am finding it very difficult to stay calm and calculate in 5 minute games. I will play well for a short period of time but after 3 or 4 games I lose my composure and start dropping pieces everywhere. I think the main problem is my attitude. I get upset when I lose and get impatient for points, then I start thrashing and make ridiculous moves. I know the obvious answer is to take a break when I get like this, but I have trouble making myself do this like an addicted gambler. I need someone to drag me away from the computer screen by the ear kicking and screaming but unfortunately there is no one stopping me from just throwing my points away. I don't have this problem when I play slow because I am not stressed out and i'm calculating everything clearly hence the rating difference. I know this whole post sounds immature but this has been an ongoing problem and I need it to end now! Any advice general or specific would be appreciated.