I am not giving a suggestion to your question from experience but rather from the point of view of peer support counseling (which is used for more then Mental Illness Recovery), and in site from those I know who have had similar Experiences.

First of all, I must validate you for realizing that this might become, or already be a problem and reaching out for answers. (Pat on the back). Anytime anything starts to interfere with "purposeful" life projects, it can be a problem. In Peer Support counseling however, we believe that the only person can really determine if something like this is a problem is you. (Once again, Pat on the back). So what is the root of your desire to play chess more then you feel you should?

Well, my experience has taught me that when one has fallen into a pattern like you seem to have done; they have an untapped reason why. The reason could be: Your too overwhelmed, you are afraid that the purposeful work you are avoiding will not be of good enough quality, you might feel that your purposeful work doesn't get appreciated enough. I could not begin to guess what the reason behind the desire to play so much chess is; once again, only you know that. I will say that whatever your reason is, finding your "core gift" should help.

You see, everyone has a core gift. It is usually something you are good at, or love dispute the fact you are not so good at it; something creative: It might be nurturing in it's nature and it will leave a feeling of relief when you do it. (If not right away, soon after you perform it.) It could be singing, (that's mine) painting, working in the garden, taking care of animals, helping children, helping old people, writing, reading, or a multitude of other things. It works like this, if one has a physical activity, they go to do it then come home and take a shower and feel refreshed. Well, life can wear one out mentally, performing a core gift can be like a shower to the brain. The difference between playing chess a performing a core gift can be like the difference between Chinese food and and stake dinner. Chinese food is good, but you need a lot of it to get full and you are hungry again in an hour. A steak dinner not only satisfies, but sticks with you for a while.

Core gifts often get lost in the "rat race" of being an adult. Ask yourself these questions: what did I like to do when I was a child? When I was a child, what did I want to do when I grow up? What am I good at? what dose my friends tell me I'm good at? That should give you a list of things to start concidering. If that doesn't work concider the concept of Boy Scout Merit Badges. The idea behind the merit badge is that in a scouts quest to earn one, they my stumble upon something they like so much that a boy might turn it into a hobbie, or even a career. So try and take the time to explore a few things. We already know yoou deserve some you time;you are taking that playing chess. But now maybe you need to find some meat and leave those noodles alone; they are just not giving you the nutrition you need.

good luck,

girlfriend