Managing accumulated stress at poker

Hi there,
So i have been playing poker for a while, and now i manage to get very good results and win consistently at small stakes. However i always had this problem when playing, which i also have while playing chess competitively or not. I sort of get tense while playing, nothing crazy, but eventually it kinds of build up tensions in the chest and it's really something that's unpleasant and that causes me insomnia and mood change. after a long poker player session, i feel kind of tense even if i win and if i play in the late afternoon the tension is still there and destroys my sleep.
Considering this i have made the decision to take a long break, just like i did with chess that i enjoyed very much. (and i had the same issue playing chess matches online for elo points and not money)
So far this is a problem i see no issue to.

I was wondering if i was the only one in that situation? it's really frustrating, i could play more and make decent money even as a hobby but this slow build up of stress on the body is just too harmful long term. I can play a few days a month max, otherwise it's gonna ruin my life and health.

what is causing your stress when you play?

is it losing hands / a game? is it losing money?

You need a break friend, and psychological support and maybe medicine. Don't neglect your health.

unluckyAF said:

Hi there,
So i have been playing poker for a while, and now i manage to get very good results and win consistently at small stakes. However i always had this problem when playing, which i also have while playing chess competitively or not. I sort of get tense while playing, nothing crazy, but eventually it kinds of build up tensions in the chest and it's really something that's unpleasant and that causes me insomnia and mood change. after a long poker player session, i feel kind of tense even if i win and if i play in the late afternoon the tension is still there and destroys my sleep.
Considering this i have made the decision to take a long break, just like i did with chess that i enjoyed very much. (and i had the same issue playing chess matches online for elo points and not money)
So far this is a problem i see no issue to.

I was wondering if i was the only one in that situation? it's really frustrating, i could play more and make decent money even as a hobby but this slow build up of stress on the body is just too harmful long term. I can play a few days a month max, otherwise it's gonna ruin my life and health.

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Howdy. I don't think the game of poker or chess can affect your health much, for most it is beneficial (we remove the game for money from here) treating it as a way to relax in your free time and to keep your neurons moving and to enjoy any success in the game, this satisfaction makes you proud of yourself.
I tend to think it's the same for you in your everyday life, try some multivitamins and you'll feel better. I hope you have a good day and good mood. Let's hear it!

well i dont lose sleep over poker, but i do get stressed. is there something that can calm you down while playing, like listening to your favorite music?

Hello, I suggest you research breathing techniques. I have anxiety problems and this technique helps me a lot to control this problem. Thank you!!!

Luca Santos said:

Hello, I suggest you research breathing techniques. I have anxiety problems and this technique helps me a lot to control this problem. Thank you!!!

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Please don't get mad at me 😀 but I know you also use techniques to breathe into a bag, do you introduce some substances into the bag for the desired result?.
Our colleague is ok, he's just a little stressed, don't suggest everything that goes through your head. And we also don't want him to feel embarrassed because he tried to discuss some worries or concerns with us. We all want to feel good and healthy.

I think your break is a correct decision.The day I dont enjoy poker anymore I will quit and find something to enjoy life with.

Do you monitor blood pressure? The body releases a surge of hormones when under stress. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to narrow. These actions increase blood pressure for a time.

The uncertainty cause stress,not just if you lose.The lot of waiting cause stress as well,and the more concentration.

The more stressed you get, the more probably you will lose, and the more you lose, the more stressed you'll get, so just chill and enjoy the game, winning is a consequence

No way would I continue with a hobby that causes increased stress in my life. The point of having a hobby, at least for me, is to help one relax. As for the income producing part, seems like you already see the negative effects of increased stress vs. the potential income benefits. The lack of certainty of result in poker is always going to be there, probably ought to commit to learning to deal with stress more effectively or find another hobby. Either way good luck to you.

Hello! No, you are not alone in your situation. Many poker or chess players experience tension and stress while playing. This is a common reaction, especially when something important is at stake or when playing competitively.
Stress and tension can have a negative impact on your health and well-being in the long term. Therefore, it is important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being.
Proper approaches to deal with this include:
1. Take Regular Breaks: As you already plan, take breaks from the game to allow yourself to rest and recover. This will help reduce the buildup of stress.
2. Exercise and Relaxation: Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Physical activity can also help relieve tension.
3. Support and Conversation: Discuss your feelings and experiences with trusted people, like friends or family. Sometimes simply expressing your emotions can help you deal with them.
4. Setting Boundaries: Set your personal and financial boundaries for gaming. Don't let gaming become overly important or cause stress in your life.
5. Professional Help: If the problem continues to bother you and disrupt your life, seek help from a psychologist or therapist who specializes in stress management and emotion management.
Remember that taking care of your well-being and health is a priority. Find a balance between gaming and other aspects of your life to maintain the joy of your hobby and prevent negative impacts on your life and health.