Effect of chess on work I'm a software engineer, mostly working from home so I get to schedule my time however I want. I noticed few things recently.

If I play more than 3 games a day, I can't work afterwords, I'd be mentally tired. I used to think that Chess makes me more productive and I kept playing every few hours a 5 min match to stay focused, but noticed that if the match is hard to win, I can't focus on work afterwards or if I was in time trouble.

I'm avoiding playing chess these days because of that and considering leaving the game. Is it just me or is what I described a common problem?
I have the same problem, and I think it's caused by two factors:
1- Bad time management.
2- Taking the games (win, loss) and rating seriously.

It happens to me that when I am winning and then I lose on time. I keep thinking of the game, even after I close the app. It's because I keep thinking that I should've played faster here or there. When I lose due to bad position or blunders, or if the position was equal, I run the analysis and keep thinking of the missed chances to win.

I did like what you did. It's been a week or so that I haven't played chess games. I only solve puzzles and do lessons. No online full games. This keeps my mind working (refreshed by the distraction of a different activity) and I don't have to think of what went wrong!