Good advice here, yet it sounds to me as though you're too anxious about winning & ratings. I would suggest just rolling with it, that is; Regain a sense of adventure & rediscover the enjoyment of the game, be willing to take risks/sacrifices/etc., without worrying so much if it becomes a loss. I will also share that when I have slid into "slumps", it is usually when I've been playing for too long and/or too often. That sometimes brings with it a loss of concentration, & becoming more easily distracted by something else happening offline, etc. Just remember, if it's no longer much fun, then it's probably time for a break?! Peace...+
A lot of good advice in here and I can relate to the OP. I only returned to playing chess a few months ago and at first had that "sense of adventure" and loved learning. I play Daily games and then analyze afterward to see where my strengths and weaknesses were. I also do puzzles every day and was slowly climbing until I seemed to fall apart last night. The degree to which I let go worrying about losing or not getting a puzzle solution is related to how much I enjoy playing. Sometimes we forget that it's a lifelong struggle to learn and get better and most of us are not going to make the "best move" every time. I strive to get better without beating myself up when I make a mistake or struggle in a game. I occasionally need to remind myself that I do this for the love and adventure of the game. Good luck!
Thank you, sir. I wish you good luck too in chess and in life
As for how I personally got to 1600, I just did about 50 tactics puzzles a day on lichess, and I watched videos about opening theory, tactics and endgames from Gothamchess, St. Louis chess club, Hanging Pawns, and the like.
We have the same taste in youtube channels, cheers