Health and Trading

[trendie]

This has been my first full week of day-trading.
( I have decided to take some time out of my IT projects to do this. I intend to do another 3 weeks to get a real feel for day-trading ).

I want to know how you guys cope with the lack of exercise and the boredom ?

I am usually sat in front of a computer screen, but I am always "doing" something.

But, with trading, I find I get fidgety and restless when there is no activity.

Also, I am concerned about the health aspects of always being sat down.
( I have ordered a multi-gym from Argos, but that wont arrive for 2 weeks ).

How do you cope with the non-activity, "waiting" for something to happen.
How do you compensate for the continuous sitting down ? Do youn ahve a health regimen ?

thanks

( PS: not bad so far; total points off the Dow this week = 295 !! ( some were multi-pound per point trades. And am currently short Dow from 10,050. )

 

[boy]

I go to the gym about 11:30 every other day, get back in about an hour before the U.S. markets start.

 

[JTrader]

Hi trendie

I have also asked similar questions on T2W.

Going from mainstream employment where you are physically active and interacting with other people to sitting in the the spare bedroom in front a a PC with only the mouse for company is certainly a culture shock and cannot be underestimated.


It is easy to let laziness creap into your lifestyle - as you probablt don't need to commute, or for the most part leave the house, and when you do need to leave the house - this can seem like a real effort. I find that lack of activity, interaction with others and mental stimulation, can exaggerate the perception of being tired. Whereas I think the reality is that I am probably only using about 40% of my mind and bodies resources.

I have no doubt that for me, physical activity helps to get the brain in gear. I think that this lack of physical, mental and social activity during the working day can also result in a lack of adrenaline flow - which can also make one feel tired - when in reality I am not.

All in all, in many ways, not a very healthy job!!!

I found/find the solitary nature of trading difficult also in the sense that you are completely engaged in your own mental zone.

I am fairly young and fairly active, but sometimes think that full-time daytrading may be more suitable for me for when I am older and have other things in my life that I must work around - wife, children etc.

For me it is essential to make up for the lack of physical activity and human contact by playing sport 2-3 evenings per week, or going to the gym. Not extreme exercise, just moderate, relaxing and enjoyable activity for an hour or two.

Making the most of the weekend also helps.

I have found it beneficial to do something that requires physical activity before commencing a days trading in order to simulate the effect of going to/arriving at work. A walk to the post box for example.

After completing my trading day, I also need to escape the confines of the house - even if I am not doing an activity. A short walk or trip to the shops enables me to seperate todays trading from preparing for the next days trading when I get back.

I also do not sit watching the screen all day. With esignal I use audio alerts that signal trading opportunities. This helps me avoid dry eye soreness (as do glass monitor filters).

I find T2W contribution is a good way to "interact" with others and to stimulate the brain during the day.

I do not do any exercise at home while trading (cycling machine etc) as I do not have any such equipment. In any case I do not think I would enjoy this form of exercise in the home.

For me it is about making good use of my spare time - physically, socially and mentally.


jtrader.

 

[aarie5]

up down,up down,updown

ahh....... that's better

now for the other eye lid

 

[wisestguy]

trendie,

this is a good question and one that is not addressed often enough .

from experience , it is very tempting just to be a screen watcher/trader all one's days , and yes it is tedious more than boring for me . I don't really miss the company but the tedium of waiting for trades to come by can be quite tiresome.

So one has to discipline oneself to take up some form of exercise , hopefully something you really like and something team oriented:

- to get trading off your mind during non trading hours

- to interact with others on a fun / non serious level.

 

[Trader333]

It will depend on which markets you trade and trading the US in my view is better for the following reasons:

1) You have mornings free so going to the gym, meeting friends for coffee or any other activity can be fitted in every trading day up to about 2.00pm

2) The nature of the US trading day means that between 4.30pm and 7.00pm you get another opportunity for a break where you can again do the things described in point # 1

It has not been an issue for me as I have always tended to trade just one part of the trading day either 2.30pm to 4.30pm or 7.00pm to 9.00pm. This means that I am not stuck to a screen for more that 2 hours at a time and I have plenty of time for other activities as well as socialising.


Paul

 

[JTrader]

2)
Originally posted by Trader333
The nature of the US trading day means that between 4.30pm and 7.00pm you get another opportunity for a break where you can again do the things described in point # 1

It has not been an issue for me as I have always tended to trade just one part of the trading day either 2.30pm to 4.30pm or 7.00pm to 9.00pm. This means that I am not stuck to a screen for more that 2 hours at a time and I have plenty of time for other activities as well as socialising.


Paul

Hi Paul

Does this trading style that you refer to reflect the period in the US trading day between 430-700pm UK time being flat and quiet as a general rule of thumb?


Do you find that either trading 230-430pm or 7-9pm is adequate time to have enouugh trading opportunities for you to make a living?

Is this approach applicable to all US markets - i.e. the eminis, Nasdaq stocks, other US stocks etc. etc.?

Many thanks

jtrader.

 

[Peter 1]

healthy body healthy mind etc

Try a half hour blast on the ol mountainbike before you start trading, down a river tow path as I do or on open Parkland. This ensures that your body and mind are fully oxygenated each day before you start, the key to that well balanced feeling...
I cancelled the Lloyd Membership and built a gym in the garden last year and so far I have managed to find the time to workout there twice...

This has been my first full week of day-trading.

( I have decided to take some time out of my IT projects to do this. I intend to do another 3 weeks to get a real feel for day-trading ).

I want to know how you guys cope with the lack of exercise and the boredom ?

I am usually sat in front of a computer screen, but I am always "doing" something.

But, with trading, I find I get fidgety and restless when there is no activity.

Also, I am concerned about the health aspects of always being sat down.
( I have ordered a multi-gym from Argos, but that wont arrive for 2 weeks ).

How do you cope with the non-activity, "waiting" for something to happen.
How do you compensate for the continuous sitting down ? Do youn ahve a health regimen ?

thanks

( PS: not bad so far; total points off the Dow this week = 295 !! ( some were multi-pound per point trades. And am currently short Dow from 10,050. )

 

[JTrader]

Originally posted by peter 1
This ensures that your body and mind are fully oxygenated each day before you start, the key to that well balanced feeling...

Hi Peter

I strongly agree, and I also agree with the saying 'healthy mind, healthy body' - as in my case this can increase/lead to a stronger will/self discipline, a general positive mental attitude and demeanour, healthy body image, a can do approach, social confidence etc. etc.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a fitness fanatic, but the correlatio between physical and mental fitness is a strong one in my opinion.

Another problem with working from home in this way for me is being around food all day. When in mainstream employment, I'd go for your lunch break, by a sandwich, and not eat between breakfast, lunch and dinner. When trading from home I sometimes fall into the trap of snacking (grazing) throughout the day - which I believe is a healthy way of eating and better for the digestive system than eating big meals in one sitting.
Therefore the key to not puttting weight on is to eat healthily. Fruit, tinned fruit, cereal, water, salad, vegetables etc. etc. are all good. Chocolate, cake, crisps, are a no no for me. Again sticking to a strict healthy eating plan also makes me feel good, and strong mentally.

Physical activity is the best way to make me feel awake and alert, mentally and physically. Achieving this by getting the repiratory system working and the adrenaline flowing make me feel like a stronger, fitter, happier, healthier person both physically and mentally.

Anyway thats enough about me :cheesy:

Thanks

jtrader.

 

[trendie]

Another problem with working from home in this way for me is being around food all day.

:cheesy: :cheesy:

That is SO true !!
I have been munching on chocs, crisps most of this week.
( have been getting youghurts and fruit as well ).

I think it is displacement activity due to the boredom of waiting till something happens.

 

[Windlesham1]

Guy Cohen and Greg Secker are advocates of exercise.I cycle every day,and swim a mile every Monday night-except when the pool is shut. I find eye strain the biggest problem and am intrigued by the Bates method of eyesight improvement with speacial exercises.

 

[TheBramble]

swim a mile every Monday night-except when the pool is shut.

Good strategy.

I find eye strain the biggest problem and am intrigued by the Bates method of eyesight improvement with speacial exercises.

Saw the Bates method covered on tv (Monday?). No empirical evidence of improvement for the reporter who tried it, but she was just a sample of one. If you're into eye exercises/vision improvement you may wish to check out Leo Angart. A Dane living in Hong Kong has done significant work in this area and does international workshops now and again. A personal recommendation.

 

[Glenn]

We're lucky where we live - lots of places to run. Wide canal towpath, old railway line, country paths , hilly and flat, hardly see any traffic.
Been a runner since 1980. Go out any time of day, any weather, fresh air and freedom - can't beat it imo.

Food etc - recommend "You are what you eat " and The Hay Diet. (books)
Glenn

 

[PeteA]

I find it important not to sit too long in front of a screen without a break. So I try to discipline myself to take a few minutes break about every hour. Some stretching exercises, a walk round the house or any change of scene helps keep me alert. I also find a recommended technique of regularly staring away from the screen into the distance helps reduce eye strain - it exercises the eye muscles. If I really can't get away, I do excercises in the chair - the sort they give out on plane flights. Neck rolls, leg stretches etc.

Before I started trading, I worked in I.T. for many years and ended up with back and neck problems partly due to going too long without a break in front of a screen. So I have learnt to take exercise seriously. I also belong to a gym, go hill walking and have taken up pilartes.

 

[TheBramble]

I also find a recommended technique of regularly staring away from the screen into the distance

...and gently swaying backwards and forwards, while sobbing....

 

[tradesmart]

I'm completely gobsmacked that no one has mentioned roller skiing yet........!?

I thought that all traders did it after a hard 45mins at the trading terminal every day...

The perfect way to unwind.....!

I think that people who don't roller ski are really weird.......

 

[TheBramble]

Nice knees TS. Why did you ever give up modelling as a career???

 

[Quercus]

My girlie and I had a go at the real xcountry ski-ing for a day on our recent 3 week ski trip. What a laugh!
Don't you hate having a gifted partner, she was "the most natural skater I've ever seen" said the instructor! Blimey, not too much to live up to then. I got it in the end, and it was SERIOUSLY good excercise. Maybe we should get some of those wheelie things! But of course there isn't enough tarmac down here - it's all like Hobbiton and the Shire! :cheesy:
Cheers
Q

 

[tradesmart]

it was SERIOUSLY good exercise……………

I hear that you’re pretty well organised on the XC front down in NZ Quercus, so I’m not surprised that you’ve given it a try…..

I know some UK skiers who head way down south in July and August to catch some NZ action and it’s very highly rated…

Even the Hobbits are doing it I hear…..

Ps - http://www.snowfarmnz.com/index.cfm/Home looks interesting…

 

[Quercus]

That's the place - in the middle of the South Island's "playground" of Queenstown and Wanaka!
They do dog sled racing there too, but I'm not sure my Staffie's up to it - brrrr! :cheesy: