Why Trading is Destroying your Body

Traders often talk about trade entry, trade
management, indicators, fear, greed and a host of tools that are designed to
aid traders. It’s very seldom that traders discuss the most valuable tool a
trader has…your body! This series of articles, will explore the effect trading
as a vocation and lifestyle has on your body and what every trader can do to
maintain the health of this most vital tool.

In today’s segment we will
discuss the effect of trading on your eyes.

Many traders spend 12hrs + a
day staring at our computer screens looking for that trade. If you have been
trading for a while it’s very likely that you have experienced some kind of eye
related stress. This can manifest itself in eye strain, headaches, blurred
vision and other visual symptoms as a result of continuous computer usage. This
form of stress on the visual system can also cause body fatigue, reduced
efficiency and concentration.

Spending
too much time looking at a computer screen may raise your risk of the
vision-robbing eye disease glaucoma, particularly if you're nearsighted,
according to a Japanese study. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that
ultimately cause damage to the optic nerve. It can lead to blindness if not
treated. Heavy computer users who were farsighted or nearsighted seemed to have
a higher risk for visual field abnormalities, say the researchers. Source: Journal of Epidemiology and
Community Health, December 2004; vol 58: pp 1021-1027

Why do we experience these
problems? Homo Sapiens evolved to have hunters eyes, perfect for spotting prey
at a distance. The changes in human recreational and working behavior over the
last 50 years have meant that most of the tasks that we undertake have shifted
our vision to an arm’s length; this is especially true for traders.

Many traders experience
visual stress due to: 1) an increase in the number and complexity of necessary
eye movements and focusing skills, 2) poor lighting conditions, glare and
distracting reflections, 3) screen flicker rate, and 4) above all, the extended
amount of computer use.

Computer
visual stress may underlie many direct and indirect symptoms. Eyestrain is a
common direct symptom, while the need for shifts in posture and muscular strain
resulting from poorly arranged work stations cause eye problems indirectly and
other physical problems directly.

Direct Computer Eye
Stress Symptoms

• headaches while doing or
  following computer use
• irritated and/or dry eyes
• blurred vision
• slow refocusing when looking
  from screen to distance objects
• frequently losing place when
  moving eyes between copy and the screen
• difficulty seeing clearly at a
  distance after prolonged computer use
• occasional doubling of vision
• changes in color perception
• changes in glasses prescription

How you can look after and maintain your eye health

Let’s start with changes to your computer screens and
trading environment

Reduce
Glare

Reducing glare will dramatically reduce the strain on
your eyes. Use non-reflective interfaces whenever possible. When you have to use
a screen make sure it is at a 90 degree angle from any direct light source. Use
indirect or reflective lighting whenever possible. Anti Glare filters that are placed over your
computer screens can make big difference.

Adjust Contrast

Ensure
there is good contrast with what you are looking at but reduce contrast for periphery. More contrast makes
edges more discernible so the eyes don't have to focus as much. But too much
contrast with the surrounding area will cause strain through your peripheral
vision. Keep overall lighting levels at a moderate level so there is good
contrast around you but glare does not become a problem. Use task lighting to
aid eyesight at specific tasks.

Adjust the contrast
setting on monitors and screens to the best effect. Use glasses or sunglasses
with polarized lenses as they increase contrast and cut down on glare.

Adjust Color

Use
full spectrum lighting. Lighting, like sunlight, that covers the visual
spectrum makes things easier to see. Adjust the color setting on monitors and
screens. Some even allow you to adjust the color temperature. Use a combination
of florescent and incandescent lighting. Use full spectrum florescent bulbs. GE
makes a bulb called "Reveal" that improves the color spectrum of
incandescent bulbs dramatically. Full spectrum lighting has the added benefit
of fighting off the "winter blues.'

Direct care for your eyes

Eye Gels and Eye Baths

Staring at computer screens for hours on end as well
causing a variety of damaging symptoms can also result in dry eyes which more
than anything can leave your eyes feeling uncomfortable and itchy, not the best
situation for any trader having to focus for hours on end. Eye gels like
“Viscotears” and eye baths can provide welcome relief for dry eyes making you
more comfortable

A Healthy Diet

One of the simplest steps you can take to
improve or strengthen your eyesight is eating a healthy diet rich in complex
vitamins and minerals. You know the saying "you are what you eat." If
you chronically eat a diet high in processed or "fast" foods there is
a good chance your body is not getting the vitamins, minerals and other
supportive nutrients it needs to function well. That means your eyes or your
vision may also suffer.

Be sure you eat plenty of green, leafy
vegetables, fruits and whole grains. When possible you should avoid eating
overly processed foods. That includes any food that comes in a package with a
long list of ingredients (preservatives).

Complementary
and Alternative Exercises for maintaining eye health

Palming

The palming exercise will teach you to relax
your eyes, which in turn will bring healthy energy to your eyes.

• First, rub your hands together until they feel warm (about 15 to 20
  seconds). Then place your cupped hands over your closed eyes, being
  careful not to touch your eyes with the palms of your hands. The fingers
  of each hand should overlap and rest gently on the center of your
  forehead. Don't create any unnecessary pressure on your face. If your arms
  get tired, rest your elbows on a table.
• Sit quietly for one to two minutes with your hands over your eyes.
  The more relaxed you become, the blacker the darkness you will see with
  your eyes closed.

Near-far focus

This exercise improves eye flexibility:

• Hold your thumb six inches from your nose.
• Focus on your thumb.
• Take one deep breath and exhale slowly.
• Then focus on an object about 20 feet away.
• Take another deep breath and slowly exhale.
• Repeat back and forth 15 times

Scanning

This exercise helps you increase the
flexibility of your eyes.

• Sitting or standing at one end of a room, let your eyes scan around
  the edges of objects in the room - clocks, televisions, doors, lights,
  computers, etc.
• The object of this exercise is to keep your eyes moving in a loose
  and fluid way.
• Do this exercise for two minutes.
• Remember to breathe.

Hydrotherapy

• Place a bowl of hot water and a bowl of cold water in front of you.
  The hot water should be hot but not so hot that it burns you. The cold
  water should be ice cold, so either put ice cubes in it or get it out of
  the refrigerator.
• Put a wash cloth in each bowl.
• Place the wash cloth from the bowl of hot water against your closed
  eyes for 30 seconds.
• Then do the same with the wash cloth from the bowl of cold water.
• Continue to alternate the hot and cold wash cloths.
• Finish by gently massaging your closed eyes with a dry towel.
• Do this for two minutes.

Head Rolls

This exercise is to relax your neck, head
and face muscles and reduce shoulder tension.

• Take a deep breath and close your eyes.
• On the exhale, slowly drop your chin to your chest. Relax your neck
  and shoulders.
• As you inhale deeply again, slowly and gently roll your head around
  to the left, then back, keeping your shoulders still and relaxed.
• Make your movements slowly, carefully and deliberately.
• Now exhale full as you roll your head to the other side and down to
  your chest again.
• Repeat this sequence twice then change directions and repeat twice
  more.

You only get one pair of
eyes and they are the most vital tool in every traders arsenal, be sure to care
for your eyes, trade long and prosper.

Article provided by
Pivotfarm – The Home of Support and
Resistance Trading

Comments

[Martel]

Gunnar Optiks "digital performance eyewear" (from Amazon.com) works for me. Those eyeglasses removed the burning sensation I often got after staring the screen for 8+hours. I think my eyesight still continues deteriorating, but with a slower pace.

[Eric Cartman]

WoW! These are sweet! Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna order some tonight.

[Eric Cartman]

My eyes are always bothering me. I have a 50 inch plasma TV that I can only watch for about an hour a day before my eyes itch, burn and hurt the rest of the day. I hate it. 

I'll give these exercises a try. 

One day I hope they find a way to make the internet out of e-ink. That would be great!

[GoldenEye]

Only problem is did you deliberately write the article in this awful font and italics to prove your point I have been looking at the screen all day but that didn't help.

Couldnt even finish the article but you have proved your point, I'm off to bed!

[rapunzel]

pretty early, babe. oh forgot, don't know your time zone.

[GoldenEye]

Yeah that 3:30 am(GMT), sorry if I sounded grumpy, I probably was!

[Buck Johnson]

Cool, very coo.

[Occams Aftershave]

Trading for 15 years, almost 60 years young, no glasses, better than 20/20.  How?  Eat mostly greens, fruits, grains.  Fresh carrot juice each day.  My six screens are at various distances:   Some 18 inches away, some 48 inches away, so focus is constantly changing all day.

Also prop psychological perspectives which de-stress trading.

[ED]

Excellent post.

[TraderTimm]

Article is fine, don't see any problem with keeping your body in tune so you can take the trade you need.

I watch the markets because they are markets. I got the bug a while ago, and I'm not looking for a cure. Most computer users will have already gotten these tips down, but it doesn't hurt to review. Glad LCD monitors have matte finishes on their display surfaces, really saves on glare fatigue.

Have something beyond your trading desk to focus on - even if it is just a poster or something on the wall near you. Glance at it when you can, shifting the depth of your focus.

Helps me.

[rapunzel]

man Timm, i hope it is a plentiful and colorful calendar, your glancing at. shifting the depth of your focus. depth of focus, should not be shifting, stay steady young man.

[Overleveraged_a...]

The way I see it, if you have to be staring at a computer screen all day then you are not a good trader. Staring at screen shows that you are full of fear and lack confidence in your decision making. The need to see quick gains is immature and a sign of impatience. I used to be 'that guy' who stared at the screen all day until I realized that the market just moves too damn slow and is too random.

I could understand daytrading maybe only on days like NFP Friday, but even so. Just take 2 - 5 good trades per week. Get away from the computer. I think the real consistent millionaires are the ones that do NOT need to be staring at the screen all day. Unless you are goldman sachs and can see where everyone else is positioned and take out their stop losses with a big order, day trading is a waste. I'm sorry but there is no system which is so consistent to be right most of the time on a daily basis. 2 - 5 trades per week, if not less, is all you really need.

If you think you can make 100% a week then you are still living in fantasy land, and have probably been trading for less than 2 years. If you double your money, you are now too damn confident and will probably lose your next trade. If you double up twice, then you'll DEFINITELY get margin called on your next trade. Shit man, I've been there, I WAS 'that' guy. All those frustrated nights, fucking shit.

Now I have a job selling automobiles which takes up alot of time, but it's ok because that provides real income. I lose significantly less money trading now, and I dont have to worry about shit. I last checked my position about 30 hours ago, and today I see it has finally only moved about 40 pips since then. Imagine if i was staring at the screen for so long, Or taking several positions during that time.

Screen starers suffer from the delusion that they can solve all financial problems in 3 - 5 months, and I think these are the people that have been trading for less than 2 years. Show me a real millionaire who is a self made trader and I bet he/she'll tell you that they probably only check prices once a day.

[rapunzel]

All those frustrated nights, fucking shit.

i bet.

[Geoff-UK]

ZH going downhill posting shit like this...

[DMA Trader]

you are right. 

paper trading doesn't damage health.

[rapunzel]

ok grumpy. just because your probably, UNfit. truth some times hurts.

[PeterSchump]

He's not grumpy.  He's British.

[rapunzel]

good excuse. heard it.

[ApplesConspiracy]

Doctors on behalf of Goldman Sachs issued all employees a similar article but replaced "body" with "soul."

[rapunzel]

Homo Sapiens evolved to have hunters eyes, perfect for spotting prey at a distance.

yeah baby,

carrots, lots of carrots, bill gross way of life, Y O G A. Kegel exercises/kegel muscles. you guyz, ever heard of this one. how come you don't ever include health benefits for woman traders. question of the day. quote thing won't turn off

the W H O L E  body, bitchez‡

[PlausibleDenial]

I would suggest everyone just getting the volcano out and taking a nice long hit with some of the Cali humbolt county herbal essence.  Afterwards, you won't give a shit about the assholes at Goldman or the Fed.  Works for me daily.

[No Mas]

Destroying my body?  What about my wallet??

[DMA Trader]

well that's easy to fix. 

quit shorting the market. 

lol :)))

[rolo]

Good post - look forward to the rest in the series.

[francismarion]

I'm not a trader but I manage to keep my tool healthy by keeping it in a cool dry place when not in use.

[rapunzel]

 right o, francis.

[carbonmutant]

A nice stack of smart drugs helps too...

http://www.nootropics.com/smartdrugs/smartpills.html

[knukles]

Obey the top of your (SEC/FDA) recommended food pyramid; copious amounts of alcohol, drugs, sex and sick humor. 
Whilst eating, meat is to be surrounded by decorative (disposable) garnishes of green stuff. 

[rapunzel]

thats my routine, so far so good, i think.

[Mercury]

Why Trading Destroys Your Body

True story:

Veteran, ace sales trader, 350lbs easy, always on wacky diets and unloading a huge assortment of Tupperware containers full of carrots, wheat bread slices, whatever out of an old ski boot bag and setting up little picnics on the desk for lunch.

One day, bad trade, bad client, whatever...steam coming out of his ears, cursing like Yosemite Sam, the works. He storms out, takes the elevator all the way down, walks out the door and heads to the nearest hot dog cart.  He walks right up to the hot dog guy and slaps down a $100 bill on his counter top:

"Put your fucking umbrella down, you're closed....keep 'em coming ...with mustard!"

[RockyRacoon]

"Head Rolls" sounds good.  I can think of a few I'd like to see.

Now, "Palming" on the other hand (intentional pun), is not close to what I had imagined.

[Pivotfarm]

haha Rocky...makes you blind I hear

[mynhair]

Helps to have a pool 5 feet away, too.

[RemiG2010]

After ten years of trading, I can say I got used it! I disliked ctr's very much, but  I do appreciate new lcd monitors , especially when working with five of them up to 16H a day!

[DrLamer]

Do not listen to CD or any kind of digital recording of music: http://endrtimes.blogspot.com/2009/11/is-digital-music-affecting-your-he...

Is Digital Music Affecting Your Health?

"More on -Human Stress Provoked by Digitalized Recordings- and Reply" 1985

http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=4408

Thread: The Undoing of Digital Fatigue Syndrome:

http://www.sa-cd.net/showthread/17447/17447

[DMA Trader]

Finaly a very good post.

[russki standart]

Agreed. I look forward to reading more posts in a similar vein.

[spekulatn]

 Manipulism bitchez.

http://www.zerohedge.com/article/barclays-quant-strategy-mispricings-mar...