Benefits in

The past few months have seen an enormous influx of amateur traders. If you’re new to the scene, you should learn how to stay healthy during those endless days watching the markets.

What is day trading?

If you’re brand new to day trading then let’s cover some basics.

Day trading is when you buy and sell financial instruments, all within a single trading day. All positions must be closed out before the market closes and starting fresh the next day. The best day traders take advantage of the volatile market movements during the day and will trade several assets the same day, or even multiple times a day.

Day trading isn’t for the faint of heart though. If you’ve only been at it for a week or a month you’ll know you have to be on your toes at all times to ensure you don’t miss a major market movement. Have a look at our tips on how to stay healthy during your day to give you the best chance at snagging those profits.

Make sure you’re sitting comfortably

One of the most common things people complain about when working long hours, in the office or at home, is back pain. Whether you’re slouching in your chair, hunching over your screen, or just putting more pressure on one side of your body than the other, you’re going to feel that pinch in no time at all. 

Be sure to purchase a high end office chair with good support for your back, especially your lower back. Chairs that are adjustable will work best in the long run, as they’ll allow you to set the height that’s just right for you. Over time, your body will thank you, as at the end of the day you’ll be fidgeting less and those annoying back aches will become less painful.

It’s all in the eyes

When you spend hours staring at screens, it can really affect your eyes in a negative way. First off, being close to bright screens for extended periods can strain your eye muscles, and secondly, when you’re focusing on screens so intently you often forget to blink which means your eyes will dry up.

A great tip to stop those itchy and blurry eyes is to make a conscious effort to pay attention to them. The 20:20:20 rule tells you that for every 20 minutes you spend staring at a screen, focus on an item 20 feet away and then blink 20 times. This exercise will help stop your eyes from becoming too adjusted to your bright screen and the blinking will hydrate your eyes to help prevent them drying out.

Caffeine

If, like many of us, your trades are fueled by a constant supply of coffee then your daily amount of caffeine might actually be doing you far more harm than good.

Now it would be hypocritical of us to tell you to quit cold turkey, so we won’t be doing that. There are potential health benefits to that morning brew: Increased energy and focus. 

The main thing to remember is the age-old phrase ‘everything in moderation.’ Too much coffee can lead to dehydration, withdrawal symptoms, and even restless sleep. If you really can’t stop drinking more than 5 cups a day though, give decaf or herbal tea a try, and mix in an occasional glass of water to keep you hydrated.

Take a break

Probably the most important thing you can add to your trading day is a break, get up from your chair and move around every once and a while. There are thousands of ways exercise benefits you and taking time to get your blood pumping will greatly benefit your health. 

Not only should you take a proper break halfway through the day, but regular breaks to stretch your legs while looking away from any screens will help you refocus and reduce eyestrain. Here’s a list of ways you can take breaks at home, including getting outside.