So cliche but … Body — Mind — Spirit … stuff is REAL!!!
Given this opportunity to write this column, I want to focus on 3 areas of Life : Body — Mind — Spirit and how these contribute individually to our successful performance as well as how they’re all so intertwined. We can learn to trade with zen. So today I will start off with a post focusing on the body. But mind you — you’ll be much more spirited when all three are working in harmony…
Focus on the Body
If you’re trading full time, it may seem difficult to find the time and/or energy to workout. There is always prep work to do before the markets open. Analysis to do once they close… Not to mention following the futures and the nonstop headlines!
(Sorry Michael … Your advice NOT to listen to the “noise” is sound advice but I happen to be a political junkie ; )
I laugh when people learn that I trade for a living and automatically think I spend a large portion of my day at the beach.
Although now that I’m a member of CYT, that scenario may be more of a possibility as Michael and Adam do a lot of the heavy lifting for us. But in reality, we are all solely responsible for when and what we decide to do as traders/investors.
But back to the workouts… If you’re a trader, while a yoga class would probably do you good before or after a day on the markets, if you’re like me, you’re more of a type A personality where slow and easy is not a speed you’re comfortable with. We tend to like speed. — A need for speed! I love those days where my trade goes as planned allowing me to make my exit and spend the rest of the day focusing on other interests. Granted, this happens far less frequently than I’d like to admit. However, when you love the markets like I’m guessing we all do, sometimes it pays dividends to simply watch while you’re contemplating your next move.
This is why I suggest that you give running a shot before your day begins. No need to spend hours at the gym. Just get outside and find a route where you can knock off a 1/2 hour of high-intensity burn! I think you’ll find that not only your body will thank you but you’ll come back to the trade with a Zen-like mind that will let you look at your screens with a much clearer vision and approach to what is in front of you.
that just adds to the “Zen”-ness
It has worked well for me … I can’t imagine not getting a run in before the opening bell. I live on the west coast. That means getting out of bed and suiting up well before the sun comes up… But that just adds to the “Zen”-ness ~
If you’re new to this, start out walking and build up to a run when it feels right. Actually, they say walking may be just as effective in relation to the health benefits of running and is obviously much less stressful on your body. I’ve also found that some of my best trading ideas come to me while walking. When I’m running it’s more of a focus on my breathing, even meditative state… but walking clears the head as well and has provided much of my strategic thinking.
Also, I’m not dismissing the benefits of hitting the gym to take advantage of all they offer these days… Something I need to work on myself.
OK, this “Chart Your Lifer” has gotta run so catch up with you later! Please share with us what you find works best. I’m always looking for new ways to engage my Body — Mind — Spirit connection
