Healthy Lifestyle

  • Help Your Body to Calm Down – And Your Mind Will Follow

     

    Trading is often stressful. Learning how to handle the emotional and physiological response patterns is an important step toward long-term success.

    During market turmoil, sometimes I notice the seeds of fear, uncertainty, and doubt in my body. Rather than succumbing to this, I have developed a number of coping practices and techniques.

    • The first is simply to follow our trading rules and trust in the process;
    • The second is to rely on automation as much as possible;  and
    • The third is to recognize that my body's cues are an important signal for me to take action.


    Man and Dog Running - istock_000003768984xsmall One of the best ways of coping with stress, for me, is to exercise regularly.

    Have you ever noticed how animals shake or tremble when they are traumatized? These physical activities may be nature's way of helping discharge stress hormones, purge excess energy and release muscle tension.

    For humans, exercise is a pretty close analog to this. I know that I feel better after an hour of brisk activity to get my heart rate up, to sweat, and then to calm down. Somehow this tells my body that the agitation was expected; and now the relaxation is a good and appropriate response, too.

    Another technique that works for me is to use music enhanced with tones to help me meditate or relax.  An example of this is the Centerpointe Holosync package.  Another set that I enjoy is Hemi-Sync music from the Monroe Institute.

    When I get really stressed, though, my wife tells me that it's time for me to use my "light and sound machine." I think my using it helps her as much as me.

    As the name implies, it combines visual and audio stimulation.   So, how does it work?  The short answer is that brain activity naturally falls in-sync with lights flashing at a certain frequencies. And you can encourage certain brain wave patterns by controlling the frequency, color and intensity of the pulses.  Supplementing this with a similar technique based on sound compounds the effect. 

    Procyon Kit Most of these devices include small LED lights mounted in a pair of eye glasses and headphones. The lights and sounds synchronized by a small control unit.  The mind machine that I use, called a Procyon, includes 50 unique, pre-programmed light and sound stimulation sequences within its internal memory, each designed with a specific goal in mind (for example, relaxation, concentration, accelerated learning, creativity, or rejuvenation). Procyon also has the ability to synchronize with audio material on a CD or MP3 – or with AudioStrobe programs.

    Screensaver Example Behind your closed eyelids you will see a kaleidoscope of color, layers of fractals and a variety of screensaver-like imagery. Once you get used to it, the experience is quite pleasant. 

    It's pretty foo-foo; so I'm not going to pretend that this is 100% scientific and logical. Nonetheless, I believe that it is a lot more than a placebo.  Why? Because I have empirical evidence that it works.

    Most importantly, I feel better after I do it. In addition, a biofeedback machine (which measures brain waves, pulse, galvanic skin response and other stress indicators) confirms that the light and sound machine works dramatically and quickly.

    It works on almost everyone I've watched try it (and I've done this with CEOs, programmers, traders, staff members, and a bunch of others). However, it does not work on people who fight it.  And I am amazed at how many people fight it, initially.  After a few minutes, most simply let go and let the technology un-ruffle their feathers.

     The possibilities are great, and the technology is effective. However, the only way to truly appreciate the light sound experience is to try a mind machine for yourself.

  • Help Your Body to Calm Down – And Your Mind Will Follow

     

    Trading is often stressful. Learning how to handle the emotional and physiological response patterns is an important step toward long-term success.

    During market turmoil, sometimes I notice the seeds of fear, uncertainty, and doubt in my body. Rather than succumbing to this, I have developed a number of coping practices and techniques.

    • The first is simply to follow our trading rules and trust in the process;
    • The second is to rely on automation as much as possible;  and
    • The third is to recognize that my body's cues are an important signal for me to take action.


    Man and Dog Running - istock_000003768984xsmall One of the best ways of coping with stress, for me, is to exercise regularly.

    Have you ever noticed how animals shake or tremble when they are traumatized? These physical activities may be nature's way of helping discharge stress hormones, purge excess energy and release muscle tension.

    For humans, exercise is a pretty close analog to this. I know that I feel better after an hour of brisk activity to get my heart rate up, to sweat, and then to calm down. Somehow this tells my body that the agitation was expected; and now the relaxation is a good and appropriate response, too.

    Another technique that works for me is to use music enhanced with tones to help me meditate or relax.  An example of this is the Centerpointe Holosync package.  Another set that I enjoy is Hemi-Sync music from the Monroe Institute.

    When I get really stressed, though, my wife tells me that it's time for me to use my "light and sound machine." I think my using it helps her as much as me.

    As the name implies, it combines visual and audio stimulation.   So, how does it work?  The short answer is that brain activity naturally falls in-sync with lights flashing at a certain frequencies. And you can encourage certain brain wave patterns by controlling the frequency, color and intensity of the pulses.  Supplementing this with a similar technique based on sound compounds the effect. 

    Procyon Kit Most of these devices include small LED lights mounted in a pair of eye glasses and headphones. The lights and sounds synchronized by a small control unit.  The mind machine that I use, called a Procyon, includes 50 unique, pre-programmed light and sound stimulation sequences within its internal memory, each designed with a specific goal in mind (for example, relaxation, concentration, accelerated learning, creativity, or rejuvenation). Procyon also has the ability to synchronize with audio material on a CD or MP3 – or with AudioStrobe programs.

    Screensaver Example Behind your closed eyelids you will see a kaleidoscope of color, layers of fractals and a variety of screensaver-like imagery. Once you get used to it, the experience is quite pleasant. 

    It's pretty foo-foo; so I'm not going to pretend that this is 100% scientific and logical. Nonetheless, I believe that it is a lot more than a placebo.  Why? Because I have empirical evidence that it works.

    Most importantly, I feel better after I do it. In addition, a biofeedback machine (which measures brain waves, pulse, galvanic skin response and other stress indicators) confirms that the light and sound machine works dramatically and quickly.

    It works on almost everyone I've watched try it (and I've done this with CEOs, programmers, traders, staff members, and a bunch of others). However, it does not work on people who fight it.  And I am amazed at how many people fight it, initially.  After a few minutes, most simply let go and let the technology un-ruffle their feathers.

     The possibilities are great, and the technology is effective. However, the only way to truly appreciate the light sound experience is to try a mind machine for yourself.

  • Resilience

    080815 Phelps 250
    Watching the Olympics
    has been an uplifting reminder for me.  The sport of it is fun to
    watch.  Yet, the deeper story is even better.

    For example,
    Michael Phelps was expected to break Mark Spitz's record in Athens
    four-years ago.  While he was dominating, it just didn't happen, then. 

    Can you imagine setting world records, winning gold medals, and still feeling like you came up short?

    Can you imagine how many times he replayed the missing hundredths of a second that separated him from his dream?
    So how did he do it this time?

    Somehow
    the great ones are resilient and durable in distressing situations. 
    They adapt and cope; and ultimately gain strength from adversity —
    often converting it into a gift.  They find a way to transform what
    seemed like setbacks into the fuel they need to get to the next level.

    Nietzsche
    said "that which does not kill me, makes me stronger."  And that
    statement applies to trading and funds management as well.   Trading
    often seems like it is not fair – and that can be very good for us. 

  • Resilience

    080815 Phelps 250
    Watching the Olympics
    has been an uplifting reminder for me.  The sport of it is fun to
    watch.  Yet, the deeper story is even better.

    For example,
    Michael Phelps was expected to break Mark Spitz's record in Athens
    four-years ago.  While he was dominating, it just didn't happen, then. 

    Can you imagine setting world records, winning gold medals, and still feeling like you came up short?

    Can you imagine how many times he replayed the missing hundredths of a second that separated him from his dream?
    So how did he do it this time?

    Somehow
    the great ones are resilient and durable in distressing situations. 
    They adapt and cope; and ultimately gain strength from adversity —
    often converting it into a gift.  They find a way to transform what
    seemed like setbacks into the fuel they need to get to the next level.

    Nietzsche
    said "that which does not kill me, makes me stronger."  And that
    statement applies to trading and funds management as well.   Trading
    often seems like it is not fair – and that can be very good for us. 

  • 11 Foods You’re Not Eating – But Should

    The NYTimes had an interesting article about 11 foods that are good for you and easy to find, but that most people don’t eat.  Here is the link and here is a link to a related article on the Men’s Health site.

  • 11 Foods You’re Not Eating – But Should

    The NYTimes had an interesting article about 11 foods that are good for you and easy to find, but that most people don’t eat.  Here is the link and here is a link to a related article on the Men’s Health site.

  • Cell Phone Popcorn Popper

    Up till now, I've kept my cell phone in my front pants pocket.  After watching these videos I'm worried about fried eggs.  Pretty cool … or hot … depending on the perspective.

    Here is the direct link.

    Just in case one wasn't enough.

    Here is the direct link.

    So, what does Snopes say?

  • Cell Phone Popcorn Popper

    Up till now, I've kept my cell phone in my front pants pocket.  After watching these videos I'm worried about fried eggs.  Pretty cool … or hot … depending on the perspective.

    Here is the direct link.

    Just in case one wasn't enough.

    Here is the direct link.

    So, what does Snopes say?

  • What is Your Intention?

    Mellensmartblow_rough_sea
    Fear, greed and hope comprise the Bermuda Triangle of trading. Many dreams were battered or lost because of them.

    In trading, my goal is to make and keep money, consistently. It isn’t to be right, or clever, or even creative. Reducing human bias and error are benefits of using automated trading systems; and ultimately that helps us intelligently respond to the markets.

    How does that apply to life?

    Oh, a small question …

    A friend of mine called me this week to share a thought. He said that he was trying to stop simply responding automatically to situations. Instead, he was going to consciously focus on his "intention" before responding.

    Imagine how different the world would occur to you if you brought "intention" into focus instead of mindlessly surrendering to your first feelings and actions.

    Triumphant_man_on_water_200p_2
    My first reaction often is to ask "what is the best next step?" Perhaps you do something similar? On many levels that is a resourceful question. Yet, what would happen if, instead, you brought your intention into focus and asked what role you could play to best support that intention?

    Your role directly affects the options you perceive.

    Let me know how that works for you.

  • What is Your Intention?

    Mellensmartblow_rough_sea
    Fear, greed and hope comprise the Bermuda Triangle of trading. Many dreams were battered or lost because of them.

    In trading, my goal is to make and keep money, consistently. It isn’t to be right, or clever, or even creative. Reducing human bias and error are benefits of using automated trading systems; and ultimately that helps us intelligently respond to the markets.

    How does that apply to life?

    Oh, a small question …

    A friend of mine called me this week to share a thought. He said that he was trying to stop simply responding automatically to situations. Instead, he was going to consciously focus on his "intention" before responding.

    Imagine how different the world would occur to you if you brought "intention" into focus instead of mindlessly surrendering to your first feelings and actions.

    Triumphant_man_on_water_200p_2
    My first reaction often is to ask "what is the best next step?" Perhaps you do something similar? On many levels that is a resourceful question. Yet, what would happen if, instead, you brought your intention into focus and asked what role you could play to best support that intention?

    Your role directly affects the options you perceive.

    Let me know how that works for you.