Should you be fortunate enough to participate with the financial markets day in and day out, there will inevitably be times when the daily grind will wear on you and a refresher will be in order. There are enough variables at play that a trader must contend with that being burned out should not be added to the equation if at all possible.

While the markets offer us a unique experience each and every day to start fresh, and that day holds the potential to be one of our best, the allure can be so great that an individual can’t fathom being away for fear of missing out on an opportunity. On the other hand, one may be participating in many positions and the thought of leaving these positions behind while one steps away, is often unthinkable.

I have fallen victim to both scenarios and a variety of others and while I will be the first one to display the work ethic card, I am also one who believes time off is not time lost, but time restored. Participating in the financial markets should be viewed as a marathon and not a sprint, which means we must take care of our mental and physical energy levels in order to operate a peak performance as much as possible.

Here are a few tips I have learned to avoid the daily burn as well as carry on for the long haul.

Invest in a Chair – It sounds silly I know, but a good chair can work wonders for the full time market participant. In the past I have skimped in this area only to pay the price each and every day with physical fatigue and all out pain. Peel some money out of that account and pony up for a chair that will keep your body in the position in needs to in order for you to avoid this potential drainer.

Break Time – Taking a 5-minute break once or twice during the trading session can do wonders for your mind. This is especially true when the action is hot and heavy, as it will allow you to step away and gain a better perspective of the action and think clearly and objectively about your next moves. If it is a nice day, step out into the sunlight and absorb some natural vitamins. This new routine will take practice and must be done religiously in order for it to become a habit. After a while you will not only realize you didn’t miss much, but that you are able to keep your energy level high all throughout the day.

Water up – I continue to struggle with this area the most. Rather than starting your day with several cups of coffee and moving when appropriate to the Diet Cokes, consume cold water all throughout the day to keep your body well hydrated and your mind clear. The colder the better as your body will need to produce more energy which means you will actually burn calories. Unfortunately, the downside of this habit is the multiple bathroom trips you will make throughout the day, however this may help you establish your break time while you are up and running to the restroom.

Light Lunch – Grazing throughout the day on healthy snacks is obviously the best however should you not have this MoMentality, keeping the lunch as light as possible will do wonders for your afternoon umph. A heavy carb-filled lunch will bring on tremendous fatigue and rather than remaining alert and fresh, you will be more interested in an afternoon nap before the bell.

Enjoy the Weekend – I also continue to struggle in this area and must make certain there are times when I stop work and enjoy my family. Unfortunately, I have to still schedule this, as my brain doesn’t shut off from market mode as easily as I would like it to. When the two days of rest are given, at least take one of them. Do something fun, do something relaxing, and remember just why you work so hard during the week.

Sell and Go Away – I have heard many people debate this last suggestion and I can only give you my opinion, which may be different than others. First, I believe it is imperative to take some time off a couple times per year. This would be a scheduled get away that involved relaxation, not necessarily the vacation that involves 800 tours, 4 countries and 15 plane rides. When you go, plan well in advance and several weeks out begin to methodically pare back your positions. When you see a stock you like, remember that in a few weeks you are investing in yourself and take a pass on the stock. The less inventory the better and if you can, hold none. What I have found, as I have attempted this several different ways is that when I leave with no inventory, I can actually shut it off and not think about the markets. Sure I am missing opportunity, but I am not loosing nor am I worried about a blow up. Furthermore, when you go on vacation, really go there with your body and mind. Get away from the markets, and don’t scurry to the hotel Internet to check your e-mail or any quotes.

This morning isn’t about some investing tip or technique, however I truly hope you see the importance behind the message. I desire to have you all in this game for a very long time and to do that you cannot get burned out and want to quit. More often than not, I have seen discouragement and frustration come from fatigue rather than poor trading. Furthermore, I have also experienced first hand, poor trading as a direct result of fatigue.

As we continue through the summer slow down, I encourage you to do a mental inventory check and see where you are and what you need to do. Before you buy another stock make sure you are operating a peak performance and should you not be, take the opportunity to invest in yourself before you invest in anything else. It truly is the best investment going.

Futures are flat this morning as investors digest a slew of earnings reports. Overseas markets were higher while Oil is dipping but Gold is higher.

Yesterday was truly an anomaly, as the broad markets did not really paint the true picture of what was going on underneath the surface. I will be moving ultra-slow this morning and have pared back quite a bit of inventory. I have many stocks I like however I see no reason to rush any new purchases. I am definitely in the waiting camp for now.

Trade ‘em well today.

~ Quint