It seems to many that a person who can complete hundreds of tasks per day, who is infinitely productive and multi-tasking is a modern hero that needs to be looked upon. In fact, such people are just robots often incapable of generating interesting ideas and searching for extraordinary solutions.
The measure is a treasure. Even when talking about useful work. If you want to improve your performance then you should start relaxing and using the incredibly powerful function of our brain - a Default Mode Network.
Always Make Breaks
Today, everyone refers to modern scientists when trying to prove their point. This idea is no exception. Dozens of studies prove that the human brain simply needs rest for healthy functioning.
Forex trading requires constant concentration. If you look at the charts for hours and spend breaks on additional intellectual activities, such as watching lectures and reading books about the FX market, then your results will eventually begin to decline. Your brain will simply get tired and will not be able to think logically. So, forget all these high-efficiency slogans from motivational training and learn how to relax properly.
The Ideal Work Scheme
A number of studies have shown that there are several important tips that you should follow to improve your work. So what should be done to get the most out of your workday?
- Our brain is at the peak of its activity in the morning. That is why you need to try to complete all tasks that require maximum concentration before noon. Analyze the market and open the majority of your trades during this period. You also perceive information better in the morning, so try to study at that time.
- Do not spend more than 4 hours a day trading. This amount of time was called the maximum by many professionals in their field, including world-famous athletes and musicians. If you spend more than 4 hours on any occupation, then you only make yourself worse and you may end up getting injured or burn out, if it comes to intellectual occupation, such as trading.
- Do not work for more than 1 hour in a row - take breaks. The same scientists proved that the brain is capable of maximum activity only within an hour. Then it needs a break, otherwise, the results will begin to decline. Of course, if you catch yourself on the fact that you have been testing your Expert Advisor for more than an hour and are passionate about the full thing, then don’t stop. However, if you have been looking at charts for almost an hour searching for trades, then obviously you should take a break.
Default Mode Network
It was already said that people that perform a series of tasks one after another act more like robots than people. The most valuable employees are those who find non-standard ways out of various situations. As a rule, such ideas come to our mind at the most unexpected moments - during a walk, in the shower, or first thing in the morning.
This is due to the fact that our brain is capable of an incredible thing - to process information in a passive mode, while we even don’t know about it. If you have any difficulties with a trading strategy or working with a new Advisor or indicator, then you can use this magic method to increase the chances of solving a problem. How to use the Default Mode Network?
- Start by collecting data. I mean that in order to process information in a passive mode, the brain needs this information. If you want to get the most out of any trading strategy, Advisor or indicator, then study as much as possible on the topic. Read a book, watch webinars, learn the opinions of other traders on the forums.
- Free your schedule. If you are constantly in a hurry somewhere and distracted by something, then the brain will not be able to process the information received. Most likely, it will be busy accumulating new data that you will upload to it. A day off or even half a day without work or important matters will fit perfectly.
- Find yourself a routine occupation. It can be anything - a walk, an active sport such as bicycling, jogging, climbing, some kind of physical labor such as cleaning or assembling furniture, etc. The main thing is that your actions should not include additional information load. That is, you can’t simultaneously listen to audiobooks or watch some kind of instructional video.
- Throw the topic that interests you out of your head. It is important not to think about the problem that you want to handle in a passive mode, otherwise, all the magic of the approach will disappear.
- That's all. If you fulfill the conditions from the points above, then your brain will gradually process the information received and help to better absorb it. Success.
Remember that this strategy does not give a 100% guarantee. It does not work in every case, but nonetheless, it works. The main thing is to give the brain a rest. You’ll see the results in the near future.
To Summarize
What conclusion can we make from the said above? Rest is important and even necessary if you want to achieve maximum results. So try to get distracted from any type of activity, including trading. It is optimal to take at least a week break every three months.
Breaks during the day are also important. Take time for yourself. Take a nap, go for a walk, or even meditate. This can activate the Default Mode Network and take your productivity to a whole new level.