[Dogpile]

yes, I find trading extremely rewarding due its competitive dynamic but man you can feel awful when the market is tough or you aren't in sync.

the only thing that works for me is getting exercise. it is the only way for me to clear my mind -- when in a hard sweat, you simply cannot help but focus on the task at hand and forget everything else.

that said, I find futures trading to actually be much less stressful than trading stocks. all those gaps (upgrades/downgrades against your position) -- the worry at night of a big gap down due to futures etc... there is something so clean about making X trades and either winning or losing on them and just playing for good % and the occassional big win.

would be interested in others thoughts on things to do so that you aren't totally checked out on your wife/girlfriend and/or kids.