Day Trader: If emotions run too high, step away from the screen

Paul Nawrocki
Aug 23
2 min read

Many trading psychologists and professional traders emphasize exactly this principle — when emotions are overwhelming, the best trade is not to trade. Here are some authors and books that specifically address the idea of stepping away from the screen when emotions take control:

1. Mark Douglas – Trading in the Zone

Douglas stresses that emotions like fear, anger, or overconfidence destroy objectivity. He advises traders to take a break when they notice emotions driving their actions.

“If you find yourself unable to execute your rules because of fear or hesitation, the solution is not in the market but in yourself. Step aside, calm your mind, and return only when you can follow your system without interference.”

2. Brett N. Steenbarger – The Daily Trading Coach

Steenbarger, a trading psychologist, is very direct: emotional arousal lowers decision-making ability. He recommends physical breaks, journaling, or even short meditation exercises to reset.

“When emotions override your plans, the best trade you can make is the trade you don’t take. Stepping back allows your rational mind to catch up with your emotional impulses.”

3. Alexander Elder – Trading for a Living

Elder introduces the concept of a “trader’s self-control.” He explains that losses often push traders into revenge trading, and wins fuel greed. Both situations demand stepping away.

“When you feel pressure rising—whether from fear or euphoria—the most professional decision is to stop trading. Control comes from the discipline to pause, not from forcing more trades.”

4. Denise Shull – Market Mind Games

Shull focuses on emotions as sources of information but warns against trading when you’re overwhelmed. She compares trading under stress to driving drunk—it clouds judgment.

“Strong emotions are signals, but they are poor guides for action in the moment. If the signals become overwhelming, the rational choice is to step aside.”

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