Post-news adrenaline: the crash after the spike

[Amanhasnoname]

A volatile release provides a burst of adrenaline. The heart rate rises, attention narrows, and the body prepares for action. Afterward comes a crash: fatigue, irritability, and reduced focus.

If trading continues through the crash, decision quality declines. The trader feels flat after the excitement, and subtle errors creep in. Alternatively, the leftover arousal pushes toward more risk, looking for the next hit.

Recognizing the cycle is the first step. After a significant event, take a break. Step away from the screen, move around, drink water. Allow the physiological state to settle.

Define the post-event protocol: wait a set number of minutes, then check the spread and conditions, then resume at normal or reduced size.

Track performance in the hour after major releases. If it is consistently weaker, the pause should be longer.

Treat energy as a resource that is spent by intense moments and needs to be replenished.

How does performance in the hour after a major release compare with a normal hour?