Caffeine and the execution hand
Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2026 9:03 pm
A coffee before the London open feels like preparation. Too much of it shows up as shaky hands, faster heartbeat, and impulsive clicks.
Caffeine sharpens attention at moderate doses and impairs fine control at high ones. For a scalper, the second effect matters, since execution depends on steady, deliberate actions.
The signs include rushed entries, grabbing at small profits, and overreacting to normal fluctuations. They tend to appear about an hour after a heavy dose.
Tracking intake against performance sounds trivial but is easy. A line in the journal noting the number of cups and the results of the session is enough for a pattern to emerge.
Some find that one cup is ideal and three is a disaster. Others do better with none. The only way to know is measuring.
Hydration and food matter too. A skipped meal and a stack of espressos is a recipe for shaky decisions.
Has caffeine intake ever shown up in the performance data?
Caffeine sharpens attention at moderate doses and impairs fine control at high ones. For a scalper, the second effect matters, since execution depends on steady, deliberate actions.
The signs include rushed entries, grabbing at small profits, and overreacting to normal fluctuations. They tend to appear about an hour after a heavy dose.
Tracking intake against performance sounds trivial but is easy. A line in the journal noting the number of cups and the results of the session is enough for a pattern to emerge.
Some find that one cup is ideal and three is a disaster. Others do better with none. The only way to know is measuring.
Hydration and food matter too. A skipped meal and a stack of espressos is a recipe for shaky decisions.
Has caffeine intake ever shown up in the performance data?