Day trading is a challenging and risky financial activity. Day trading demands quick thinking, fast acting, and a sharp sensitivity to market shifts. However, in capable hands, it may pave the way to immense profits.

Day trading involves buying and selling a financial instrument such as stocks, forex, or commodities within a single trading day. This means positions are usually opened and closed within a single session. It's a strategy usually employed by experienced traders given its high-risk nature.

The essence of day trading focuses on capitalizing on market volatility. Through capturing the price movements in a day, traders can capitalize on small gains that collectively result in significant profits.

To succeed in day trading, individuals need a robust strategy. This plan ideally encompasses technical analysis, efficient risk management, and the mental fortitude to handle the stress. Technical analysis involves the use of charts and other tools to identify patterns that can predict future price movements. Risk management, on the other hand, involves setting up safeguards against potential losses.

Psychology plays a significant role in day trading. Emotional reactions and hasty decisions are common traps, leading to considerable financial downfalls. Hence, staying disciplined and adhering to the trading strategy is the cornerstone of success in day trading.

It's crucial to realize that day trading may not suit everyone's financial goals or risk tolerance. The inherent risks, coupled with the need for specialized knowledge, can daunt newcomers. Without proper knowledge and understanding of financial markets, technical analysis, and risk management, diving into day trading might be a dangerous endeavor.

While day trading has the potential to yield superior profits, it also accompanies sizeable risks. Sound knowledge, proper planning, trade the day and discipline are the pillars of successful day trading. Thus, treating day trading with the seriousness it deserves is paramount.

Despite the risks, day trading can be a rewarding endeavor for those who do their due diligence and are willing to put in the work.

In conclusion, day trading is a risky but potentially lucrative financial activity. It involves not just understanding market trends, but also being psychologically prepared to handle the pressures of swift trading. In the end, day trading isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, but rather a financial venture that requires patience, discipline, and the tenacity to weather the waves of the fickle financial market.