As a truck driver, you don’t have a lot of time to devote to yourself. Your rigid schedule, including tight deadlines and the frustrations along the road, can cause you to feel stressed, lethargic, and even worn out. Fundamental Labor Strategies, a CDL truck driver staffing company in North Jersey, has put together a list of simple tips and tricks to keep your body and your mind healthy on the road.
Stay Hydrated. Being on the road all day, it can be easy to forget to drink water. Dehydration can cause a slew of problems, like causing you to feel faint. This is a major issue for truck drivers, especially considering the risk of causing a major accident. If you feel thirsty, your body has already entered a state of dehydration. To avoid this, make a habit of sipping water throughout the day instead of only drinking when you’re thirsty.
Nourish Your Body. It can hard to find food that’s good for you while you’re out on the road. To help combat this, consume healthy shakes or smoothies! You can pack several servings of fruits and vegetables into one smoothie, and they’re easy to drink while you’re driving. If and when you do make a food stop, opt for something high in protein to help sustain your energy until your next stop.
Limit Your Caffeine. Coffee and other stimulants have become widely popular in the trucking industry. They’re easy to consume and access and most importantly, effective. Stimulants can be detrimental to your health, as they only trick your body into thinking it has energy. In the end, this can cause you to push yourself beyond your physical limits and do more harm than good. Instead of overindulging in coffee or other caffeine-ridden beverages, rest when your body needs it.
Swap Your Snacks. Instead of loading the truck with chips, pretzels, chocolate, and other traditional junk foods, choose their healthier counterparts. Having healthy snacks like nuts, apples, and whole grain crackers on hand will help curb those cravings for junk food and limit the amount of times you have to stop for a meal. Doing so will also help prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking and crashing, which can cause you to feel tired and irritated.
Get Plenty Of Sleep. Nothing does your body right like a good night’s sleep. This is especially true for anyone in the trucking industry. A solid 8 hours of sleep help keeps your mind sharp and focused while you’re on the road. Invest in a sleep mask to help block the sunlight for those times you have an irregular sleep schedule!
Detox Your Mind. Driving a large vehicle can be very stressful at times. Whether you’re worried about your freight, the weather, or other drivers on the road, plenty of stresses present themselves when you’re driving. Take charge of your stress and frustrations on the road with daily meditation. Blocking out the world for 5-10 minutes at a time can help you clear your mind and reset before your journey. Take breaks throughout the day to give your mind a rest and prevent “white-line fever!”
Schedule Regular Check-ups. Plan to visit your doctor annually to ensure your health hasn’t changed. Doctor’s visits help you understand the current state of your health. Talk with your doctor about any pre-existing conditions you may need to monitor as well as your weight and sleep habits.
Keep your truck and your health in line on the road with these tips and tricks!