August is national wellness month. Trucking is a difficult job, and now is a good time for drivers to evaluate their wellness practices. It’s important to never let mental or physical health fall by the wayside. This article will discuss five tips to help you maintain your overall wellness, even on the road.
No. 1: Always Get Enough Sleep
One of the reasons trucking is such a hard job is inconsistent schedules with extended hours. Scheduling like this can make it challenging for drivers to get consistent rest. However, getting enough sleep is crucial to promoting your overall wellness and ensuring your safety on the road. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Always get at least 7 hours of sleep before hitting the road.
No. 2: Get Exercise Regularly
Of course, it’s not always possible to hit a gym while you’re on the road. However, exercise is just as important for professional drivers as for everyone else. Consider quick workouts like push-ups or squats that you can do on your breaks.
Regular exercise has many benefits for drivers:
- It keeps your body fit despite long hours spent sitting in the vehicle.
- It keeps you alert and focused by giving you an energy boost.
- You maintain your overall health and reduce the risk of many common health issues.
No. 3: Take Breaks
Many drivers try to forgo breaks to make their deliveries faster. However, breaks are essential to maintaining your mental and physical well-being. Taking a break will help you destress and clear your mind, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed or frustrated. You can exercise, take a 10-20 minute power nap, or simply sit back and relax during these breaks. These uses of your time will help maintain your energy and positivity on the road.
No. 4: Focus on Nutrition
Nutrition is something else that often gets off-track for drivers. Drivers often don’t have access to a full kitchen or fresh ingredients, and a healthy diet can be a challenge while on the road. However, nutrition is a fundamental part of driver health that must be prioritized. There are many healthy snacks, such as nuts, yogurt, and fruit, can be taken on the road. Pre-sliced lunch meat can provide an excellent source of protein. Focus on getting vitamins and protein into your diet– it immensely impacts your overall health.
No. 5: Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
Trucking can be a lonely job. Many people struggle with the profession for this reason alone. Loneliness is not a trivial issue — it significantly impacts your mental health. Contact your loved ones at every opportunity. Spending time with them, even over the phone, can have psychological and physical benefits. Loneliness can raise stress levels, leading to heart problems and inflammation. Maintaining positive relationships is another way to improve your wellness.
Read More About Driver Health
At Azuga, we know fleet issues. This understanding of the industry doesn’t only apply when we keep your fleet productive and safe with our technology solutions. We are also aware of the stress of a trucking job and seek to make life easier for drivers. Read some of our previous blog entries to learn more about driver health and wellness.
How Does Trucking Affect Driver Health? – Jul. 18th, 2023
This article discusses the health effects that can impact truck drivers due to the nature of their profession. It highlights various health concerns such as obesity, sleep disorders, mental health issues, and musculoskeletal problems prevalent among truck drivers and offers insights into preventive measures and lifestyle changes to mitigate these risks.
How to Combat Driver Fatigue – Jul. 17th, 2023
This article addresses the issue of driver fatigue and its potential dangers, especially among commercial drivers. It provides several strategies and tips to combat driver fatigue, including proper rest breaks, creating a sleep-friendly environment, recognizing warning signs, and leveraging technology for fatigue monitoring and alertness.
How to Implement a Rewards System for Fleet Drivers – Sep. 6th, 2021
This article explains the process of implementing a rewards system for fleet drivers to promote safe driving practices and improve overall performance. It offers step-by-step guidance, including setting clear objectives, choosing appropriate rewards, tracking driver behavior, and creating a positive and motivating atmosphere within the fleet.
