It is no secret that driving a truck can be a stressful job. You have to put up with tight schedules, long hours, bad weather, and distracted drivers. But stress is bad for your health and can put you at risk of aggressive driving. The next time you are feeling stressed on the road, consider the following tips.
Get Some Entertainment
If you feel bored as you drive along, you are more likely to get stressed out. Overcome this by finding something fun to listen to. Create a playlist of your favorite songs that keep you happy and help you concentrate on the road. Or listen to some podcasts or a book on tape. Just be sure that whatever you choose to listen to will not distract you from driving.
Try to Eat Healthily
You may not realize it, but your nutritional intake can affect your stress levels. If you can, do your best to stick to healthier meals and snacks whenever possible. The increase in nutrients should help you feel better. Of course, you can still treat yourself every once in a while. And, you should not worry if you can’t find a healthy option on the road. Eating something is more important for your stress, overall health, and concentration than eating healthy.
Stretch and Move When Possible
As a truck driver, you have to spend most of your day sitting behind the wheel. This can lead to stress in your body as well as in your mind. To overcome this, make the most of your breaks and get up and move around. Even if it is just a short three- to five-minute break, it can reduce your stress and make your back feel better. Stretch or go for a short walk to clear your mind and relax your muscles.
Get Enough Sleep
Although it can be hard to do so in a truck’s sleeping compartment, you should always do your best to get a good night’s sleep. This will not only reduce your stress, but it will also help you concentrate and stay safe on the road. Do your best to keep your sleeping compartment dark, cool, and free from distractions. Turn your electronics off at least an hour, preferably two, before going to sleep.
Stay Connected With Loved Ones
When you are not on the road, make the most of the time you can spend with family and friends. Spend quality time together, enjoying meals, playing games, and chatting. This will give you plenty of happy memories to keep you going on longer hauls. Making your time together count will also help you overcome any guilt about spending so much time on the road.
When you are on the road, use technology to stay connected. Use video chat to keep in touch during your breaks or at night when you are resting.
Buy Some Stress Relievers
You may also want to keep some items that help you stay calm on hand. The perfect example is a stress ball that you can squeeze in your hand during a break. Some drivers also find cooling towels to be relaxing. As a bonus, they help fight fatigue as well.