Top Self-Care Tips for Truckers
Author: Gloria Martinez
Image via Pexels
Focus on Your Health
The trucking lifestyle is notoriously unhealthy. You're often on the road for long periods of time, eating unhealthy food and not getting enough exercise. This can lead to health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can keep up your health by following a few tips:
Eat healthy foods. Instead of going through the drive-through, try to eat healthy foods instead, such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Get regular exercise. Truckers often don't get enough exercise because they're always behind the wheel. But you can always make time. Try to start your mornings with a 10-minute jog, or at least do 100 jumping jacks.
Stay away from stimulants. Gas stations make a fortune selling caffeine pills to truckers. Avoid these if you can. Instead, pull over and rest when you're tired. Logging those few extra miles isn't worth your health.
Stay Alert
As a truck driver, you're responsible for the safety of not only yourself but others on the road. You can do several things to stay alert while driving, including:
Getting enough sleep. Most drivers need at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
Staying hydrated. Dehydration leads to fatigue and drowsiness.
Avoiding heavy meals. These can also make you drowsy.
Take Safety Precautions
By taking the proper safety precautions, you can reduce your risk of being in a serious accident. Some safety tips include wearing your seat belt, using a hands-free device when talking on the phone, and avoiding distractions while driving. You should also make sure your truck is properly maintained and stay apprised of weather conditions.
Reduce Stress
The trucking industry can be cut-throat. If your boss is feeling the pinch, some of that stress might trickle down to you. A few reasons this industry can be a pressure cooker include:
Competition. There's always someone willing to drive for a few cents less per mile.
Lack of capital. It takes money to make money, and trucking companies are notorious for running operations using the wrong business model.
Poor parts sourcing. When a truck component fails, being able to get a quality replacement part quickly is critical.
You can keep this stress from affecting your day-to-day life by focusing on your specific job and doing it as safely and efficiently as you can.
Stay Connected With Family
The best way to combat loneliness on the road is to stay connected with family. This can be done in various ways, such as through phone calls, texting, or social media. Family is an important support system for truckers and can help make the long days on the road more bearable.
The Bottom Line on Taking Care of Yourself as a Trucker
If you're a trucker, staying safe and healthy is important because your safety affects everyone else on the road. For top-notch truck repair and maintenance in Canton, OH, visit Fox Truck & Tractor LLC.