Truck Driving Tips: How to deal with stress on the road
Stress is a normal part of life. But for truck drivers, things are much worse. Every day they have to deal with distracted drivers, strict deadlines, weather conditions, and sleep problems, etc. And at the end of such a rough working day, they can’t come home and spend time with their loved ones. They have to stay behind the wheel of a truck. But there are few simple tips that could really improve truckers’ daily lives.
Start an exercise routine
It is not healthy to stay in one position for long periods of time. So it is very important to stop and have a rest. It would be great to stretch for several minutes, walk around and take deep breaths to relax. Thinking about on-the-road fitness? Don’t forget to consult your doctor before starting a new sport routine.
Eat Healthily
Mental health is directly related to physical health. So it is really important to eat as healthy as you can. And you will immediately feel the changes in your body. Because the right diet can reduce stress levels. Forget about junk food and take steps to eat healthier.
Get a sufficient amount of quality sleep
Falling asleep quickly can be a real challenge for a trucker. But without proper rest, it is almost impossible to remain attentive on the road and stress-resistant. So do everything you can to make your truck more comfortable for good sleep. And if you have trouble breathing while sleeping, be sure to see your doctor. It could be sleep apnea, which means you need qualified help. Otherwise, you may even lose your CDL.
Plan your route
It is important to feel that you can control your life. So before starting your route, plan it carefully. Getting lost on the road, being late with deliveries, or being stuck in traffic for a long time can be really annoying. So use GPS, plan your road trip, check for heavy traffic jams and feel stressless.
Know what actually relaxes you
It is critically important to know what really helps you to relax. Because sometimes after doing some “relax” activity you may feel even more stressed. Like after scrolling Twitter or Facebook feed, or watching some Netflix series. Or even meditation! If you only do it because someone advised you, but in fact, you find it boring or useless. Maybe you feel peaceful after talking with family, or when you are trucking with a pet. The other ideas are breathing exercises, listening to podcasts, or favorite playlist. Just think a little bit and find your go-to relaxation activity.
