![]() Owner/operators especially have great autonomy to set their own hours and lanes. As a truck driver, you likely have more freedom than someone working in a cubicle does. But I challenge you to change your perspective and think about the positives, too. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of being a driver-especially when they’re affecting your health. Geocaching is a fun outdoor game that gets you out of your truck and often brings you places you would never know exist. Another popular outdoor option is geocaching, a using your phone. Take a walk, practice tai chi in the grass, and short hikes are my go to activities. I like to use my time to get out in nature. Rather than seeing your mandated 30-minute break as an intrusion on your day, look at it as an opportunity to do something that will make you healthier. And that’s great, but not everyone is ready for that. Now many experts advocate 300 minutes of intense cardio exercise every week to combat the negative effects of sitting. And when you’re on the road, there’s no avoiding it. ![]() Try out several ways to lower your stress and find the one that’s right for you. I even know drivers who have gotten a pet as a companion when on the road. But you might find a kickboxing class or favorite music playlist helps you. Yoga and tai chi are also tools I use regularly. I’ve found several meditation apps that help me de-stress. Identifying what causes you stress means you can apply tools to help deal with them. It’s a vicious cycle that can suck you in and lead to burnout.ĭissipating stress starts with awareness. Even unhealthy foods can add undue stress on the body. When awake, drivers often face the stress of traffic, equipment problems, and a ticking clock on hours of service. When you’re stressed, it makes it hard to sleep and no sleep means more stress. Practically everything about a long haul lifestyle adds stress to your day. It’s certainly a healthier (and more relaxing) option than jolting your system awake with an energy drink. This will help your body reset its natural clock and help you feel more rested. And when you wake up, spend as much time as possible outside in the early morning sunshine. Consider a white noise or meditation app to help you fall asleep quickly. Make it as pitch black as possible and turn your phone off (or at least suspend the notifications). Start by cleaning up your sleep environment. Well you and I both know that’s not the case for truck drivers.Įven if your driving schedule means switching from days to nights and back again, there are other things you can do to help promote quality sleep. In an ideal world, you’d go to bed and wake at the same time every day. The less consistent your sleep schedule, the harder it is on your body. It’s fast, easy, and I know that I’m getting high quality ingredients. When I’m at home, I personally like to can my own meat and ferment my own vegetables. One way around these issues is to partake in a little meal planning and prepping. Of course, healthier options are not only harder to find on the road, but also typically require refrigeration-something you likely don’t have a lot of room for. I even suggest truck drivers stay away from fruit because there’s too much sugar. ![]() ![]() For truck drivers, this means choosing lots of meat, vegetables, and water. I recommend eating food as they exist in nature as much as possible. Truck stops and fast food places are filled with the worst kind of foods-empty carbs and sugar. If you’ve been driving for any length of time, you already know that having easy access to good, nutritious food on the road is a challenge. 4 areas of life that truck drivers can improve 1. Instead, it encompasses four areas of your life that all influence your general well-being. The idea of holistic wellness as a truck driver isn’t just about eating like a rabbit and running on a treadmill until you’re beyond bored. The lifestyle of a truck driver certainly can make healthy choices more difficult, but they’re far from impossible. Did you know that the FMCSA estimates the average life span of a truck driver at only 61 years old? That’s drastically lower than the national average. But they might not have told you about all the health challenges you’d face either. No one said being a truck driver was an easy gig. ![]()
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