Staying Healthy on the Road

Staying Healthy on the Road

When becoming a truck driver, it can be difficult to make healthy decisions. Whether you’re crunched for time or don’t like the taste of healthier options, hopefully some of these tips can get you on the right track or help you improve even more.

• Make a Schedule

Taking a few minutes a day to plan out when and where you’ll be when you need to make a stop can be pretty beneficial. If you have a plan, it can take away the stress of not knowing when your next meal will be. It can also create a better routine and not have you eating at odd hours throughout the day. And bring snacks! One of the best ways to stay healthy is to incorporate healthy snacks.

• Take it Slow

There’s no need to jump right in to the health-world full speed. If you think you’d like to get healthier, by all means, give it a shot!  However, it may be easier to make small substitutions at first. Maybe start by bringing a protein bar with you instead of a bag of chips. Or you could cut out soft drinks and go toward drinking water most of the time. Small alternative choices can make a difference over a long period of time! As long as you’re making an effort to just do a little better every day, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

• Get Some Exercise Equipment

So obviously you can’t fit a treadmill in your truck, but there are some other smaller options that may help get the blood flowing. After driving several hours straight, you should take some time to de-stress by exercising. A portable bike is an option that can be easily stored in your sleeper compartment. Some rest areas may even have some trails to walk/bike. A kettle bell is another option that takes up very little room and can be used most any time.

• Keep Your Mind in Check

Being on the road followed by just going to sleep for days at a time can get pretty monotonous. It’s a good idea to take some time to think about your mental health as well. A couple of examples are audio books and language apps. You’d be surprised how quickly you can learn a language when you’re fully engaged in it. Podcasts are another solid option. There are podcasts out there for any and all interests, from sports to murder mysteries and even some about dungeons and dragons! There are also plenty of apps dedicated to exercising your mind, Lumosity probably being the most popular.

When it comes down to it, being on the road all the time is just plain hard; physically and mentally. These tips are just some things to consider and maybe build into your workday. If you have any questions about starting a trucking business, becoming a truck driver, how factoring works, etc., feel free to contact us anytime at www.truckingpartners.com