The prospect of trucking across the country with nothing other than a beautiful view and a radio for company is many people’s idea of a dream job.
The solitude, freedom, and, of course, the wage that a trucking job can provide is not without its risks however, and looking after one’s own physical health is an essential part of the job.
If you feel as though you could be doing more to look after yourself on and off the road, here are some important tips you might want to consider taking a look at.
Taking the Right Jobs
Sometimes, a job might not be all it is cracked up to be on paper and inadvertently lead to a painfully long journey due to a breakdown in communication.
This can greatly affect one’s mental health and impose upon their ability to get the job done in a time that works out for them.
Thankfully, a great online load board can prove to be an easy place to look for work, as it lets you search for deliveries that best suit your current needs without having to overstretch yourself or take on unnecessary shipments. Also, you can check for cdl a drivers jobs here.
Moving Your Legs
Depending on how often you embark on long trips, remaining in a seated position for long lengths of time can cause some serious problems to your legs and the rest of your body, for that matter.
Making sure to walk around and stretch your legs when you get a chance to stop may be able to minimize your risk of blood clots.
Regular stretches and exercise can also be a fantastic way to help take the pressure off your body, which can be very painful if left unchecked.
Pressure socks may also be worth considering, as they can work towards nullifying your discomfort by keeping your circulation flowing nicely.
Getting Enough Sleep
As any trucker knows well, driving for long hours can take quite a toll on your health, especially if you’re not getting enough sleep and burning the candle at both ends. Lack of rest can lead to not only decreased concentration, but also slower reaction times, making it extremely important that drivers prioritize quality sleep.
To start, truckers should aim for a consistent sleep schedule whenever possible, creating some type of routine. Breaks are also helpful to recharge during longer hauls.
Simple adjustments and investments, like creating a restful sleeping environment in your truck, can go a long way in driver performance. Something as simple as black-out curtains or a supportive semi cab mattress can help improve your sleep quality tenfold and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to drive. Also, avoid caffeine or heavy meals before bed, as these can disrupt your body’s ability to wind down.
Getting proper rest doesn’t just benefit your health as a trucker but keeps you alert and ready for the challenges of the road.
Remember to Drink Water
Staying hydrated is an essential part of nurturing your physical health, and the many benefits of drinking water can help you out on those particularly long trips.
Making sure to regularly reach for the water bottle throughout the entirety of the day can save you from dehydration, as it sometimes has the tendency to sneak up unannounced.
Cutting Down on Coffee
Although coffee is perhaps one of the world’s greatest beverages, drinking too much of it can lead to some highly detrimental factors regarding your physical health.
If you reach for the coffee every time you find yourself feeling even slightly tired, your Circadian rhythm alter, thus throwing off your ability to know when you should be resting or not.
The same goes for energy drinks, so it might be worth seeing if you can cut down in any way possible.
Healthy Food
Sugary snacks are delicious, quick, cheap, and easy, but they can often fail to provide your body with the sustenance it requires to complete long-distance road trips.
Opting to make your own meals before you set off is a good way to avoid having to spend too much of your hard-earned cash on food that might eventually harm you in the long term.