Truckers: Improve Your Health & Happiness with These Simple Tips

We’re already a quarter of the way through 2024 and most of our New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. That doesn’t mean it’s too late to make better choices for your personal health and happiness. Being a driver can be a lonely job with long days on the road. It can also take its toll physically, sitting in the cab for hours on end, eating at truck stops and sleeping in your cab. There are some simple steps you can take and better habits you can practice to make life healthier on and off the road.

Take Five to Clear Your Mind

Sometimes, even a brief five-minute break can make all the difference. If you are feeling a little foggy or just need to clear your mind, take a quick five minutes to yourself. Another great trend in the trucking industry is the 5-5-5 Rule for wellness. You can set aside 15 minutes of your day, split up into five-minute intervals. Spend five those focusing on your mental health. Spend another five reading something uplifting. Then, use the last five for physical activity like stretching your legs and back.

Find Your Motivation

One of the biggest challenges of the trucking lifestyle is staying motivated. Take moments to remind yourself why you are doing this. For some it’s the love of the open road. Others are doing it because it’s a great, stable career financially speaking. You can provide for yourself and your family, even if you aren’t always home to enjoy time with them. Figure out what motivates you and use this to keep you focused while out on a long haul. 

Intentional Movements

We mentioned stretching earlier. This is one of the best things you can do when taking a break at a rest stop or truck stop. Spend a little time doing some stretches. Sitting in a truck all day isn’t always easy on your body. Get the blood flowing through stretching and other simple physical activities. Pack along some small weights, do some simple calisthenics, or just walk a few laps around the parking lot. A healthy body often leads to a healthier mind.

Hydrate & Eat Healthier

It is very important to stay hydrated. It can be a pain to stop more often for bathroom breaks, but proper hydration is critical to your overall health. You should also aim to make healthier eating choices while on the road. This is not always easy. However, opting for healthier meals and snacks will pay health benefits and help you stay more mentally focused.

Create a Sleep Routine

Sleeping while on the road is something all truckers have to adapt to eventually. It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep (or morning, afternoon or whenever you are taking your sleep breaks). One way to get better sleep is to create a consistent bedtime routine like you would have at home. Go through the same steps. Get your mind and body used to certain activities like brushing your teeth, reading or calling your loved ones. This will help you develop a better sleep routine.

Practice Gratitude

One of the best things you can do is practice gratitude on a daily basis. This goes back to finding your motivation and purposefully reminding yourself about the positives in life. Why did you choose a career in trucking? What makes you happy? Who are you helping with your job? Be grateful for all the good things in your life and try to focus on the positive as much as possible. You will be amazed at how your outlook will change.

These are a few simple tips to help you improve your health and happiness as a truck driver. For all your trucking resources and educational opportunities, count on America Truck Driving School. Follow our blog for more tips or contact us if you are interested in advanced training opportunities.