Category Archives: Staying Healthy

Truck Drivers Can Improve Their Mental Health While on the Road

Truck Drivers Can Improve Their Mental Health While on the Road

People who don’t drive trucks for a living have an idea that being a truck driver is easy– “they just drive all day.” Well, truckers have a job that’s taxing both physically and mentally. There’s a lot to driving a big rig, and it can take its toll on a person’s mental health.

How can truckers improve their mental health?

For starters, it’s a good idea to do brain exercises like crossword puzzles and old fashioned jigsaw puzzles to keep the mind sharp. Many truckers like watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, too. It’s a good thing to engage the mind and challenge it now and then. Whatever you can do to boost your memory and improve your focus and concentration– do that!

Next, it’s important to be/stay connected to other people. Trucking can be a solitary kind of job, without too much human contact sometimes. Therefore, it can help to have phone calls, video chats, etc. with friends and family members. Sometimes seeing/hearing a loved one can make all the difference in a trucker’s day. It also helps to carry photos from home in your rig. And, for fun, send postcards home.

Thirdly, sleep is so important– and if you’re not getting enough quality sleep, you’re going to be irritable. Avoid drinking caffeine in the evening. Use a weighted blanket. Have a nightly routine. Consider getting a sleep study done to find out if you have sleep apnea.

Besides getting quality sleep, some other ways to improve your mental health include listening to inspirational music or podcasts, as well as meditating, exercises/stretching, and practicing deep breathing techniques.

Driving a truck can be stressful. It’s important to do what you can to relax and unwind. You don’t want to always be “keyed up” and “on edge.” That’s not good for your body or mind.

If and when you experience issues that make it hard to get your work done, let alone live a “normal life,” then it’s time to consider talking to a counselor. Don’t let your pride get in the way– talking to a counselor can truly help you unload your worries so you feel lighter– not weighed down and stressed out.

Why It’s Prudent for Truck Drivers to Take Vacations

Why It’s Prudent for Truck Drivers to Take Vacations

Are you a professional truck driver or live with one? It seems like truckers are always on the road, driving somewhere. But what about vacations? It’s prudent for truck drivers to take vacations. After all, the job can be stressful, with long hours, traffic jams, difficult people to deal with, etc. Meanwhile, truckers have to… Continue Reading

What is Driver Fatigue?

What is Driver Fatigue?

Are you getting enough sleep? Are you getting enough quality sleep? Most people aren’t, including truck drivers. People who drive trucks should be getting 7 or 8 hours of quality sleep each night, but that’s not always the case. When drivers are really, really tired, that’s known as driver fatigue, and it can be fatal.… Continue Reading

Consider These Presents for the Truck Driver In Your Life

Consider These Presents for the Truck Driver In Your Life

Truck drivers spend a lot of time in their trucks, going down the open road, traveling from city to city and then some… What kind of gifts would be good for the truck driver in your life? Help Truck Drivers Protect Their Valuables For starters, how about a portable diversion safe they can take with… Continue Reading