August 1, 2019
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and it can become difficult to stay healthy while you are in the driver’s seat. It is essential to your wellbeing to stay healthy while you are on the go. Follow these seven truck driver health tips to stay in top shape on the road.
Drink Water
We know truck drivers can’t be stopping constantly for bathroom breaks but you need to find a happy medium and stay hydrated. Health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which equals half a gallon of water. Water also keeps you full and regulates your body temperature. Drinking the recommended amount helps keep you healthy and hydrated.
Avoid Unnecessary Stimulants
It is easy for a truck driver to stop by a gas station for some coffee or a caffeinated beverage to stay energized, just don’t count on those drinks throughout the day to keep you moving. Although they do offer a boost of energy, in the long run they can damage your health. Implement more fruits and vegetables into your diet, which provides your body with much needed nutrients and gives you the natural energy you need for long drives.
Protect Yourself From the Sun
Be aware of how much sun you are being exposed to on the road at all times. Too much exposure from the sun can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. Wear sunglasses, apply sunscreen and avoid too much direct sunlight exposure.
Get Your Rest
Getting sleep from the road takes planning but it’s most likely mandated by your employer. Although it is more difficult to sleep on the road for some truck drivers, it is essential to get at least six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep in order to function and arrive to your destinations safely.
Avoid Meat & Fatty Foods
Meat and food rich in fat content are hard to pass up when you are looking for something to eat quickly. Too much meat and fatty foods on the go, though, are unhealthy. Implement plant-based foods such as avocados, potatoes, spinach, legumes, nuts and seeds into your diet. These foods will help with digestion and keep you fuller for longer periods of time. Having too much candy, meat, and chips can clog your arteries.
Manage Your Stress
Managing truck driver stress while on the road is essential to your health. Plan to allow yourself enough time to get to your destinations to avoid the stress of rushing, which can also lead to accidents. Listening to your favorite music or reading audiobooks to keep you centered will also do wonders for your health.
Take Advantage of Exercise Opportunities
Follow the rules of the road to fitness. It is important during long drives to stop when time allows for stretching and exercise to move those muscles and reduce stress levels. Implement a push-up and sit-up regime when you pull over and consider some yoga stretching exercises to keep you limber.
Implementing these truck driver health tips into your everyday life will help you stay healthy and fit on long drives where you have to sit for long periods of time.
Drive with ABCO
ABCO Transportation specializes in temperature-sensitive freight. We embrace diversity and provide competitive wages and excellent benefits to employees. If you’re ready to get behind the driver’s seat while staying healthy with a company that cares about its drivers, contact us today. We offer fantastic driver benefits and would love to speak to you about our truck driving opportunities.