Tips for Truck Drivers Staying Healthy on the Road

Get Your Sleep

The average person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. As a truck driver your schedule is never the same and not always predictable, but getting sleep is essential to your overall health. To maximize on the sleep you are getting, try out these steps:

• Stop consuming coffee 6 hours before going to sleep
• Refrain from taking naps, they can confuse your internal clock and keep you from sleeping at night
• Do not eat late in the evening
• Avoid bright screens within 1-2 hours of going to sleep

Making Smart Choices When Eating Out

Is it easy to go through the drive-thru and order a burger and fries? Yes. Is that something you should be doing daily because it is easy? Definitely not. When you don’t have the option of making something healthy, try going somewhere and swapping out a burger for a chicken sandwich or skip the fries and order a side salad. Simple choices like these might not seem like much, but they can make a big difference in the long run.

Stay Social

Being on the road by yourself for long periods of time can become lonely, so it is important to stay connected. If you are passing through somewhere that you know someone, plan to meet them for lunch or even just grab a coffee. Call your mom to catch up and ask how her day is going. Talking to your loved ones can boost your mood, give you something to look forward to and make time pass when your day seems like it is dragging.

Enjoy Your Surroundings

Being a truck driver gives you the opportunity to see so many different places, so why not take advantage of it? When you have a break, plan time to go sightseeing, go for a walk, whatever sounds enjoyable to you. Doing this gives you time to unwind and makes work feel a little bit less like work.