While driving a truck isn’t any more sedentary a job than your typical 9 to 5, it can lead to a very unhealthy lifestyle if you are not conscious about taking care of yourself. When you’re working a job that requires you to be in a sitting position the majority of the time, you should put some extra thought into ways to stay healthy. Sitting too much is unhealthy in its own right, but the boredom it causes can also be the catalyst for many bad habits, including overeating or smoking.
To make matters worse, truck stops often offer less than nutritious food, sodas, and sugary snacks. When the place that provides you with rest, sleep, and showers is also stocked with tempting, unhealthy foods, it can be tough to avoid them. But making a stop to get some fresh fruit and veggies to eat is worth the extra effort time it may take to keep you healthy and energized in the right ways.
Strive to Combine Health and Convenience
Many fresh veggies, like broccoli and cauliflower, come in convenient re-sealable bags. They are easy to eat, don’t need cooking, and are highly nutritious. There are also bags of pre-cut and pre-washed fruit in the markets today, so you won’t even need to worry about it being clean.
Get Creative About Exercise
Keeping comfortable clothing and running or walking shoes with you on your journey is a great idea that will allow the opportunity for some simple exercise here and there. You can walk or take a quick jog at many of your stops. Storing some free weights in your truck is also extremely helpful, as weight lifting can help maintain muscle and keep your metabolism revved up.
Sleep When You Can
While there are plenty of regulations to protect drivers from unsafe conditions, long distance driving doesn’t always allow for an ideal schedule of sleep, despite how important it is for your health. Making sure you get as much sleep as you need will not only make you a safer driver, it will also improve your short and long term health. Instead of wasting your down time on watching TV, get the rest and relaxation you need.
Take Time for the Mind
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Reading at truck stops or listening to audio books and music on the road are great ways to break up the monotony of driving the highway. These activities keep the mind alert while providing entertainment and stimulation for the brain on those long hauls.
For more tips on staying healthy and happy on the road, and for driver staffing and placement services in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Austin areas, check out Platinum Drivers today.