As a professional truck driver, you have too many responsibilities. Looking after your vehicle for diesel engine repair and service is one, but the responsibility you should prioritize is staying healthy and looking after yourself.
Truck driving is a hectic job with several health hazards that can threaten your well-being. Common causes are stress, lack of sleep and on-the-go unhealthy food. Being inattentive to your health will cost you more in the long run.
Here are some tips for our fellow truckers to keep their health in check and be at their best on the road!
Change your diet
You are what you eat, not literally, but yes. Your diet can make all the difference you need to improve your health and focus.
Start by making small changes. For example, reduce your fast food consumption by packing homemade food. Switch to light and nutritious snacks like dry fruits and fresh fruits instead of packaged foods.
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast and create a balance between proteins, carbs and fats in your diet. All of this sounds taxing. However, your body will also change once you start changing your diet. You might even begin liking that asparagus in your salad at some point!
Get more sleep
With years of research, the only definitive thing neuroscientists claim is that sleep helps your body recover.
Sleep deprivation reduces brain function and can lead to mental fog. This can also increase the chances of an accident. If you cannot sleep for 8 hours in a row, break down your sleep schedule and make up for some lost sleep in the afternoon.
Less artificial beverages, more water
As straightforward as it sounds. Cut back on energy drinks, sodas and coffee as much as possible. While sodas and energy drinks are ruining your health, coffee isn’t all that bad. But too much caffeine can lead to many health problems over time.
Instead, it would help if you tried fresh fruit juices, healthy shakes, smoothies or organic teas. Just as refreshing and a lot more beneficial.
Exercise
Everyone preaches the importance of exercise regardless of profession. Sitting all day in a cramped space can seriously weaken your muscles and nerves. Start by taking walks and short workout routines to get your body moving.
Use nutritional supplements
Maintaining a diet when you’re always on the road can be nearly impossible. Also, you can only get so much from three meals a day.
Your body needs vitamins and minerals that are hard to find in foods in large quantities. Get yourself a bottle of gummies or other food supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Wear sunscreen
The sun is our best friend yet our greatest enemy. Today, sun rays are harmful to our skin due to the depleting ozone (we all know global warming by now). UV rays from the sun can cause heat strokes and increase the possibility of skin cancer. Remember to wear your sunscreen at all times!
Improve your posture
You’re just one step away from a life free of back pains and joint aches. That step is improving your posture. You can start with buying head and back supports or installing armrests in your truck to help you sit straight.
The next time you go for a truck repair or visit a diesel mechanic Calgary, you should ask them to help you install the right posture support equipment or give suggestions.
Avoid burnout
Don’t drive for many hours consecutively. Don’t miss out on sleep. Don’t give up on your hobbies. Take time for rest. Plan your next vacation. Give yourself quality time.
All of that is necessary for everyone working in today’s time. Industries are competitive, and economies are staggering. However, your mental health takes priority as it should.
Start small towards your goal
There’s no need to rush yourself. Progress takes time. You should keep this list saved and try focusing on crossing out one goal every two months.
