Mental Well-Being Tips For Truck Drivers
Trucking is a profession that calls for 18-20 hours of work in one day. Sometimes, drivers have to spend weeks and even months out on the road. The monotony of driving through the road all alone often makes the journey depressing. It is important for the drivers to try to find a healthy balance of work in order to maintain overall well-being. Here are a few tips that can help truck drivers to relax and have a successful and healthy career:
- Traveling partner: Most trucking companies sometimes allow drivers to take either their pet or their spouse/partner on the journey. This breaks the monotony and also helps in improving the driver’s relationship with their spouse. It also gives the spouse a look into every day like their trucking partner.
- Family time: Nowadays it is very easy to be in touch with family through voice and video calls. Also, listening to the voice of loved ones at least once a day can boost mood and help in relaxing.
- Vacation: Although trucking doesn’t bring a hefty paycheck, with proper budgeting, you can save enough to take some time out and go on a vacation, preferably someplace where you don’t have to drive. Taking time away from your truck will definitely be a refreshing experience.
- Choosing the rest stop: When you are driving for a longer duration, a good and clean rest stop can give you the much-needed breather. Also, try to find a place that has healthier food options, well lighting, and clean bathrooms.
- Shower daily: It’s a stereotype for truck drivers, and they are assumed to be dirty. But the long hours, trying to make the delivery on time, and other challenges of the job – often leave drivers with fewer choices. However, if you do follow a routine, you can find some time to shower, groom, and change into a fresh set of clothes. A nice shower will help calm the nerves and get you in a better mental place for the journey ahead.
- Stay in a hotel: Even if you are carrying comfortable bedding, take a break from sleeping in the cabin, and find a comfy hotel room. It won’t feel like home, but it sure will be better than sleeping in the truck.
- Stay hydrated: Keep a track of your fluid intake. Avoid caffeine and sweet drinks, and opt for fruit juices, milkshakes, and coconut water.
- Personalize your cabin: Whether you like it or not, a truck’s cabin is your home away from home, and it is always a good idea to personalize it. A small plant, a picture of your family, a souvenir from your favorite memory, some books you like – adding a personal touch to your cabin will make it easier to spend time in it.
- Shorter over longer haul: Although longer hauls pay better, but choose such jobs once in a while, and stick to shorter routes. Working all the time on longer hauls will leave little space and time for you to enjoy anything else.
If you do want to succeed in your career as a truck driver, you will have to find the balance. The faster you do, the easier life will be for you. Also, the happier and relaxed you are, the better you will be able to perform at your job.
For modern-day truck drivers, one of the biggest advantages is technology. With new DOT guidelines for Hours of Service and mandatory use of electronic logging devices, truck drivers can now take periodical and authorized rest. Also, ELDs such as Matrack’s MA3000 take care of several compliances and recording of relevant and important data. Paperwork has become less time consuming for truck drivers, and they can enjoy the ride without having to worry about it anymore. If you want to know how ELD and other tracking devices and Fleet Management Systems benefit you as a professional truck driver, do contact Matrack Incorporation. We will be happy to help you.
