Truck Drivers’ Wellness

There are some jobs that are well known for being dangerous. Construction workers, miners, firemen, and the like all work in fields that have reputations for severe health risks.

But did you know that truck driving also comes with some pretty serious health risks?

It is true. Truck drivers sometimes work under intense circumstances. There are long shifts at unconventional times of the day, stress that comes with navigating the American highway systems, and long periods of time sitting behind the wheel. Although you may not think about it, all of those conditions can add up and take a toll on your health.

Additionally, over fifty percent of truck drivers and operators are over the age of 45, and they become exponentially more prone to health issues as they continue to age. Truck driver’s wellness an important aspect of doing your job. But the majority of drivers are already experiencing health problems that they may not realize. 69% of drivers are obese, 54% smoke, and 88% have a major health risk factor (such as smoking, obesity, etc.) for chronic disease, according to a 2014 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study. Drivers cannot deny that they are a relatively unhealthy demographic.

According to a Say Metrics survey for CCJ, thirty percent of drivers report that they believe that driving is taking an active toll on their health. It is time for truck drivers and trucking companies to take the health of their drivers seriously. Driver health is crucial to highway safety as well to their personal wellbeing.

How Truck Drivers Can Stay In Shape

So what can you do to stay in shape while working as a truck driver? How can trucking companies keep their staff healthy? There are a few methods that have worked for people in the transportation industry.

Cooking your own meals and packing home-prepared meals for the long rides, you take away the temptation and convenience of ordering fast food and damaging your health. Truck drivers can maintain a healthier diet on the road by making a few simple adjustments. Firstly, packing homemade meals and snacks using easy and healthy recipes can be a great option. These recipes should focus on balanced nutrition, incorporating lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. To help truckers on a budget, here is a link to a collection of affordable and nutritious recipes for long road trips: https://novalines.com/blog/meal-prep-for-truck-drivers/

Storing food and keeping it fresh is crucial for truckers. Investing in a reliable cooler or portable refrigerator can help maintain the freshness of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Opting for reusable storage containers with airtight lids can also prevent food from spoiling and ensure it stays fresh for longer periods. Moreover, carrying non-perishable items like nuts, seeds, granola bars, and dried fruits can provide healthy and convenient snack options that require no refrigeration.

By planning and preparing meals in advance, truck drivers can take control of their nutrition on the road and avoid relying on fast food or unhealthy options. With a little effort and the right resources, maintaining a healthier diet becomes both feasible and beneficial for their well-being.

Exercise between shifts and at rest stops. No matter which measures you and your company take in order to keep drivers’ wellness up, it is important that you recognize that the profession takes a toll on health and that you try to fix the problem. Truck drivers can incorporate simple exercises into their routine between stops on the road to stay active and improve their well-being. They can perform exercises like brisk walking or jogging for a few minutes to get their blood flowing and stretch their muscles. Additionally, doing bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges can help improve strength and flexibility. Truck drivers can also make use of resistance bands or small dumbbells to add variety to their workouts, performing exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, or lateral raises. These exercises, even when done for a short duration, can contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on the road. Checkout this great resource for easy workout ideas: https://advanced.edu/blog/6-easy-exercises-truckers/

Mental health matters. As a truck driver, it is crucial to recognize and prioritize your mental health alongside physical well-being. Long hours on the road can lead to stress, isolation, and fatigue, making it essential to practice self-care techniques. Simple techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or listening to calming music can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Taking regular breaks to stretch, engage in hobbies, or connect with loved ones can also provide a much-needed mental break and boost your overall well-being. With today’s rapid growth in technology, therapy is even available and more affordable than ever with virtual therapy services like BetterHelp. Virtual options like this allow more flexibility and convenience to manage your mental health on your schedule. Remember, acknowledging and caring for your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health as a truck driver.

If your company is experiencing cash flow problems that are preventing it from expanding, then you need to consider the flexibility and convenience of freight factoring programs. These programs allow you to get access to risk-free working capital. And, freight invoice factoring programs offer more than just quick funding. They offer other benefits, such as fuel cards, free credit checks, etc. Contact us and start saving both time and money.

Learn more about trucking lifestyle.