Did you realize that there are over 1.9 million truck drivers in the United States alone? Being a truck driver allows you to travel to new places and make good money while doing it. Believe it or not, there is currently a shortage of certified truck drivers in this country.
Many trucking operations are now offering big bonuses and will even pay for a person’s training if they will drive for them. While this type of work comes with a lot of advantages, there are some drawbacks as well. Sitting down and driving all of the time can lead to some serious health issues.
Finding a way to stay active and eat right while on the road is essential. The following are some helpful tips for truck drivers trying to stay healthy.
Commit to a Daily Workout Plan
When trying to stay healthy while driving a truck, you need to try and workout each day. By taking the time to workout for 15 to 30 minutes a day, you will be able to significantly reduce the risk of things like high blood pressure and heart problems.
Before you begin to workout, be sure to stretch thoroughly. Failing to stretch can cause you to pull a muscle during your exercise time. You need to also mix up your workouts and focus on different parts of the body. By doing this, you can avoid straining one particular part of your anatomy.
Focus on Making Healthier Food Choices
Once you have perfected your workout routine, you should take a good hard look at your diet. Life on the road is usually filled with an endless array of drive-thru restaurants and all night diners. These places may be convenient, but they are far from healthy.
Increasing your consumption of things like granola bars, fruits and vegetables will give your body the nutrients it needs. If you have to eat out, try and choose the healthiest options on the menu. Eating healthy will take some getting used to, but it will become easier as time goes by.
Get Plenty of Rest
Not getting enough sleep while driving a truck can lead to accidents. The last thing you want to do is cause injury to another person due to drowsy driving. If you want to find out more about drowsy driving and the damage it can cause, be sure to visit this website.
Finding ways to increase the comfort of your big rig can make it easier to sleep in. Additions like blackout curtains can help keep the sun out if you are sleeping at odd hours.
Take Time to Unwind
Being on the road can be a bit stressful. Letting your stress build up is not good for your body, which is why taking some time to unwind is a good idea. Doing things like reading a book or staying in contact with friends and family while on the road can be helpful. The work you put into reducing your stress will pay off when you are able to feel happier and healthier.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Most of the windows in commercial trucks do not block out harmful UV rays. Since truck drivers operate their vehicles for hours on end, they are at an increased risk of skin damaged caused by exposure to the sun. Applying sunscreen regularly or even wearing long sleeves can help you keep harmful UV rays off of your skin.
Seeing your primary physician on a regular basis can help you figure out what areas of your health you need to focus on. With a doctor’s help, you can stay healthy for years to come.
