Life on the road can be pretty tough at times. As a driver, you’re away from home for extended periods of time. The stress of driving in heavy traffic and inclement weather can really take its toll on the mental health of a driver. Mental health is probably the most important topic in our Healthy month of July! Yes, more than healthy eating and exercising.
Travel with a companion. It could be a pet, spouse, or significant other, every now and then if allowed.
Contact home daily. It’s an excellent way to stay connected to the family and ‘in the loop’ with your loved ones.
Follow a routine on the road, which should be like your normal, at-home, everyday routine.
Bring along some comforts of home, like a tv, computer, decent good quality bedding, etc.
Music. Take along some favorite music to listen to when driving.
Plan time off away from your truck. This can be done successfully if you budget for it. Life on the road can be expensive.
Choose your rest stops carefully. Stop at nice, clean truck stops.
Take time for daily showers. Don’t allow yourself to be pushed by ridiculous schedules. Taking the time to freshen up and wear fresh clothes each day, will help set a better mood for the day. You’ll feel better for taking the time to do this.
The life of a trucker can be both enjoyable and successful. It’s a giant balancing act, but it can be done.
Truck drivers who are successful over-the-road drivers know that the game isn’t to be the fastest truck on the road, with a perfect on-time delivery schedule.
Successful drivers are those who consistently deliver their loads safely, and in a timely fashion, while maintaining a decent standard of living.
Sometimes, OTR drivers forget how to live. They complete one trip after the next, without sufficient time off and living life in between trips.
