Long hours in a truck seat every day can wear on a driver’s mind and body. Staying mentally and physically healthy is important, not just to your career but also to your quality of life.
Spending a big chunk of your day seated in isolation can be taxing, but it is an unavoidable part of working in the transportation industry. Luckily, there are ways truckers can endure a career of long hauls without ruining their health and going “road crazy.”
- Meditation. You don’t have to put on a bathrobe and break out the incense to take a break and engage in some breathing exercises. Meditation is helpful for relieving stress and improving focus. A brief session before a trip or at rest stops can help.
- Practice good posture. Many truckers develop low back pain over the course of their careers. Maintaining good posture while you drive can help you dodge this bullet. Make sure your semi truck seat has good lumbar support and that your seat is optimally positioned.
- Invest in some audio books. Audio books can help take some of the monotony out of long trips without diverting your attention from the road. Audio books are inexpensive, and you can even download them to your smartphone.
- Take the time to stretch and exercise. Obesity is widespread among truck drivers, as a diet of fast food and hours seated each day takes its toll. Develop healthy exercise habits to keep the fat off. When at truck stops, take the time to do some exercises, even if it’s just going for a walk. Also, try to put in some time at the gym on your days off.
- Keep in touch. Use social networking and apps like Skype to stay in touch with your friends and family when you’ve stopped for the evening. Staying connected will preserve your relationships—and your sanity.
Suburban Seating & Safety helps truckers enjoy a better quality of life on the road with the latest truck seats and accessories, including custom truck seats. Shop today to find the items you need to make life on the road better.
