September 23, 2015

5 Health Tips for Truck Drivers

Much like office workers, truck drivers have a very sedentary work life. It requires several hours of sitting on a daily basis and when you are moving, it’s usually to get fuel. When you spend most of your days and nights on the road, healthy living may not seem like a challenge, but with the constant snacking, lack of movement, and added stress, truck drivers face many obstacles on the road. Because it’s important to stay healthy on the road, we’ve got 5 tips that can help you get started.

Health Tips for Truck Drivers

1. Get enough sleep. You may think you’re well rested after a few hours, but you don’t take in account for how much caffeine you drink throughout the day to keep you up. Getting enough sleep will not only decrease your unhealthy addiction to caffeine, but it will also repair your body and rejuvenate your mind.
   If you have troubles sleeping while you’re on the road, try buying a white noise machine or bring your favorite pillow with you. Having a little comfort from your home will ensure a good night’s rest.
2. Eat healthy. Although it may seem obvious, the fact is that most people don’t think about eating healthy. Eating less processed foods and more vegetables and fruits can help you lose weight, boost your immune system and get a better night of sleep.
   One way to make sure you’re eating healthier is by adding a mini fridge to your cab. Having a handy fridge gives you the option to shop for groceries and choose healthier foods while keeping them fresh. It may seem like a pricey purchase at first, but you’ll be saving money in the long run.
3. Find time for exercise. Truck drivers can’t get up and go to the gym every morning, but they can do at-home workouts like leg lunges or pushups. Even stretching out when you stop somewhere will make your muscles limber. Try taking 15 to 20 minutes to walk. This will help you maintain your weight, get your blood flowing and help you sleep at night.
4. Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventative disease and death in the world. Hundreds of thousands of Americans die each year due to a smoking-related disease. By quitting smoking, you can decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer and other smoking related diseases. Not to mention you’ll have more energy and breath for exercising.
5. Drink more water. You may think you already drink enough water during the day, but really think about how much you drink. You should drink half your weight in ounces each day. That means if you weigh 200 pounds, you should be drinking 100 ounces of water daily.
   Water can help regulate your body temperature and get rid of bodily waste through urination, sweat and bowel movements. It also has been linked to weight loss because water makes people feel more full and consume fewer calories. You can also eat watermelon or celery for a source of water.

Staying healthy all year long can reduce your chances of developing diseases like diabetes or heart disease. Focusing on these tips will lead to a more productive lifestyle and will keep you safe on the road.