It may be a bit of a cliche, but it’s true: trucking is a lifestyle as much as it’s a career. When you spend weeks at a time on the road, your day-to-day life looks very different from someone who is working a 9-to-5 job. There are many aspects of trucking that are exciting and unique, such as seeing more of the country and the freedom of the open road. However, staying healthy can be challenging in some cases. The good news is that a healthy lifestyle is possible for long-haul truck drivers. Even making a few small changes can have a large positive impact.
Drink More Water
Switching out soda, energy drinks, or coffee for water is a minor adjustment, but the impact can be significant. Water is calorie-free and staying hydrated can boost your energy levels and keep you healthier overall. Staying hydrated is a great health tip for long-haul truck drivers because you can easily keep water in your truck and you don’t need to spend too much time or effort developing this habit.
Easy ways to start drinking more water:
- If you drink a lot of soda, try replacing one soda a day with the same amount of water to start.
- Try drinking one glass of water with each meal.
- Keep a bottle of water next to you at all times and take a sip every so often throughout the day. You can set a specific time interval, such as every 30 minutes, or just do this whenever you remember if that is easier.
Choose Healthier Foods
What you eat impacts how you feel and choosing healthier options can be very beneficial. It’s easy to get in the habit of eating high-calorie, low-nutrient foods because these are quick and familiar. However, with a little bit of planning, you can make the best use of the space in your truck and choose meals and snacks you can easily take on the road. Additionally, many truck stops are beginning to stock healthier options which can make this easier.
Simple steps for healthier eating:
- Keep nutritious snacks in your truck instead of less healthy options.
- Consider if there are any cooking appliances that are small enough to keep in your truck so you can prepare more of your own meals.
- Make it a goal to have a serving of fruits or vegetables at least once a day and work your way up from there.
Exercise More Frequently
The trucking lifestyle does not include much physical activity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find time for exercise. Even a small amount each day can get your heart rate up and improve your health. Simple exercises can fit into your routine and as with any healthy lifestyle changes, starting with small steps is a great way to work toward your larger goals.
Options for fitting exercise into your routine:
- Find one piece of exercise equipment you can bring with you on your next haul. Some options that fit easily in your semi-truck sleeper include a jump rope, a folding bicycle, or a kettlebell.
- Spend 15 minutes each day doing some sort of physical activity.
- Try squeezing your abdominal muscles while driving and holding this for the length of a song, or one to two minutes if this is easier.
We Care About Our Drivers
At DSW, we care about the wellbeing of our drivers and aim to work as hard for you as you do for us.
