2023: YEAR OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
Rig On Wheels Broker & Recruitment Services
Bringing new quality drivers into your company may be the most important thing you do.
"The first wealth is health."? - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
2023 is here! It's hard to believe that another year has flown by. The start of the new year brings a feeling of hope and optimism and a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings. It is a time to set goals for yourself. Since there is no wealth without health, let's start 2023 by resolving to stay healthy.
In this blog, we will talk about various truck driver health risks that commercial truck drivers face daily and try to discover potential solutions for these problems.
Truck drivers, who are sometimes regarded as the unsung heroes of the transportation industry, struggle with several health issues due to the long hours and sedentary lifestyle that come with their work. However, the first thing that springs to mind when someone says health is physical health. However, here we err and neglect our mental health, an important aspect of our general health.
Let's talk about the physical and mental health issues that truck drivers have as a result of their jobs and lives, as well as how a class A CDL truck driver may maintain their health and well-being.
MENTAL HEALTH:
A person who does a profession like truck driving, where they are alone most of the time, not only feels lonely, but this loneliness can sometimes become a severe issue. This exacerbates truck drivers' mental health problems.
A truck driving job comes with its own set of unique challenges. Some of these are:
Long-distance driving stress can cause mental health problems, including sadness and anxiety, or in some cases, even fear.
Truck drivers may manage this stress in several ways. Among them are:
1.Socialize:
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, making socializing difficult. They may still maintain social connections, though.
There are several other truck drivers at truck stops. Why not interact with them? Making friends in your industry is beneficial. Your trucks, routes, jobs, etc, undoubtedly cause you the same troubles daily.?
Truck drivers may also utilize apps to identify local events or meetups in the region they are heading to or join online forums to network with other truck drivers.
Additionally, of all occupations, trucking is the one where a person travels to the most number of locations. Therefore, it is best to take advantage of this and socialize with the new individuals you encounter.
2. Stay in touch with friends and family:
Studies have shown that long-haul truck drivers often experience feelings of loneliness and isolation due to spending long periods away from family and friends. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.?
Thanks to technology, we are now just a phone call away. We all have cell phones, so we use modern communication tools to remain in touch with loved ones. You may use facetime, messages, or whatever way you like. However, be careful not to let your phone distract you while driving.
Additionally, express your views and feelings to loved ones and friends rather than keeping them to yourself because doing so just leads to bad consequences from your internal conflict. On the other hand, talking about your feelings with people you care about helps you to clear your mind, feel peaceful, and get their support as you work through any difficulties you may encounter.
3. Listen to Podcasts:
Podcasts can be a great source of entertainment and education for truck drivers. Listen to podcasts with you when you drive. They not only broaden your knowledge but also provide a much-needed distraction from any worrisome thoughts you might be having and help pass the time.
There are podcasts and audiobooks available on every topic. Give me one subject that isn't covered by a single podcast or audiobook. Use your time wisely.
Additionally, podcasts may assist truck drivers in staying current on the news, changes in the trucking business, and other issues that are significant to them. Further, since drivers may interact with others in the same profession, podcasts for truckers foster a feeling of community. Finally, they may inspire and encourage truck drivers, enabling them to remain engaged and committed to their work.
4. Team truck driving jobs:
You can also consider the job of team truck driver. They usually take turns driving, allowing them to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. Not only do they work together to maximize efficiency and minimize fatigue, but they can also provide companionship and support on long drives, making the job more enjoyable.??
Therefore, if you become tired of driving alone, consider taking this option to break up the monotony of long-distance journeys. In addition, teamwork may foster a sense of camaraderie, which can be especially helpful for drivers who spend extended periods traveling alone with no human contact. For these reasons, truck drivers feeling overwhelmed or worried by long-distance driving might consider applying for team positions.
Check out this TikTok video on ways to succeed in the trucking industry .
These methods and taking time to relax and unwind can help to combat the problems of stress and loneliness brought on by long stretches of solitary driving.?
PHYSICAL HEALTH:
Due to the prolonged time spent in their commercial motor vehicles, truck drivers are at risk for several physical health conditions, which, if untreated, can negatively impact their long-term health.
These issues consist of
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Some strategies truck drivers can use to deal with these issues include:
1.Ensure proper rest:
Truck drivers should ensure they get enough rest before their shift and take regular breaks throughout their journey; this helps to combat the problem of fatigue. Additionally, they should schedule their trips in advance, leaving enough time for rest stops, food, and sleep, as truck drivers frequently become exhausted due to extended driving hours and lack of sleep.
Additionally, truck drivers must be mindful of the signs of fatigue, such as heavy eyelids, yawning, and a loss of concentration, and take fast action if they show any of these signs. Finally, ample rest between shifts is beneficial because drivers doing over the road trucking jobs sometimes struggle with sleep deprivation.
Not only this but taking frequent breaks also helps truck drivers to prevent musculoskeletal disorders; this allows them to stretch and move around throughout the day, even while en route. By taking these steps, truck drivers can help to reduce fatigue and ensure good health while staying safe on the road.?
2. Healthy diet:
Long driving hours make it difficult for truck drivers to have a balanced diet. There are, however, specific actions that truck drivers may take to guarantee that they are eating a nourishing and balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals to maintain their bodies' strength and health. For instance, they can prepare and bring wholesome snacks like fruit and almonds.
Eating a healthy diet can help truck drivers maintain their energy levels, allowing them to stay alert and focused while driving long distances. Not only does a balanced diet help truck drivers maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.?
The proper diet can also help truck drivers feel better overall by giving them the vitamins and nutrients they need to be strong and alert. Truck drivers should also drink a lot of water daily to keep hydrated. They can maintain a healthy diet while driving for prolonged periods if they follow these suggestions.
Also, check out this easy air fryer pizza recipe .
Also, be on the lookout for Rig on Wheels' recipe e-book this year to learn more about healthy food to eat as a truck driver.
3. Practice good posture:
Truck drivers must have good posture since it can prevent tiredness, back discomfort, and other health issues. On the other hand, bad posture can cause lasting spine injury, muscular strain, and poor circulation.
Since truck drivers spend most of their time sitting in their commercial vehicles, their posture is highly affected. Musculoskeletal disorders are a common issue for truck drivers, as the job requires long hours of sitting and driving, often in uncomfortable conditions. This can lead to chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as other parts of the body.?
They should modify their seats and mirrors to ease the tension on their neck, shoulders, and back. Truck drivers must sit upright, with their feet flat on the ground. They should also maintain a comfortable angle with their arms and knees. Proper posture driving is essential for keeping drivers attentive, comfortable, and safe.
Finally, they should invest in ergonomic equipment such as a comfortable seat and a steering wheel that is easy to grip. By following these tips, truck drivers can help to reduce their risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
4. Proper lifting techniques:
Truck drivers who want to work touch freight jobs should employ safe lifting procedures because they frequently have to move and handle hefty objects. They risk serious ailments such as back strains, sprains, and herniated discs without the correct practices.
Furthermore, improper lifting techniques can lead to long-term damage to the spine and other parts of the body, which can cause chronic pain and disability. Therefore, truck drivers should learn the proper methods for lifting and transporting big goods to lower their risk of injury and protect their health.
Maintaining a straight spine and bending at the knees rather than the waist are two proper lifting methods. Additionally, they need to lift the item using their legs, not their back, and keep it close to their body. When setting the item down, they should take their time and be cautious and avoid jerky motions.
Finally, truck drivers should avoid twisting or bending their bodies in awkward positions when loading and unloading cargo and take frequent breaks when lifting heavy objects to prevent fatigue or overexertion.?
You might also like 5 WAYS TRUCK DRIVERS SAVE MONEY ON THE ROAD .
Truck drivers play a crucial role in the transportation sector, and despite their difficulties on the job, they are committed to it. These steps can aid them in maintaining physical fitness, improving their ability to cope with emotional stress, and living healthier and happier lives.
So, we wish everyone a pleasant and healthy new year!
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