Trucking is easy? Health challenges truckers face and tips on how to overcome them

With the COVID-19 situation right now, health is the biggest topic of the recent months. And it should always be, because health is the most important thing. However, truck drivers’ health is most of the times overlooked, taking a back seat to information such as profitability and deadlines. In times like these, when the world faces a pandemic, noone’s health should be overlooked, so we will look deeper in the health issues – both physical and mental – that truckers face on their job. Also, we will provide a list with some health tips that are easy to follow and can really make the difference.

What health challenges do truckers face?

Trucking is a lifestyle as much it is a job. This is mostly because of the long periods of time truckers spend on the road. Such unusual to say the least type of lifestyle can be quite damaging for the mental and physical health of a person. For example,

• The long periods of sitting can slow down metabolism, lead to obesity and can have detrimental physical effects.
• Insufficient sleep can increase cortisol levels and fatigue;
• Depression and anxiety can be caused by the long periods of working and staying alone on the road;
• The job stress and always being on a schedule can lead to poor sleeping habits and poor eating habits;
• Poor eating habits can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other serious medical problems;
• Being away from family and friends for prolonged times can lead to depression and anxiety also;
• Regular inhalation of diesel fuel can be quite dangerous on your lungs;

Facing such health challenges is tough, but it is not impossible to overcome them and remain in good health. You just need a few health tips from your good friends at Bobtail.insure.

Health tips for truckers

1. Always stay hydrated – easy to remember, yet not many people do it properly. Water is a synonym of life, so being properly hydrated means your body is functioning at its best. However, if you drink water only when you are thirsty, this means you are already dehydrated. In order to stay hydrated, you should drink as often as possible throughout the day. If you don’t know how much you need to drink to stay hydrated – you should drink half of your body weight in ounces.
   
   
2. Avoid junk food, eat fruits and vegetables – we bet you’ve never heard this one before! Consume fruits and vegetables every day in order to stack up on those essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid junk food as much as possible. On the next truck stop if there is a healthier option than a burger – avoid the burger;
   
   
3. Don’t overdo on coffee and energy drinks – yeas, they may be a source of a short bursts of energy and can save you an hour or two, but they are not easy on your nerves and health. Have a coffee or two throughout the day, but avoid drinking excessive amounts of caffeine;
   
   
4. 8 hours of sleep a day can do miracles – with all the driving and deadlines, truck drivers often overlook the benefits of the good ol’ 8-hour sleep. But, it is vital. Your body will regenerate, you will be more focused, more relaxed. Long periods without a proper sleep can lead to a multitude of health issues.
   
   
5. Exercise as much as you can – sure, it is easier said than done. But you should really avoid sitting in the truck for prolonged periods of time. All you need are 5 minutes every 2-3 hours to make a few burpees, squats, push-ups or anything else that will get your blood flowing.

Remember, your health is the most important thing even if there was no Coronavirus. Stay safe and healthy on and off the road.

Whether you company is a private motor carrier or an owner-operator, commercial truck insurance still remains a complex thing to most people. But we at Bobtail.Insure can easily help you get the best deal. Just contact us or start saving money right now, by getting your FREE QUOTE.