Being a truck driver definitely, takes it’s toll on the mind and body. While eating a proper diet and getting enough exercise are two important steps to being healthy, they are not the only things drivers should do to stay healthy, especially when they are over the road.

1. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for safety on the road and for your health. Sleep plays an important role in memory and learning, focus and alertness; all very important to life on the road. More importantly than getting enough sleep is making sure you get a good quality sleep, which can be difficult in the truck. If you are a light sleeper, truck stop noise is bound to wake you. Try using earplugs to block out the noise; a white noise machine can also be helpful for some. For more information check out our article Are You Getting a Proper Night’s Sleep? 

2. Eat Healthy

Eating healthy can improve your overall health in many ways. Eating fewer processed foods and more vegetables and fruits can help you lose weight, boost your immune system, and get a better night of sleep. Eating healthy while over the road doesn’t have to be too difficult. With a few simple appliances, like a microwave or lunch box stove, you can make a variety of home cooked meals right in the truck. Check out some of our Trucker Friendly Recipes.

3. Make Time for Exercise

There are a lot of benefits to adding some exercise to your daily routine. Exercise can help you control your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, reduce stress and even brighten your mood. Adding a brief 30-minute walk to your daily routine can do wonders for your health. Check out this article on 3 Ways to Stay Active on the Road.

4. Drink Lots of Water

Drinking water every day is essential to good health. Water can help regulate your body temperature, lubricate and cushion joints. Drinking water is also much better for you than consuming large quantities of pop, or even sugar filled juice. If you are only going to commit to one diet change, think about adding more water to your day. If you want to change your eating habits check out this article Improve Your Eating Habits with these 3 Changes.

5. Spend Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with your loved ones doesn’t have to be difficult, although it may need to be planned. Whether you are just phoning in for the night, which you should do daily, or coming in for some home time; spending time with family and friends is an important thing for your health. Truck drivers lead solitary lives out on the road, making it more important to stay connected with loved ones while you are away. There are many ways to stay connected while you’re out on the road, but just in case, we have an article on for that too, Staying Connected with Family.