A Guide for Avoiding Burnout Behind the Wheel
While work-related stress is a common issue faced by many, the distinctive lifestyle of long-haul truck drivers can heighten the risk of mental exhaustion. Truckers spend extended periods behind the wheel, dealing with various challenges on the road. Factors like heavy traffic, inclement weather, tight spaces, and strict delivery deadlines all contribute to the likelihood of job burnout. However, you can navigate this career and emerge successfully! By focusing on both your physical and mental well-being with these truck driver tips, you can build a rewarding trucking career!
Causes of Driver Burnout
A career as a long-haul driver can take a toll on the body and the mind. While pushing yourself to transport as much freight as possible in a short period of time, you may be neglecting your own well-being in the process. Working within difficult conditions as well as adjusting to a unique lifestyle on the road isn’t easy, especially if you aren’t properly acknowledged for your efforts. A lack of recognition or support from employers, combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices—such as poor eating habits and limited opportunities for exercise—can further escalate feelings of cynicism and inadequacy, ultimately contributing to truck driver burnout.
Fortunately, there are numerous steps you can take to combat this mindset! By regularly monitoring your physical and mental health, you can thrive in the trucking industry and achieve long-term success!
Prioritize Your Physical Health
Spending long hours seated in a truck can make it challenging to find enough time or motivation to exercise. Coupled with the limited healthy food options available on the road, some drivers may face declining health. However, you can embrace an active and healthy lifestyle even as a truck driver!
When possible, make healthier food choices to improve your diet. Meal prepping during your downtime can save you money on fast food, provide the nutrients your body needs, and help you make the most of your time while on the road! In addition to dietary adjustments, aim to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Consistency is key – form lasting habits that can improve your well-being and encourage truck driver wellness!
Replenish Your Mind
Truck driver loneliness is a common stigma linked to the driving industry – but it doesn’t have to be part of your reality! Even when you’re far from home, staying connected with loved ones is easier than ever in our current technology-driven society! Burnout can escalate quicker without a support network. It’s essential to check in with yourself and your mental health the same way that you fuel up your truck before a long haul! Allot time to reach out to family and friends and stay involved in their daily lives.
Engaging your mind with podcasts, music, or audiobooks can also alleviate truck driver fatigue! There’s no shortage of entertainment out there – you just need to find what you enjoy! You might also find that with something to keep your mind occupied, you have less trouble staying alert behind the wheel!
Expert tip: Podcasts range widely in length, topic of conversation, and entertainment style! Check out this curated list of the best trucking podcasts for your next listen!
How to Help Drivers as an Employer
A study by the University of Arkansas identifies the stages of driver burnout, how they can evolve, and how both drivers and employers can work together to combat the effects. As a driver, you can implement healthy habits daily that will lessen the chance of driver fatigue forming. But if these efforts are matched with support from your employer, you will certainly experience more positive feelings surrounding your choice of career.
It is important for carriers to set clear expectations for their drivers, so they can work within regulations and feel accomplished for a job well done. Without these guidelines for success, drivers may begin to feel inadequate within their role, leading to overall stress and fatigue. Managers can also monitor the fatigue levels of their drivers and extend resources to help or allow for extra time to be spent at home between hauls. When carriers work together with drivers and showcase support for their well-being, everyone involved benefits!
Form Habits for Lasting Success
If you’re feeling the weight of truck driver fatigue at any point in your driving career, remember that you’re not alone! Instead of feeling discouraged, take proactive steps to overcome this challenge and establish healthy habits! After all, enduring success is built on the foundation of small, achievable goals. Create a routine that emphasizes both your physical and mental health and watch your trucking career thrive as a result!
Ready to kickstart a successful trucking career? Join us at North American Trade Schools for CDL training – give us a call at (443) 234-0345 to learn more!