The new year is (finally) upon us. And while 2021 may have seemed like an extra long year, it's now time to start again.
The beginning of a year is a good time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the coming months. When goal setting, it’s better to make specific, attainable goals. While the goal ‘lose weight’ or ‘save money’ are common goals, they are vague. It’s easier to stick to goals if you make them detailed and measurable.
Below are a few ideas of resolutions for truck drivers.
1. Drink up (that H2O)
It’s easy to opt for sugary drinks or ones with caffeine when you’re out on the road. But drinking more water can help your body in a variety of ways. It helps boost cardiovascular activity, keeps your joints and muscles working, cleanses toxins from your body, boosts brain function and energy function and much more.
Set a goal on how many ounces you’d like to drink each day. A good rule of thumb is to use is to take your body weight and cut it in half. That’s how many ounces of water you should aim to drink each day.
2. Hit the pavement
Staying active is critical to good cardiovascular health and maintaining a healthy weight. But being more active can help you to feel better on a daily basis. As a driver, most of your job is sitting, which causes stress on your back, neck and knees. Getting 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day can counteract the ill effects of sitting and keep your heart healthy. Exercise has also been shown to boost mental health and clarity.
But you don’t have to run a marathon tomorrow. Walking around your neighborhood or biking to the grocery store are simple but effective ways to get more exercise. Aim for 20-30 minutes of cardio activity at least 4-5 times a week.
3. Safety always
Safety is the most important thing as a truck driver. But this is the year to make safety a constant priority. This could include reducing your distractions while driving, always performing a full pre-trip inspection or taking new safety courses. Our safety resource center can help you stay up-to-date on the latest safety information.
And with ongoing threats of health safety with COVID-19 as we wait for a vaccine, this includes making your health safe as well. This cleaning and best practice checklist can help you stay vigilant on the job.
4. Eyes on the prize
As a driver, your eyes are a greater risk that other jobs. Long hours on the road can damage your eyes over time. This year, be sure to make an appointment to get your eyes checked and wear any glasses or contacts that are recommended. Also, be sure to wear sunglasses to prevent UV damage and keep eye drops in your truck for when your eyes feel dry or overly fatigued.
5. Keep the connection
It can be hard to maintain relationships while on the road. But making your personal relationships a priority can make a huge difference in your mental health. Try scheduling a standing phone call with the important people in your life or make sure you reach out to at least one person a week via text or email. Even small points of contact can help you feel connected.
