Everyone experiences work-related stress, but the unique lifestyle of a long-haul trucker can increase the chances of mental burnout. Truckers spend long hours behind the wheel, facing the many stressors of the road. Traffic, poor weather conditions, tight quarters, and haul deadlines all contribute to the risk of job burnout. But you can be a professional truck driver and overcome these odds! By prioritizing your physical and mental health with these tips & tricks, you can build a long-lasting, successful trucking career!
Stages of Driver Burnout
A study by the University of Arkansas identifies three dimensions of burnout: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. For truck drivers, the reason for physical exhaustion speaks for itself. But working with some carriers can involve long periods away from family and friends, which can take an emotional toll. Drivers can become cynical when they feel underpaid, overworked, or disrespected by their employers or others they encounter on the road. If unchecked, this attitude can shift to feelings of inadequacy. This self-doubt of your own abilities can make you question your value to a carrier or even your career as a whole.
Luckily, there are many measures you can take to avoid this negative mindset! Pay daily attention to your physical and mental well-being, and you will be able to thrive in the trucking industry and experience long-term success!
Focus on Your Physical Health
Truckers spend many hours in a seated position and may not have the time or energy to exercise between shifts. These factors, along with mostly unhealthy food choices on the road, contribute to a decline in health. This is a growing concern of many truckers. However, you can still choose to live an active and healthy lifestyle as a truck driver!
Opt for healthy food choices when you can to start following a more well-rounded diet. Meal-prepping in your downtime is also a great way to spend less money on fast-food, gain some healthy calories, and save time during shifts! Along with dietary changes, focus on fitting exercise into your schedule. Sticking to a routine is the key to feeling energized and well-rested!
Pro tip: Try to stretch daily! If you’re not sure where to start, you can search online for a quick stretching routine!
Refuel Your Mind
Even when you’re miles from home, you don’t have to lose touch with your loved ones! Driver burnout can happen quickly when you don’t have a support system to rely on. Surely, before hitting the road you make sure your truck is properly fueled up during pre-trip inspection – it’s no different for yourself! Take the time to connect with family and friends to fight the remote nature of the trucking lifestyle. Mental stimulation such as podcasts, music, and audio books can also lessen the boredom you may feel behind the wheel!
Habits for Long-Term Success
If you’re experiencing truck driver burnout after some time of holding your Class A CDL, it’s important to remember you’re not alone! But rather than feeling discouraged, make the effort to overcome and form healthy habits! After all, long-term success is formed through short-term goals and actions. Form a routine that prioritizes your physical and mental health, and your trucking career will thrive in the process!
Looking to join the growing industry of trucking? Contact us today and we’ll help you begin your CDL training at United Truck Driving School!
