Reduce truck driver stress on the job

Apr 30, 2021

Truck drivers experience stress just like nearly every other job. Stress is your body’s way of dealing with challenges and change. It becomes a negative thing when facing constant daily challenges without taking time to relax and unwind. Stress can have a tremendous effect on your body and you might not even realize it.

Common symptoms of stress include:

  • Headaches
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sleeping problems
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

If you are currently battling an illness or have a pre-existing condition then stress can make the situation even worse. Besides getting extra rest, exercise is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce and manage your stress levels. Any exercise ranging from high impact cardio to yoga can help you reduce the negative effect stress has on your body.

Physical activity can help pump up the production of endorphins or your brain’s feel good neurotransmitters. This is sometimes called a “runner’s high”. Physical activity gives you a better outlook on managing your circumstances and helps you forget the day’s minor frustrations. It improves your overall mood, self-confidence, and sense of well-being. It also helps lower symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety while improving your quality of sleep.

There is no question that adding physical activity into your daily routine is a plus. Along with helping to relieve and manage stress, you will have more energy, self-confidence, feel stronger, and have a more positive attitude.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

  • Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
  • Build up your fitness level gradually so as not to injure yourself.
  • Do something you enjoy like running, swimming, weight training, or yoga. If you like what you’re doing, you are more likely to stick to it!
  • Make the time. This is a hard one, especially in the trucking industry. If you have to break down your exercise time into smaller increments do it.
  • Stick with it. Set goals for yourself, connect with your friends to help with motivation, and change up your workouts to keep things interesting.

Truck drivers should remember to:

  • Increase following distances. Make it three to four miles per hour less than traffic during volume times.
  • Turn off the outside noise including your radio, phone calls, and more.
  • Remember you are in control. You have the final say when it comes to your safety!
  • Get rest. Have a good meal, a great shower, and then hit the road.
  • Think about things you love like your spouse, children, pets, etc. Then picture yourself returning safely to them.

How can you put all of this into practice so you can reduce your truck driver stress level? Let’s say you’re sitting in traffic, and you must be at your next delivery by a certain time. Don’t just sit and stress, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself, “I’m doing what I can to get there on time.” Call the person expecting you and let them know you’re stuck in traffic. Try not to stress about something you can’t fix. After all, you’re doing your best!

Dealing with stress in a healthy way means you can manage your stress level, relax and maintain good mental health. That’s what Sisbro wants for every driver. Call 888-228-2175 to speak with a recruiter today!