The New Year is quickly approaching us, which means it’s time to think about a new set of resolutions for 2021. Think of New Year’s resolutions as an opportunity to reflect on your life and make lifestyle changes for the year ahead. As a truck driver, it may be hard to find a resolution that you can follow through while on the road, but we believe you’ll be able to find a few ways to improve your life. Here’s our list of New Year’s Resolutions for truck drivers…
New Year’s Resolutions for Truck Drivers
- Drink Lots of Water
It’s easy to go for the sugary or caffeinated beverages when choosing a drink at the gas station. However, these drinks do more harm to your body than good. Water is the best choice as it will keep you hydrated and help you stay at a steady energy level. Staying hydrated should be a major priority for truck drivers. According to the Journal of Physiology & Behavior, driving while dehydrated is the same as drunk driving in terms of making errors in judgment and performance. Dehydration can cause mental fatigue, muscle cramps, heat stroke, and kidney stones.
- Do More Physical Activity
Spending hours behind the wheel can take its toll on your body. For that reason, every truck driver should implement daily exercise into their routine. It could be as simple as parking your truck further away from the entrance or taking a few laps around your truck before you get in. Every time you stop, be sure to stretch your arms, legs, and back.
- Stay in Touch
One of the biggest challenges as a truck driver is staying in touch with family and friends while away from home. Staying in touch with loved ones can have a positive impact on mental health and attitude. Take the time to schedule a phone call or video chat, check-in online, or send letters or care packages to each other. It will take some effort, but it’s a simple way to lift your spirits.
- Get More Sleep
Getting good, quality sleep is so important for truck drivers. However, it may be hard to grasp while on the road. Suffering from a lack of sleep can make you easily distracted and slow down your reaction time. Make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible, and work with your dispatcher to make a sleep schedule. This can help stay well-rested and on track for deliveries.
- Keep Clean
The benefit of keeping your truck clean outweighs the costs. It not only helps you feel more accomplished, but it can reflect positively on your company. Regularly washing your truck can help extend its life and detect damage by getting rid of dirt and de-icing chemicals that can damage the body and undercarriage. Keeping clean doesn’t just apply to the outside. Place a trash bag or bin inside, so you can easily throw away food boxes, wrappers, and bottles.
- Improve Fuel Efficiency
While the amount of fuel you use up will depend on the load you’re hauling, there are a few ways to minimize your fuel consumption. Some tips for improving fuel efficiency: minimize speed, avoid unnecessary driving, monitor tire pressure, take the shortest route, reduce idling, and minimize air conditioning. Not only will this help you save gas, but it will also help you save money.
Closing Thoughts
These are just a few ideas for truck drivers to use for their New Year’s resolutions. Challenge yourself to be healthier and happier by making a lifestyle change from this list. It’s time to make 2021 your best year yet! Happy New Year from Liquid Trucking!
To learn more about Liquid Trucking, please visit our website or call 844-GO-TANKS.