Even for someone who only commutes 30 minutes a day, driving is often stressful. Unlike the average commuter, the drive is the job for the owner operator truck driver in South Carolina. His “workday” often exceeds eight hours and in addition to the usual stresses of the road such as traffic jams and bad drivers, he must contend with shippers, receivers, long distance family problems, and the constant pressure of meeting delivery times.
Stress does more than just make you feel bad, it’s also bad for your health. It leads to a number of health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system, depression, and anxiety. When you’re feeling stressed, don’t let it overwhelm you. Actively manage and control it with these four stress management tips:
Solve Your Issues One Problem At A Time
While there are some problems that you have little control over, there are others that you can definitely do something about. Stress is a cumulative thing that adds up. The fewer things that are bothering you, the better you will feel. If something has an easy fix, don’t put off fixing it. Call up your wife and apologize for a small argument that blew up. This will be one less thing weighing you down. Even small discomforts add to your stress level. Do something about the uncomfortable upholstery. Write a list of all the things that contribute to your stress and knock off all the easy ones. You’ll feel better.
Laugh
You can’t laugh at something funny and feel depressed at the same time. Laughter lowers your blood pressure and stress hormones. It’s fast, effective, and enjoyable. Get a few CD’s of your favorite comedians or think of funny things that happened in the past. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Avoid Angry Outbreaks While Driving
When a motorist does something that angers you, learn to let it roll off your back. Calmness of mind is essential when driving a big rig. Expressing anger through your driving is dangerous to both yourself and other motorists. Anger also triggers stress.
Take A Break And Get Some Exercise
Include rest breaks in your schedule. Lack of rest causes driver fatigue and reduces your ability to cope with stress. Do some walking while at truck stops. Regular exercise gets the endorphins flowing and improves your feeling of well-being. It’s good for both your mind and body.
While you may not be able to completely eliminate stress from your driving, there is a lot you can do to prevent it from overwhelming you. For more information on making life on the road easier, contact us.
