This New Year, people around the world created resolutions about fitness, hobbies, relationships, and more. However, many forget that creating goals for your career and work environment can decrease daily stress and improve productivity all year long.
In a field like commercial trucking, your job can often feel more like a lifestyle. This means that by creating New Year’s resolutions that prioritize your health, safety, and enjoyment on the job, you can improve your overall quality of life.
Keep reading to find out 5 New Year’s resolutions every CDL driver should add to their list this year, and how to set yourself up to have a successful and safe 2024.
Health & Wellness
For CDL drivers, who spend an average of 40-60 hours a week on the road, it can be difficult to remember to prioritize your physical and mental health. This year, create realistic and quantifiable goals that allow you to focus on your well being no matter where you are.
Take advantage of your break times to get out and stretch your legs or go for a walk. Consider making it a goal to walk for 15 minutes a day, or incorporate calf and other muscle stretches into your daily routine. Being stationary for long periods of time can have a greater health impact than you might expect, and just a little bit of movement can go a long way.
In 2024, you should also keep in mind that mental health is just as important as physical health. Try listening to new podcasts or audiobooks that deal with health and wellness, and be honest with yourself about how you feel. With nearly 14% of CDL drivers facing depression, the first step to every solution is to recognize the problem. This year, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and look into what services your carrier may provide to help you along the way.
Diet & Nutrition
What you eat plays a large role in your health and how you feel overall. Seven out of every 10 truckers face obesity, and this problem can be made worse by the difficulty in finding affordable and nutritious food on the road.
This year, consider making it a priority to bring food from home, or seek out truck stops and restaurants that offer filling food high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. If you find yourself drinking more than 2-3 cups of coffee a day, try to make a goal to lessen your daily intake by half and see how you feel. By eating better and listening to your body, you might be surprised by how much energy you have.
Make Time for Loved Ones
One of the most difficult parts about truck driving is the long time spent away from home. Being far from loved ones and special events can have a direct impact on mental health, and it can be hard to remind yourself to remain connected while on the road.
By involving your family and loved ones in your own resolutions, you might also be more likely to keep up with them! This year, call home at least once a week, and try out new activities to make the distance seem less difficult. Video calling might not feel the same as being there in person, but apps that let you watch movies together virtually or online board games can improve your mood and remind you of who is waiting for you when you get back.
Maintain Regular Rest Time
When you’re on the road, it can be easy to try to drive as much as possible to get the job done faster. However, scheduling regular break times is not just legally required for CDL drivers, it’s also important for your safety.
Allow yourself time to rest whenever you begin to feel tired, even if you just pull to the side of the road for 15 minutes. This will barely affect your overall run time, and could help you avoid dangerous and costly accidents.
Always Be Open to Learn
The trucking industry is always changing, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to keep up with evolving trends. However, remember that by staying up to date on the newest technologies and legislation, you can remain ahead of the game and find ways to make your day-to-day routine easier.
Consider making it a goal to attend a new conference or hiring event this year. Even if you aren’t looking for a new job, finding out about developments in the industry could help you discover new useful tools and plan for the future.
Stay up to date on driver advice, events, and opportunities this year by following our social media or reading other posts on our Driver Blog.
