You can gain loads and loads of truck driving experience, but no matter how many years you’re on the road, staying alert and awake can always feel like a battle that you’ll never learn how to win.
It can be difficult to figure out ways to keep yourself awake because even if your eyes are open, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are paying attention. When you decide that becoming an owner-operator would be the best career choice for you, you’ll need to know every tip and trick available on how to stay awake during long trips on the road.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Eating healthy is a great way to keep your body in good shape, and help you focus on what’s important during your long rides in the truck. Healthy foods not only improve the quality of sleep you receive, helping you feel more rested, but salts and fats can cause your body to become tired faster. Instead of stopping for fast food, pack bags of fruits, veggies, and nuts.
You can also trigger awareness by skipping the caffeine overload. Caffeine will not only cause you to have to go to the bathroom quicker, but it can slow your body down once it has run through your system. Stick with water to keep your body hydrated.
Heed the Warning Signs
Ignoring the times that you are feeling tired is one of the worst things you can do to your body while on the road. If you begin to notice that your legs are getting tired or your eyes are starting to drift elsewhere, you may need a break, which could ultimately save your life or someone else’s.
You may not necessarily need to take a nap, but getting out and stretching your body can help bring your mentality back to focus on what’s important, while providing you with a chance to give your body the change of pace it needs for the moment. Even when hauling freight in hot shot carriers, the customer can wait a few extra minutes so that you get the break you need to arrive safely.
Staying awake and alert is important for more than just the truck driver. If you pay attention and do what you need to do to keep your body in good health, you will find that staying alert is much easier than it seems.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
