Making healthier choices can be a struggle for anyone, but those who work as a truck driver probably don’t need to be told that their profession has unique challenges. From long hours sitting in the same position to limited dining options, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can seem unattainable, and it’s easy to become discouraged. In reality, there are a few simple ways to prioritize your health and wellness on the road, and with tools like the Garmin Instinct 2 – dēzl edition connected watch, staying healthy as a truck driver will seem more achievable than ever.
Make healthier food choices.
Eating healthy on the road can be difficult, but it’s more doable than you think. Instead of heading straight for the nearest fast food joint or prepackaged food aisle, try choosing foods for their nutritional value. Most truck stops offer packaged items such as protein bars, almonds or dried fruit, and many also have selections of fruit, yogurt or smoothies. Regardless of your occupation, it’s always a good idea to eat a healthy breakfast to refuel, and focusing on frequent, nutritious snacks throughout the day rather than heavy, greasy meals can help you feel more alert while driving. If your truck is equipped with a refrigerator, you can even stock up on healthy, protein-rich foods from home to fuel up during the drive.
Drink more water.
Ideal water intake needs to be individualized, according to Harvard Health, but in general, healthy people should aim for four to six glasses of water a day. Frankly, that can be easy to forget, especially if you rely on coffee or other caffeinated beverages to stay alert while driving. The Instinct 2 – dēzl edition has a built-in hydration tracker, so recording your water intake is simple. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help normalize blood pressure, stabilize your heart rate, protect your organs and tissues, and aid in digestion, among many other benefits, so tracking your hydration can be an essential step to maintaining a healthier lifestyle on the road.
Make it a priority to exercise during your breaks.
According to the CDC, truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese as other U.S. workers, and three out of four truck drivers report not getting the recommended amount of physical activity – which is 30 minutes a day, five days a week. The benefits of exercise are endless, but they include weight control, prevention of many diseases, better sleep and more energy.
But we understand that it’s hard to exercise when the nature of your job requires you to sit for long periods of time. That’s where Instinct 2 Truck Driver Workouts – dēzl edition comes in, with exercises specifically designed to accommodate standard break times and the long haul lifestyle in general. Even better? You can view detailed workout tutorials on your compatible smartphone via the paired dēzl™ app.
Pay attention to your sleeping habits.
The National Sleep Foundation advises that healthy adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, and that applies just as much to truckers as anyone else. First and foremost, you need to find a quiet, safe place to park, and it can help to follow a nightly routine. Whatever helps you de-stress at the end of a long day, try to do it intentionally before you go to bed. Get comfortable, use earplugs if you are frequently awakened by the noise of other trucks, and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. To see how well you’re doing, check out the sleep monitoring features of your Instinct 2 – dēzl edition. You’ll find a comprehensive analysis of your light, deep and REM sleep stages that will help you determine what’s working and what’s not.
Staying healthy on the road can be a challenge, but the good news is that there are many resources to support you. To learn more about the Instinct 2 – dēzl edition and how to make the most of your health and fitness on the go, listen to this episode of the Live From Exit 24 podcast, produced by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). To purchase your Garmin Instinct 2