Here’s the secret to long career in transportation
The trucking industry keeps the economy moving, and without drivers, the marketplace would come to a standstill. Yet few understand the habits drivers need to
be successful in the transportation field. While most can relate to a stressful day of driving in heavy traffic, people have limited knowledge of the skills needed to concentrate on long trips facing different road conditions.
As a driver, growing your career in transportation requires skills built on good habits that, over time, will maintain and protect your career over the long haul. Here are two specific areas that can easily be taken for granted; your ability to handle stress and keeping your physical health in balance.
Most professional drivers on the road constantly know the importance of safety by being mentally aware. Staying alert combined with anticipating possible scenarios can be super tiring, leading to the second area — keeping physically fit. The necessity of planning the best route to deliver freight across the country is part of the journey, but so is planning for your mental and physical health while on the road.
A promising trucking career requires strong stamina, the physical strength to maintain readiness by eating healthy and staying in shape. Truck stops are packed with almost every fast-food selection possible such as a quick plate of fried foods. Since keeping good time is a part of trucking, the temptation to order a fast meal and get back on the road seems logical.
Yet, the habits you develop will affect your driving career and longevity. Good habits will sharpen your skills, but they take practice and discipline. For example, maintaining good physical health involves a disciplined approach to exercise.
The benefits of exercise far exceed taking your physical strength for granted. Drivers that exercise tend to feel much better and enjoy their job simply because they are in better health.
Here are some tips to keep in mind in building good habits toward managing stress and stamina.
Plan for taking 30 minutes to exercise during your breaks. Every minute of exercise counts. Do not be fooled into thinking that it takes hours to maintain good physical health. For instance, some drivers take exercise bands on the road to help build and stretch muscles.
Practice mindfulness by being aware of the tension in your body. Pay attention to the signs of stress, such as your shoulders getting tense, headaches, and legs by sitting in one position too long.
Managing stress helps you make good decisions when faced with aggressive drivers on the roadways. One of the simplest ways to manage stress is by paying attention to your breathing. Take time to breathe deeply and exhale slowly. Clenching your jaws and shallow breathing can be signs that tension is building within your body.
Also, instead of choosing fast food, look for healthier alternatives. Pack you own healthy snacks rather than relying on truck stops to carry them.
A tense physical body combined with the daily stressors of driving often lead to burnout, creating unhealthy habits leading to a short career. As with any occupation that requires focus and attention, it takes discipline to maintain the qualities sought after by employers in the transportation field.