General Health and Wellness on the Road
Spending hours on the road in a relatively small space is a life many of us love — so to keep our team as healthy as we can, we’ve got a few tips for taking care of yourself so you can stay on the road as long as possible.
Avoid excessive caffeine consumption, and prevent fatigue by getting enough rest.
It can seem like a good idea to grab an extra cup of coffee or crack open another energy drink, but the truth is that there’s no high-quality substitute for proper amounts of rest. On top of that, too much caffeine can cause other long-term problems that have a good chance of slowing you down in the long run.
Remember to pack and take any prescribed medications consistently.
If you have any prescription medications that you need to take on a regular basis, it’s important to plan ahead for them. It can be difficult to refill prescriptions on the road, and you can’t afford to be caught far away from home without life-saving or life-improving medications.
Stay hydrated with clear liquids, preferably water.
This might sound counterintuitive when you spend so much time on the highways, but dehydration can stop your journey in its tracks. Drinking water (or water enhanced with flavored electrolyte mixes) 20-30 minutes before your planned stops can be a great way to stay hydrated without interfering with your schedule.
Get at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times per week.
Moving your body regularly has many benefits, from helping you get better sleep to keeping back pain at bay. Bodyweight exercises like pushups and squats are a great way to get in some exercises without having to pack equipment, but even a few regular walks around your truck will have surprising health benefits.
If you feel pain or discomfort that is persistent, talk to your doctor sooner rather than later.
Even minor injuries can grow into career-stopping problems if not treated quickly enough. If you are experiencing pain that is acute or persistent, it’s imperative to make an appointment to get it checked out before it gets out of hand.
At Ryan Bros., we’re well aware of the cycles that come and go throughout the year, and we know that each season brings its own set of pros and cons. No matter what our drivers encounter out there, they can count on us to be by the phone, ready to help them get where they need to be.
We hope this month finds you happy and healthy, and we’ll see you on the road!