Today's truck drivers need to be equipped to deal with the impacts of stress if they want to have a successful and long career transporting freight. That's correct. Stress among truck drivers is a genuine issue and a major contributor to burnout.

The physical and emotional demands of the truck driver lifestyle can be taxing, even while it can provide a lot of freedom, a solid salary, perks, and incentives in addition to possibly the best job security the economy has to offer. But how stressful is truck driving? Let’s find out the causes and solutions to reduce the stress on the road.

Is Truck Driving Stressful?

There is no denying that driving a truck is stressful. In fact, it might be among the most demanding occupations in the country.

For the following reasons, driving a truck might be stressful:

• It is alienating and lonely.
• Truck drivers frequently experience disrespect from other motorists.
• Truck driving requires skill and attention.
• Truck drivers must adhere to numerous rules.
• Truck drivers frequently have to work long hours or travel through the night.

Physiological Causes of Truck Driver’s Stress

For truckers hauling any type of freight, stress is a major problem. It's safe to assume that stress has a more significant negative impact on daily comfort and health than practically any other element. If you don't manage your stress, you'll develop various health issues and become distracted while driving.

Drivers mentioned three causes why stress had a negative impact on them.

1. Loneliness: The research study found that truckers cited isolation and loneliness as the main causes of their emotional stress. It's no secret that most commercial drivers operate alone. Additionally, long-distance truckers spend a lot of time away from their friends, family, and loved ones.
2. Lack of respect: A lot of truck drivers feel disrespected in many ways. Car drivers that are rude and aggressive are the main source of hostility. Customers, managers, and other business insiders that lack professionalism intensify these sentiments. The backbone of the nation, truck drivers ensure that supplies reach every town. Many people believe they do not receive the respect due to them for their hard work.
3. Government Overregulation: CDL holders experience the effects of excessive government regulation. Anxiety is greatly increased by weigh stations, work hour restrictions, and other forms of micromanagement. They feel singled out for a good reason after recently being subjected to tolls that are only applied to truckers.

Beyond the psychological causes of stress that affect truck drivers, the lifestyle also includes physical features that, if left unchecked, can result in health problems for truck drivers.

Physical Causes of Truck Driver’s Stress: Is Being a Truck Driver Stressful?

Despite the fact that turning steering wheels and unloading cargo no longer require brutal effort, some physical demands of the job still apply to truck drivers. Operating a big rig for 8 to 11 hours is sedentary, which seems to limit even modest cardio to some extent. These are the main health concerns for truck drivers that can be prevented with proper management.

• Obesity: Too many truckers consume unhealthful, high-calorie diets.
• High blood pressure: Obesity, inactivity, and behaviors like smoking cigarettes have been shown to have a negative impact on truckers' blood pressure and, ultimately, their cardiovascular health.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Poorly built sleeper compartments and chairs that don't offer enough ergonomic support can, among other things, place too much strain on the back, neck, and hips. Additionally, it's common for drivers to slouch, which puts too much strain on their shoulders and can cause arthritis.

Physical health issues are frequently unintentional mistakes that make them potentially worrisome for truck drivers. Physical flaws that impair health and unnecessarily raise stress levels can be fixed. But for the psychological aspects, a strategy for reducing stress that brings comfort may be necessary.

So, driving a truck is stressful? Yes. How demanding is driving a truck? It largely depends on the actions you are taking to lessen the problem.

Tips For Truckers to Reduce Stress on the Road

There is little doubt that the specific physical and emotional stress experienced by truck drivers is tied to their line of work. It would be sad to pass up a chance for a long-term job with outstanding employment stability and income increase. It's no secret that firms are vying for the services of competent CDL holders by raising wages, providing health benefits, and even offering signing bonuses. Truckers may lessen stress and anxiety while driving and keep their health in tip-top shape by using simple stress management practices.

Healthy Diet

Food at fast food restaurants and truck stops is typically convenient and of average quality. However, their high cholesterol and calorie content can lead to weight gain and poor cardiovascular health. A trip to the grocery store is a great way to avoid an unhealthy diet. Carry fruits, rotisserie birds that have already been prepared, vegetables, and other nutritious options. Food may be kept cold for up to a week in Yeti and other coolers if your RV lacks a mini-fridge.

Good Sleep

The distinction that a full eight hours or longer may make might astound you. Equip your sleeping area with high-quality items to ensure a peaceful night's sleep. And if you start to experience the effects of the road, don't be afraid to book a room with a top-notch mattress.

Stay in Touch with Loving Ones

Even routine phone calls and texts can lessen feelings of loneliness and foster an emotional connection among drivers. Spend a few minutes during breaks saying goodbye to loved ones and sending brief messages.

Use Ergonomic Techniques

When operating the truck, make sure you are seated comfortably. Use back and neck support goods, if necessary, to lessen unnecessary stress on sensitive parts of your body.

Exercises

Truck drivers have the time to get in enough good exercise to stay in shape. Making a commitment to a routine is usually problematic.

Every day, truckers must take a whole lunch break. There is no excuse for not taking a mile-long stroll during this break. There is often enough room and even walking routes at rest areas, and truck stops to get in some exercise. Off-drivable hours are the same as driving hours. Doing some calisthenics outside to start the day could make you feel uncomfortable.

Instruments For Managing Stress

You can find many tools to help you in your search for a low-stress trucking job. Simple objects that you squeeze, like stress balls, are simple enough to bring. Your hands become stronger as a result. A gadget that can access your console should have a soothing playlist put up to help you relax while driving.

Stress can result in heart disease, weight gain, and other health issues. Truck drivers spend a lot of time sitting, so they must take care of their health. Follow the tips above, and you'll feel better overall and have a lower risk of developing several diseases.

We took this video from Nuffield Health YouTube Channel.