As a driver you know that one of your main priorities is road safety, however, when your stress levels lead to a poor night’s sleep or a lack of concentration accidents could happen.
Stress and driving
Whilst stress can negatively affect individuals in any job if you include a 25-tonne vehicle in the equation it can become dangerous.
Some of the main causes of stress are an unfortunate integral part of having a driving career such as getting passengers or loads to their destination on time and long working hours (typically in traffic).
But what can you do to help matters?
The negative effects that stress can have on your health
High levels of stress can have severe detrimental effects on your health and wellbeing such as;
- High blood pressure
- A weakened immune system
- Headaches
- Raised irritability (Trust us when we say that road rage definitely isn’t ideal when you’re in control of an HGV or have passengers in the back of your vehicle)
- Difficulty concentrating on the road
How to combat stress as a driver
Getting control of your stress levels isn’t always easy. It can be hard to go to battle with your own mind. However, here are our top tips for reducing your stress levels…
- Master your time
Time management is a key part of being a driver, particularly when it comes to making a delivery or dropping a passenger off on time. Try and plan your route in advance and make sure you’re aware of anything that could affect your journey (like icy road conditions).
- Don’t let other road users bother you
Easier said than done we know, but once you learn to not let other road users frustrate you with their driving, you will be a lot less stressed.
- Stay Hydrated
Believe it or not, keeping your water intake at a good level is a really good way to maintain your stress levels. It might be worth investing in a reusable water bottle that you can refill at each of your stops.
- Make sure you’re eating properly
Whether you take food with you or pick something up at the services, nutritionally dense snacks will help maintain a clear head by cutting down cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
- Take time out
Taking a time out can change your mindset and stop yourself from feeling overwhelmed if something goes wrong on the road. When you stop at services, make sure you step out of the driver’s seat and go on a wander.
- Have regular medical checks
Making sure that you’re keeping tabs on your health could be one of the best ways to keep on top of preventing stress from taking its toll on your body. Our driver medicals all consist of multiple health checks, one of which is a blood pressure check!