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 lack of concentration, accidents could happen.
While 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 Effects of High Stress
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 while out on the road…
1. Listen to Something Good
Whether you listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music, all of these can help reduce stress. Calming music is so readily available and can really help. We always suggest that once your stress levels have returned to normal, change the music. Sounds like the ocean or babbling brooks can make some people a little drowsy.
2. Don’t Let Other Road Users Bother You
Easier said than done, we know. But once you learn not to let other road users frustrate you with their driving, you will be a lot less stressed.
3. Stay Hydrated
Believe it or not, keeping your water intake at a good level is a great 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.
4. 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).
5. Take Time Out
Taking time out can change your mindset and prevent you 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.
6. Have Regular Medical Checks
Making sure you’re keeping tabs on your health could be one of the best ways to prevent 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!
7. Stretch
Stretching can relax muscles that are tense from the stresses of driving. It also helps clear your mind and prepares you mentally for the remainder of your drive. The next time you’re at a service station or taking a short break in a layby, take some time to stretch.
Final Thoughts
Stress is something you will encounter regularly while driving an HGV, but it’s important not to let stress control you. We understand life on the road and being away from family is hard, so we hope these tips can help, even just a little.
If these tips don’t work for you and you’re struggling with long-term stress or depression, please reach out for support. Visit Mind for more information.