Stress is something that everyone has to deal with but, for drivers it can become dangerous. Stress can impact your thinking and decision making. Drivers are constantly dealing with distractions all day on the road so it can be hard to find ways to reduce stress. However, there are a few fundamental things you can do to help when you feel stressed to relax.
Get Enough Sleep
If you don’t get enough sleep, your body can struggle to function at its fullest potential. Not getting enough sleep can also affect your thinking, make decision making harder and shorten your attention span. This can all lead to stress throughout your day.
Eat Healthy
Stress eating is a real thing, but did you know you can also eat food that reduce stress? Foods that contain a lot of vitamins and minerals can help fuel your body and improve your mood. Food without those vitamins and minerals can have the opposite effect. You’ll want to avoid foods with sugar and caffeine. Those foods have short term effects that give you short bursts of energy but will have you crashing later. That crash can add more stress to your day.
Move Around As Much As You Can
Since so much of a driver’s time is spent sitting in the driver’s seat, it is important to move around and stretch whenever you get the chance. Moving your body around can get rid of pent-up emotions that might build up while you are driving. Stretching can help relax tense muscles and clear your mind. Taking small walks can also help clear your head. Staying active when you can help keep you relaxed and healthy on the road. For more information on how to stay active on the road, read our previous blog on exercising on the road here.
Other Tips To Help Reduce Stress:
- Deep breathing
- Relax your muscles
- Listening to something you enjoy (music, talk radio, audiobooks, podcasts, etc.)
- Counting to 10
- Focusing on what is in YOUR control
- Awareness to what you are thinking/feeling
- Equipping yourself with tools for stress reduction (stress balls, cooling towel, etc.)
