Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Like any job, being a professional driver can begin to feel “tiresome” when you are doing the same thing over and over again every week and this can lead to burnout. Truck driving is a balance of many entities; including the customer, management, other drivers, and yourself and how you interact with these elements can either make you love your job or suffer from burnout.
Below you can find some tips to avoid truck driving exhaustion and burnout!
Routine Sleep Schedule:
The lack of sleep can have negative side effects and one of those side effects can be burnout. While your job might not allow you to fall asleep at the same time every night, you can still have a routine when you go to bed by controlling your lighting, noise, phone, temperature of your truck, and what you do before bedtime. You can read more about these sleeping tips here.
Take Breaks:
Using your breaks on the road efficiently to do something that you enjoy or to get some rest will let you unwind. One of the benefits of working for Witte Bros. is that as long as you are living within 150 miles of our lot, you get 2 nights at home every week. Being at home with your family and friends will allow you to recharge your body and mind. Make sure to use your vacation time as needed too, this will let you spend an extended period of time with your loved ones to help you unwind and get ready to work again.
Eating Healthy and Exercising:
Eating healthier and exercising while on the road can dramatically improve your mood. Foods that contain a lot of vitamins and minerals can help fuel your mind and body. Exercise can keep you healthy and prevent the negative side effects of being in sedentary position for an extended period of time. To learn some exercises you can do while on the road, you can read our blog here.
Being a professional driver can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, however, the time away from family, the varying schedule, isolation, and the pressures of the job can take a toll on your body and mind. It is important to remember to take time to reflect on how you are feeling in your current state, both physically and mentally and to take the steps necessary to reduce the feelings of burnout as soon as the occur.
Just like preforming regular maintenance on your truck to keep it in prime condition, it is important to take the appropriate steps to keep your mind and body in top shape.
