Weekly Health Tip

The new year is (finally) upon us. And while 2020 seemed like a very long year, here we are at the beginning of 2021.

The beginning of a year is when most choose to reflect on the past year and set goals for the next. When setting goals, it’s better to make specific, attainable goals. While the goal ‘lose weight’ or ‘save money’ are common goals, they are vague. It’s better to stick to goals if you make them detailed and quantifiable.

1. Drink up (WATER!)

It’s easy to opt for sugary drinks or ones with caffeine when you’re out on the road. But drinking water can help your body in a variety of ways. It helps keeps your joints and muscles working, eliminates toxins from your body, boosts brain function and energy function and so much more.

Set a goal on how many ounces you’d need to drink each day. A good rule of thumb is to use is to take your body weight and cut it in half. That’s how many ounces of water you should drink each day.

2. Exercise

Staying active is critical to good cardiovascular health and maintaining a healthy weight. But being more active can help you to feel better on a daily basis. As a driver, most of your job is sitting, which causes stress on your back, neck and knees. Getting 30 minutes of physical activity a day can counteract the ill effects of sitting. Exercise has also been shown to bring mental health and clarity of mind.

You don’t have to run a marathon; walking around your neighborhood or the truck stop or biking to the grocery store are simple but effective ways to get more exercise. Aim for 20-30 minutes of cardio activity at least 3 to 4 times a week.

3. Safety always

Safety is the most important thing as a truck driver. But with 2020 having its way with us, this is the year to make health safety a constant concern. With ongoing threats of COVID-19 as we wait for a vaccine, this means making your health a priority. Cleaning and social distancing are still the best practices.

4. Keep the connection

It can be hard to maintain relationships while on the road. But making your personal relationships a priority can make a huge difference in your health. Try scheduling a standing phone call with the important people in your life or make sure you reach out to at least one person a week via text or email. Even small points of contact can help you feel connected. Make this NEW year your BEST year!