Keeping energy levels up is important for any job, and that’s especially true for truck drivers, as the safety of everyone on the road depends on it. According to the staff at Great Lakes Truck Driving School, offering transportation safety and CDL training in Columbia Station, OH, making a few minor adjustments can have a big impact on a driver’s abilities, productivity, and overall health. Below, Lorain County’s top CDL training instructors share a few tips to keep truckers healthy.  

3 Health Tips for Truck Drivers

1. Don't Skip Breakfast

Even if you aren’t naturally hungry in the morning, it’s important to still eat a healthy breakfast before getting on the road. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, lean meats, and whole grain will supply the body with vitamins and minerals to boost blood sugar levels and stay energized while driving. Keeping energy levels up will help fight sluggishness and road fatigue that could come with driving long distances. Eating breakfast at the beginning of the day—and smaller snacks after—will help you feel full longer. This eliminates the need to make stops for big meals that add more time to each trip.

2. Quench Thirst With Water

Although coffee and soda will provide a caffeine boost, it’s best to drink plenty of water while driving. Water keeps you hydrated and your vital organs healthy. It also lubricates joints and eye tissue to prevent cramping while behind the wheel and ocular strain while driving long distances. Water also enhances energy cell production to keep you active and alert. Soft drinks and coffee, meanwhile, cause dehydration, which could lead to headaches and fatigue.  

3. Take Time to Rest

Although eating healthy food and drinking water will give you energy, never try to complete a long-distance haul without making a few stops along the way. Sitting in one position for long periods could cause discomfort after a while, so try to stop every two hours to stretch and keep muscles loose. Getting a bite to eat or taking a short walk will also help boost energy levels for the next leg of the journey. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night will give the brain time to recharge, so you remain awake and responsive on the road. 

If you need CDL training to start a career as a professional truck driver, reach out to the team at Great Lakes Truck Driving School for expert instruction and encouragement. Beyond showing you how to operate large vehicles, the teachers at the advanced truck driving school will also help fill out applications and provide resources to make the job hunt easier. To learn more about CDL training and equipment safety courses available in Columbia Station, call (440) 236-3436. You can also visit them online to browse a list of available programs.