“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”-William James. Everybody has succumbed to stress, whether they deal with it constantly or only in certain circumstances. April is Stress Awareness Month, and we’re shining a light on what stress is, what causes it, and why everyone, truck drivers included, should worry about too much of it. 

 

What is Stress, and What Causes it?

 

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. It starts in our brains and is triggered by how we perceive the things that happen to us and around us.  

 

COVID-19 brought about an increase in stress and mental health issues, which people are still dealing with today. Inflation and supply chain issues were also sources of stress in 2022 and continue to be the same today.

 

For truck drivers, stress doesn’t sleep either. Truckers sometimes experience stress when looking for adequate parking or truck stops with proper amenities. Sitting down for long periods can also trigger stress, even if it isn’t apparent. Finding an appropriate work/life balance can be taxing for truck drivers with friends and family back home. During these times, it’s important to maintain traditions on the road and contact friends and family as often as possible.

 

Why Should Truck Drivers Worry About Stress?

 

Small amounts of stress are expected, and our bodies are equipped to handle these occasional or minuscule bouts. Chronic stress, however, can have severe effects on our bodies. Being constantly stressed can negatively affect everything from our nervous and cardiovascular systems to the gastrointestinal system. Finding ways to minimize stress regularly and bring more Zen into your life will positively benefit your health.

 

 

You may not always be immediately aware that you’re too stressed out, so look out for symptoms like:

– increased irritability and impatience, 

-feeling anxious or nervous, 

-Sense of dread 

 

Physical signs of increased stress can be:

-high blood pressure

-sleep problems

-sweating

-constipation

 

How Can Truck Drivers Reduce Stress?

 

Before hitting the road for your next run, consider what usually makes you sweat while working and plan to avoid that. Certain apps can help truckers check out traffic, parking, delays, and more to prevent complications before getting to them. When a trip runs smoothly, a trucker’s job operates as it should. 

 

Getting into nature is proven to help alleviate stress and get your mind back to normal. Don’t knock it till you try it. Look for a hiking trail whenever you have some extra time and take in the benefits walking in nature has on your mood and stress levels. Stretching your legs after sitting for so long also tremendously benefits your health. Some trailheads start in parking lots and rest areas and feature short loop hikes you can go on during downtime. 

 

 

Another great way to alleviate stress is through music. Make sure to load your favorite playlists with songs that make you feel good and avoid music that brings out feelings of anger and sadness. Confident music choices affect our moods more than others, so choose carefully when making your road playlist. The goal is to alleviate stress, not pick songs that make you feel more stressed.  

 

Take some time this month to reflect on mental health and the things that bring stress to your life. Truck drivers shouldn’t knock this either because stress exists on the road, too, and finding ways to manage it will make for smoother runs. 

 

Follow our blog for more trucking news and highlights, and check out our employment opportunities and requirements if you are interested in a trucking job.

 

Other Recommended Readings from our Blog:

Mental Health Awareness for Truckers

Addressing Truck Driver Health Concerns

Truck Driver Concerns: What Can You Do During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Great Audiobooks: The Alternative to Music on the Road