Tips For Keeping Healthy Whilst On The Road

There are many aspects of health to consider when on the road. From mental health to physical health, there are many ways in which long periods of concentration and sitting can affect you. So here are some tips on keeping healthy on the road that we’ve put together for drivers, so you can have a more enjoyable experience out and about on the roads.

 

4 Ways To Keep Healthy When Driving

 

• Keep hydrated. Though it might be somewhat tempting to cut back on the water to keep the rest stops minimal, keeping hydrated is essential for our bodies to combat fatigue, keep us alert, and keep our body functioning at its best. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks might be your go-to for keeping hydrated, but water is your best bet for keeping healthy, as many people suffer from adverse reactions when consuming too much caffeine, such as headaches, dizziness, and even dehydration. Keep a large flask of water in your vehicle so you don’t have to keep making stops to buy drinks, and ensure you’re hitting the daily amount that doctors say is optimal for the body: 3.7 litres for men and 2.7 litres for women.
• Protect your skin. Though winter might be on its way, studies have shown that sun rays still have the potential to damage skin even on cloudy or overcast days. Ensure your skin is protected to avoid sunburn, or, in the worst-case scenario, melanoma. Those who work outdoors for long periods of time tend to forget or downplay the effects of it on their skin, according to a study by Nottingham University. Don’t leave it until it’s too late – get some factor 50 on!
• Take breaks whenever possible. This one is for both your mental and physical health. For example, having a bad posture might be exacerbated by sitting still for long periods of time, particularly when we become stressed on the road. Building up stress and tension in our bodies is bad for our physical and mental wellbeing, and can lead to issues such as stiff muscles and headaches – not fun!There’s also the issue of tiredness, which can impair your driving ability and put yourself and others at risk. Taking regular breaks means you can drive with a fresh mind, and enjoy your time out on the road more easily.

 

• Eat healthily. Sugary and high-fat snacks might be the most tempting to eat to get you through a busy day – and they’re often the most abundant item in service and petrol stations – but in the long term, your health will thank you for eating a wider range of foods to keep you healthy. Not only that, but studies have shown that eating exclusively junk foods has an adverse effect on tiredness levels and mood.

 

But don’t worry – it doesn’t all have to be rabbit food! Make healthy sandwiches before you hit the road, or snack on fruit instead of crisps and chocolate. You’ll soon find an increase in your alertness levels and overall improvement in your wellbeing.

 

At Barnes Logistics, we care about the welfare of our drivers. Have some health tips of your own? Join the conversation over on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. For more Barnes blogs, click here.