Being on the road as a long haul trucker, or even doing short-haul or in-city, you can easily find yourself falling into unhealthy habits. From not drinking enough water to grabbing unhealthy snacks and lunches when you're in a hurry, it can be difficult to stay healthy behind the wheel, but that doesn't mean that it's impossible. Here are our five favourite tips for staying healthy on the road.

First, let's get the obvious out of the way. Staying hydrated has so many health benefits but our body doesn't tell us that we're thirsty until we're already dehydrated. Keep water in the cab with you and try to sip at it all day instead of waiting till you're thirsty. Whether you keep a big jug with you with ice cubes in it, or bring a small vehicle-powered refrigerator with smaller bottles, it's important to drink plenty of water. How much exactly? The common formula says to consume 1/2 your body weight in ounces. Eg. weight 170 lb. = 85 ounces means drink approx. 10.5 cups of water each day.

Many drivers get into the habit of stopping to eat at the closest spot to them, and rightfully so. Driving truck is a busy job that doesn't always grant a lot of time off the road. What we recommend here is planning ahead and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Smoothies are a great way to include in your day, of you can go old-school and bring apples and bananas on the road.

When you pull off the road for a meal, it can be tempting to grab the biggest heaviest thing you can find to help you from getting hungry and needing to pull off the road again, taking time away from your schedule. Smaller meals will help you stay alert as it takes less energy for your body to digest it. Also, by packing lunches before you hit the highway, you can make them smaller to help with your energy conservation, but also save you time from having to pull off your route and finding somewhere to eat.

Being on the road plays havoc with your sleep schedule, which is one of the most important things that your body needs in order to function properly. We know it's not easy to always get the right amount of sleep when you're on the road, especially if you're a long haul driver, but it can't be stressed enough how important it is. Whenever possible, a consistent bedtime and wake up time can help you drive at your best.

Ask any driver and they will tell you that driving truck isn't a job; it's a lifestyle. Your entire life is built around either prepping, driving, or recovering from a route. Another piece of advice we offer it finding things to do when you're not driving. Hobbies and activities can help take your mind away from the wheel and allow you recover both physically and mentally so that when you get back in the cab of your rig, you're at your absolute best.

Do you have questions about getting ready for a career in truck driving? Reach out today. We'd love to help.