Being a tow truck driver means that you’re constantly on the move, whether it’s to the next job or during a client’s roadside repair. So, there may not be a lot of time to make healthy meals or exercise every day. However, there are tons of health issues that can arise from driving and handling heavy equipment without the proper body maintenance. The good news is that even if you don’t have a lot of time, there are plenty of ways to fit in healthy habits to a busy schedule. So, here are 10 quick and easy tips for tow truck operators to stay healthy on the job.
10 tips to stay healthy on the road as a tow truck driver
1. Look for junk food alternatives
The health industry has been booming, but most health nuts still agree that it can be hard to quit junk food cold turkey. That’s why websites and nutritionists alike have tried to create guides for alternatives to the unhealthy foods we may crave. For example, chilled, flavored yogurt can be a great alternative to ice cream. Grilled white meat is often recommended instead of red meats. Brands have even made salted and flavored veggie chips as an alternative to greasy, fatty potato chips.
2. Pack a lunchbox
If you get the chance to go home regularly, try going back to your childhood days and pack a lunch box. This way, you can take healthier meals on the road like turkey or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. You could also pack snacks like fresh fruit salads, vegetable sticks, or even hard-boiled eggs. It’s a great way to save money and eat better by shopping in your own pantry.
3. Buy groceries specifically for your truck
If you don’t get to spend that much time at home, stash your own set of groceries in your truck. If your truck is large enough, consider buying a mini-fridge to put away more perishable, healthy items like fruit, yogurt, bread, etc. If your cabin doesn’t have that much room, keep a bag of easily accessible, healthy, non-perishable foods handy like peanut butter and crackers, jerky, trail mix, tuna, or dried fruit. You might even want to consider healthy smoothies, whether they’re homemade, in a pre-made bottle, or in a protein shake mixer.
4. Stay hydrated
One of the best and easiest ways to stay healthy starts with drinking lots of water. When you’re constantly on the move, whether it’s in winter or summer, it can be easy to forget to stay hydrated. So, pack or buy a good amount of bottled water or sports drinks with electrolytes. To keep them cool, invest in a lunchbag-style cooler and ice packs or pour the drinks into an insulated thermos.
5. Dial back on the coffee and energy drinks
Almost everyone enjoys or runs off of their morning coffee or energy drink. Nonetheless, too many stimulants in your diet can be horrible for your health over time. Some may recommend switching these beverages for chugging a large cup of water after you first wake up. Others recommend simply dialing back your consumption by one or two cups of coffee’s worth of stimulants per day.
6. Think portable when it comes to exercise
The exercise industry has also grown a lot in the past few years. So, there are plenty of companies that have tried their hands at portable exercise equipment. One of the most popular are portable bike pedals, but don’t be afraid to take your activities to the old school. If you have a short break, walking for 15 to 30 minutes per day can have tremendous health benefits. So, don’t be afraid to lace up in arch-supportive sneakers and take a lap!
7. Protect yourself from the sun
Windshields on some trucks may not have the UV protection that most cars have. Plus, being exposed to the sun while you work, whether it’s hot or cold, can damage your skin. Therefore, be sure to apply sunscreen before and during your shift. Additionally, wear a pair of quality sunglasses to protect wear on your eyes. It’ll keep your precision sharp and your reaction time quick, which is a vital part of driving defensively.
8. Listen to a podcast or audiobook
Staying healthy doesn’t only mean taking care of your physical features. People are meant to be mentally stimulated and driving around for hours can leave you feeling anything but that. So, pick out a few podcasts or audiobooks on topics that matter to you or that you’ve always wanted to learn about.
9. Get a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep can do a lot more than leave you feeling well rested. Studies have uncovered numerous health benefits to simply sleeping properly. Sleeping can help you reduce stress and blood pressure, fight sickness more effectively, and generally improve your brain function, including alertness, judgement time, and problem-solving skills – all things that an operator needs to perform at their very best. It’s recommended that adults get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night. So, find somewhere comfy to stretch out and catch some Zs.
10. Start slow
Overall, it’s not easy to just start a healthy lifestyle. If you try to do it all at once, you’ll lose steam. So, start with one or two habits incorporated into your shift, then gradually add more. This way, you’ll continue healthy habits more easily and for a longer period of time.
These tips can give you a great start to staying healthier on the road so that you can enjoy towing and helping other drivers for longer. Our experts can also help you find tow truck insurance that fits and grows with your business. To start getting free quotes on tow truck insurance, give us a call, fill out our online form, or LiveChat with an agent today.
