When you take a job as a trucker, you think about the long hours you’ll spend driving across the country. The thought of putting in so many miles every week is stressful, but you can alleviate the boredom with these strategies.
Choose Good Listening Material
Whether you work hopper bottom jobs or transport chemicals, you need something good to listen to. While the radio is good for when you need a change of pace, keep your brain occupied by paying for a streaming service such as Spotify or Apple Music. Create your own playlists based on your tastes, or try new genres and artists. Explore the different podcasts, which range from historical and informative to fictional and entertaining. Consider downloading audiobooks from your library or a service such as Audible if you love to read but don’t have the time when you’re home.
Take Strategic Breaks
When you plan your route, estimate when you’ll need a break to go to the bathroom and refuel, and find a way to make the stop interesting. Choose a stop that is scenic if you love nature or one that sells good coffee if you really need some caffeine. Thanks to the Internet, most stores have been reviewed, so you should be able to find plenty of information online. Wherever you stop, make sure to stretch and do a few push-ups or jumping jacks. These exercises encourage your circulation to operate normally and wake you up.
If you’re dreading your first job as a trucker, prepare by finding entertaining listening material and choosing your breaks wisely. As you travel more and more, you’ll figure out tricks that keep you stimulated during your hours on the highway. For now, try to enjoy the feeling of driving across the country, and don’t fall asleep at the wheel.
