Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy on the Road

Driving for hours at a time, sitting in the same position and focusing on the road can take a toll on mind and body. While it may not feel dangerous or harmful, there’s a host of health problems that can result from sedentary work. Many drivers (especially those working in a delivery service or driving a taxi) face long hours behind the wheel every day. The good news is there are plenty of tips to ensure you keep yourself in as good shape as possible.

Hydration

Possibly the greatest health message of the last few years is the constant emphasis on hydration. In most cases, the "eight glasses of water per day" advice can be deceiving as it does not account for water ingested in food, different diets (e.g. salt levels), activity levels or ambient temperature, all of which can make a difference of several cups to the actual water requirements of a person.

However, in the case of delivery service, taxi, bus and haulage drivers, dehydration can be a valid health concern. Dehydration can also lead to decreased levels of awareness and, especially during summer, can even lead to momentary loss of focus or even consciousness, all of which can be catastrophic when driving.

It's vitally important to drink water whenever you’re thirsty and always keep more than you think you’ll need with you - you’ll thank yourself if you find yourself breaking down in mid-July.

Frequent Micro-Breaks

Extended periods of inactivity can be actively bad for your health, much like smoking or eating a poor diet, and long periods of sitting are associated not only with haulage and delivery service drivers, but also office workers, so the health advice is universal.

The good news is that the harm can be easily reduced for drivers: instead of taking the occasional long break, divide this into multiple five-minute breaks, during which you can leave your vehicle and stretch your legs. Even if you were to stretch your legs for five minutes each hour, over a 13-hour day this would amount to a single, one-hour break. While it may not be possible for everyone, if you can, it’s highly recommended to take some time out of your schedule for these breaks, as they not only lead to a healthier lifestyle but also mean it’s less likely that you’ll have to take long periods off work due to serious health problems.

Make Yourself at Home

Even if your delivery service job is part time and you'll only be in your vehicle for a few hours at a time, it’s still worth taking a few minutes at the beginning of your shift to make yourself comfortable. Ensure your seat is adjusted correctly, and consider bringing a small pillow for lumbar support in order to avoid future back pain. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if your car doesn’t have air conditioning, and bring your own music if you don’t have a preferred radio station. While obviously you need to be alert and vigilant at all times, if you're comfortable and relaxed you'll certainly drive in a safer manner.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day delivery service in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.