Tight deadlines, slow traffic, and a long time spent in a closed space are all ingredients for a perfect stress-storm. Or, if you’re employed in professional trucking, they are ingredients for an average day at work. Career drivers rely primarily on two things; meticulous preparation and good luck. Unfortunately, no matter how much effort you spend on preparation, luck can still be the deciding factor in whether or not a job goes smoothly.
Dealing with large quantities of goods and larger quantities of other drivers means juggling your safety, the safety of those around you, and the satisfaction of your client. Understandably, this can be overwhelming, considering how a Madison, WI winter treats area roads. Learning how to keep your cool and deal with situations as they arise is a hallmark of a great Bay & Bay Transportation driver, and with the right stress management habits, bad luck won’t even scuff your bumpers.
Proper stress management is one aspect of professional trucking that may not be listed on your pre-drive check list, but it cannot be disregarded. Stress can tamper with your sleep, stall your reflexes, and contribute directly to body strain. A great way to relieve stress in daily life is to get away from the problem or exercise. However, when you’re in the midst of a job that may not be an option. Ignoring the problem won’t necessarily help you either. Instead, consider creating a road-routine that will help you relax. A personalized stress management system can help you regulate how you react to unexpected situations. Plus, this type of routine could be used outside of work as well.
Some examples of actions to include in your stress management routine could be deep breathing exercises, stretches, or popping in a soothing CD. Whatever you chose should be simple, easy to replicate, and possible to do without distracting yourself from the road. Talking out loud about why you’re stressed can be helpful, especially if you feel as if things are piling up too quickly to process. Hearing the situation explained in sequence can reveal solutions that may not have been apparent initially. Or, if you’re looking for a silent option, consider just smiling. Oddly enough, some research indicates that the physical act of smiling may reduce stress and promote more positive feelings. Plus, it comes with the added bonus of making the person who just cut you off very nervous.
Once you establish a stress management routine, or at least have a few steps in place that keep you calm, make sure you’re still following the most basic rules of career driving: stay hydrated, fed, and well rested. A tired body leads to a tired mind, and a tired mind cannot cope with stress as effectively, regardless of how Zen your driving methods are. It’s vital to remember that professional trucking requires fortitude, but even more so it requires persistent self-care. Stress does enough harm on its own without help from its pal fatigue!
If you’re looking for more on-the-road tips or are interested in a professional trucking career in the Madison, WI area, contact Bay & Bay Transportation today at
888-801-3026 or visit their website for more information!