Taking Care of Your Health As An HGV Driver

Mental health issues are one of the biggest problems affecting the global population. And according to various studies, HGV drivers are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. More than 40% of HGV drivers have reported experiencing feelings of mental distress or anxiety while driving. What’s more, an astounding 30% have admitted to having a near-miss while feeling anxious behind the wheel. It goes without saying that the state of a driver’s mental health can adversely affect other road users.

Sadly, many drivers tend to ignore their symptoms, which only causes the condition to get worse until it reaches a crisis point. The diet and physical lifestyle of HGV drivers have often been a key topic of discussion, but it is now more important than ever that we put their mental health under the microscope. If you are dealing with a mental health problem, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible to get the help you need.

Ignoring mental health issues only leads to bigger problems for everyone involved. The first and most important step towards getting better is acknowledging that you have a problem and admitting it to others.

It is important that you open up and share your feelings with someone you trust. This can be a family member, spouse, or doctor. While it can be difficult to open up to others, it is a critical step in the rehabilitation process. You should never feel embarrassed to talk about your mental health, whether you are a man or woman.

It will also help to talk to your employer or manager about your mental health. Nowadays, more and more employers are starting to take mental health among employees more seriously and are willing to help.

Top Tips For HGV Drivers For Good Mental Health

Stay active

With you being on the road for extended periods of time, it can be difficult to make time to exercise regularly. However, staying physically active is particularly important for HGV drivers who spend the majority of their working hours seated in a cramped area. Try to set aside some time before or after your shift to exercise. Also, learn about HGV and LGV license differences and the specific size and type of lorry you can drive.

Have a laugh

Spending a long time on the road and away from home, family and friends can get depressing. It is therefore important that you also set aside time to do things that make you happy and brighten up your day.

Get enough rest and sleep

As an HGV driver, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial. Not only does getting enough rest help to improve your concentration on the road and allow you to make decisions with a clear and level head, but it is also important for your overall mental health.
Additionally, according to research sleep deprivation exacerbates negative moods like anger, frustration, and frustration, which affect one’s ability to drive safely.

Keep your driving space clean

In the same way, office workers feel more productive with clean and uncluttered desks, many drivers feel better when their cab is clean and tidy. Given that you will be spending most of your time there, the last thing you want is to be distracted by clutter.

Open up about your feelings

Suppressing your feelings is never a good thing. And refraining from venting out increases stress, anxiety, and depression. Speaking out and sharing your feelings with someone close to you helps you to better process your thoughts.

With you spending so much time alone every day, it is important that you communicate and don’t let negative thoughts build up.

Eat a healthy diet

Being on the road for lengthy periods makes it much easier to live on junk food and reduces your access to more healthy. Besides being bad for your physical health, it can be detrimental to your mental health.

While sugary snacks provide bursts of energy, the mental crash that follows can be devastating. Foods rich in fats and carbohydrates are known to drain mental energy since they are more difficult to digest.

Tim