Keeping Fit And Healthy In The Cab

As a courier driver, it can sometimes be difficult to stay healthy, particularly if you’re working longer jobs or erratic hours. It’s easy to give in to the temptation of picking up something quick and greasy in a fast-food restaurant when you’re on the road. I should warn you, however: such poor habits can really put a strain on both your physical and mental health. Don’t worry, though! Here are a few tips to get into a healthy eating and exercising schedule.

Exercise on the Road

It’s a common myth that a courier driver can’t exercise while on the road. But don’t be fooled: there are many ways you can get in a quick workout. I suggest going for a walk or jog around a rest area and trying to reach 10,000 steps every day. You could also pack some weights, resistance bands and a skipping rope into your vehicle and do a few exercises by the roadside.

Choose Healthy Food

In an ideal world, every courier driverwould have a packed lunch filled with healthy greens, lots of protein and some good carbs to keep their energy levels up throughout the day. Obviously, this isn’t always possible. If you do have to stop in a fast-food restaurant, favour lean meat or vegetarian options. You should also try and avoid high sodium and overly salty meals. If there’s a buffet, use a smaller plate to avoid over-eating and choose non-creamy dressings for your salads. You’ll find that most eateries have healthy options; you just need to make yourself more aware of what’s available.

Store Nutritious Snacks

When you get hungry on the road, it’s easy to grab a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar. To avoid unhealthy snacking, the best thing to do is to store a supply of healthy foods that you can nibble on. Pretzels, low-salt popcorn and fresh or tinned fruit are great ways of satisfying your hunger.

Join the ‘Fruit for Trees’ Scheme

Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but for a courier driver, eating your recommended daily fruit and vegetable portions can be a struggle. However, there is a new scheme called Fruit for Trees. It’s a system that provides offices and companies across the UK with fruit baskets. If your courier company signs up, you could get fresh fruit delivered to the depot and pick up an apple, orange or banana on the way to your truck.

Keep a Clean Mind

Managing stress is another essential way of keeping a healthy body and mind. I’d recommend learning some relaxation techniques to keep a calm head. Having a playlist of relaxing music, getting a massage and sleeping well can also help keep stress at bay.

Things to Remember

All in all, it’s important to remember that a healthy courier driver eats as well as possible, exercises regularly and cares for their mental health. Taking care of yourself will make life on the road all the more enjoyable.

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Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier driver work 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.

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