Six Top Tips for Wellbeing Behind the Wheel

When you’re spending the day on the road, totally focussed on getting your deliveries to the right place and on time, it can be easy to let your wellbeing take a back seat.

We all know how important to check-in on your health and happiness and with Driver Express’ Six Top Tips for Wellbeing Behind the Wheel it’s easier than ever.

On the move? Check out the podcast version of this blog whenever you need a little wellbeing boost.

Ready to read? Here we go:

1. Breath Deeper

   Let’s start with something nice and easy. Controlled breathing exercises can help you relieve stress and relax your body and mind, and the other great thing is that you can do them anytime and anywhere. While counting from one to five, slowly breathe in through your nose and then gently back out of your mouth and repeat for a minute or so. Try doing it every time you stop at a red light, to maintain your calmness levels.

2. Create Your Own Comfort Zone

   People who work in offices often make their desks a comfortable and inviting personal space. There’s no reason you can’t do the same with your vehicle. First, get rid of clutter like snack wrappers and tidy away any paperwork. Untidiness can add to your stress levels. You don’t want a soulless cab, though. Why not add a personal touch to fill you with happiness, like a family or pet photo? 

3. Stay Hydrated

   Staying fully hydrated is important to maintain your focus and hugely beneficial to your overall health. The mistake that’s best to avoid is to only drink when you feel really thirsty. It’s far better for your wellbeing to drink regularly throughout the day. Water is a healthy and low-cost choice to keep you hydrated, so it might be an idea to keep a litre bottle of H₂O in your vehicle. Not keen on the taste of water? Then swap sugary drinks for diet, sugar-free or no added sugar drinks and go easy on the caffeine.



4. Swap out the Sugar

   When you’re on the go all day it can be hard to find the time to stop for a proper meal, and as a result you’ll no doubt find yourself snacking more often. But you don’t have always reach for the chocolate bars and sweets, there are ways to make your snacks healthier. Load up your car/van with nutritious snacks like fruit (fresh or dried), nuts, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt coated raisins, popcorn or rice cakes.

5. Take a Break

   When you’re busy putting in the miles, stopping for a break might simply slip your mind. But your body really needs them! So, it’s important to fit some into your day. Try giving yourself some pitstop resets, step outside to do some gentle stretching. Reach your arms to the sky and stretch, then place your hands on your hips and rotate your hips clockwise three times, then anticlockwise. Or it could be as simple as pausing, closing your eyes and doing the breathing exercise. It needn’t take long, but if you make it a part of your daily routine, you’ll soon feel the long-lasting health benefits.

6. Reach out

   Life on the road can sometimes feel lonely. So, when it’s safe to do so, why not give a loved one, friend or colleague a quick call, or send a voice note? They’ll no doubt be happy to hear from you and always feels good to know you’re connected. If you feel that your mental health is suffering, please reach out to your employer’s HR department or seek professional advice. Please remember, you’re never alone.

Looking after yourself shouldn’t be seen as some kind of treat. You deserve to feel good, and when you feel good, you’ll drive better and be a lot happier!

Tune in and Chill Out

Want some more wellbeing tips that you can enjoy on your vehicle’s stereo whilst you’re on the road? Tune into our soothing, special podcast.