Dealing With Stress On The Road

    A person that doesn't drive a "Big Rig" or have a member of their family that was or is a Truck Driver most likely wouldn't realize how stressful your job can be. There is more to driving a truck than JUST driving a truck. You have to be excellent at Route Planning, Map Reading, Trip Planning, Time Management, Money Management Not to mention dealing with dispatchers, safety departments, other motorists, truck stop employees, shippers, receivers, law enforcement personnel, highway patrol, local and city police, DOT officers, Loading & Unloading, City Traffic and Bad Weather! The list goes on and on, but there are a few ways to deal with the everyday stress of the job.
   
     *First and foremost; Prayer always helps. Whether it is a prayer for safe travel or a prayer for stress relief, help is always a few words or thoughts away.

    * Deep breathing exercises; as long as you don't fall asleep at the wheel, deep breating can help clear your mind of all the stress and problems you have going on at this point in your life.

    *Laugh at your problems to reduce stress– Laughter is a great way to cope with stress. It releases endorphins and boosts your immune system while also reducing those toxins in your body. Have your favorite comedian's CD on hand with a finger on the play button.