Some career paths require professionals to become road warriors. Others can travel once annually to industry events, meetings, and training development sessions.
Nonetheless, professionals must remain well rested and alert on the road, especially if they drive for a living.
The following are seven tips to ensure you stay well rested and alert on the road.
Sleep 8 Hours Daily
Remaining well rested and alert on the road begins with sleeping eight hours daily.
Professional adults know that sleeping eight hours consistently is sometimes unrealistic, especially those with young kids, families, and other responsibilities.
Even long office hours make it difficult to get enough shut-eye consistently.
Nonetheless, make it a goal to sleep.
Need help to find truck-friendly hotels while on the road? Hotel Engine offers some places to consider.
Take Naps
Some schedules make it challenging to sleep eight hours uninterrupted. For example, some professionals work two jobs, have delivery jobs with odd hours, or work shifts broken up throughout the day.
For the above circumstances and others, fit naps in the day.
Driving provides a great sense of freedom – that’s why so many individuals enjoy it and don’t mind driving for a living.
However, drowsy driving puts the driver and others on the road in peril.
According to the National Safety Council, drowsy driving causes 100k accidents annually; it leads to 71k injuries and 1.5k fatalities.
Therefore, professionals who don’t feel well rested or alert on the road benefit from pulling over and turning in for the night or taking a nap.
Maintain a Routine
Professionals benefit from maintaining routines. Road life doesn’t always allow for eating meals, grooming, or relaxing at the same time daily. However, individuals can still complete the same elements daily.
For example, even on the road, professionals must power their minds and bodies with the right fuel. Thus, eating three meals daily and some snacks in between is essential.
It’s also essential to get daily physical activity and unplug.
Mind Your Diet
Regarding food, professionals must mind their diets, especially on the road. Several healthy on-the-go food options have popped up at gas station marts.
Nonetheless, many will still experience the temptation to grab the salty French fries and greasy burger combo since the taste buds sometimes do the talking.
Studies have proved that coupling a burger combo with a 0-calorie soft drink doesn’t bump up the health factor.
Instead, balance the options. Foods with high fat, sugar, grease, and salt content will drag the body and alertness down, while the ones without all the additives and hormones boost brain power and rest.
Thus, mind your diet.
Get Physical
Daily physical activity is as essential as a mindful diet and sleep, especially on the road.
Business hotels have become staples for traveling sales professionals, delivery professionals, and road warriors. The accommodations provide all the necessities for those traveling for business, such as:
- Quiet and comfortable rooms
- Business equipment
- On-site restaurants and food options
- Workspaces
- Exercise equipment access
Travelers who cannot stay at business hotels or don’t travel in the vicinity of one can still walk for exercise.
The goal is to raise the heart rate in increments of 15 minutes to help blood and oxygen flow efficiently.
Listen to Music
Listening to music makes the brain happy and helps raise the organ’s awareness and alertness.
In addition, music also helps individuals fall asleep and stay asleep for longer hours.
The trick is to pick the right genre for every situation. Therefore, browse music catalogs and assemble playlists appropriate for the road and other circumstances.
Review Your Itinerary to Stay Prepared
Business travelers must remain prepared to maximize their trips and make them successful. Start the preparation by reviewing the itineraries.
For example, truck drivers have delivery deadlines and appointments that must meet for most deliveries. Salespeople and retail representatives usually have meetings and training sessions that require prompt attendance.
Therefore, review the trip’s schedule and build the rest of its components.
For example, plan rest stops, naps, and meals according to the itinerary’s schedule and requirements. Then, professionals can enjoy the road without stressing out about running late.
Conclusion
Some professionals enjoy traveling for work; they don’t mind becoming road warriors. Whether professionals travel for a week annually or consistently throughout the year, use the above tips to stay well rested and alert on the road.
