When you’re out on the road all the time, it can be difficult to separate work time from personal time, even during breaks. Thankfully, there are specific steps you can take to make that personal time feel more like it belongs to you. Check out these easy ways to maintain a work-life balance as a truck driver.

Don’t Log Breaks While Idling

One of the quickest ways to feel overworked is to log your breaks even when you’re still technically working. While this practice is technically against the law, drivers often feel pressured to do everything they can to cut down on delivery time. Unfortunately, that includes cutting into their own break time. Some drivers do this by logging their breaks while waiting to unload a truck since waiting for their turn can take a long time.

Bring Fun Downtime Activities With You

When it’s your time to relax, it helps if you have something entertaining to do that will take your mind off work. Here are some of our favorite ways to relax (and all of them are portable!):

• Read a book.
• Play video games on a handheld console.
• Watch movies on a portable Blu-Ray player.
• Practice an instrument.
• Work out.
• Work on an adult coloring book.

The best way to make sure you really feel like you’re getting a break is to do different things than what you do when you’re on the clock. For example, don’t listen to the same music or podcasts you do when driving.

Think Outside the Box

Just because you’re out on the road doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Call a ride-share service to go to a bar or restaurant in the evenings or go see a movie. Plan your routes so that you get to stop off at national parks and other sightseeing destinations. Find ways to make your truck feel more like home. If there are things you love to do, find ways to fit them into your schedule. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.

Cut Down Work Stress

One of the best work-life balance tips for truck drivers is to keep work stress relegated to work hours. However, this is easier said than done, especially if your back or neck hurts after a day of driving. You may not feel like doing anything fun on your break.

To help relieve back and neck pain from driving, you can upgrade to an aftermarket semi-truck seat from GRA-MAG. Our high-quality seats protect you from road vibrations that can damage nerves and cause back pain. Call or email us today to see how an upgraded driving seat can reduce your stress levels.