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How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips

Struggling with stress behind the wheel?

Driving can be stressful at the best of times, but being a LGV driver is one of the most dangerous and stressful jobs, from long and unsociable hours, unsafe road and weather conditions, to other irresponsible drivers, not to mention transporting any hazardous cargo.

When we are stressed, hormones such as cortisol flood our system which produces the more commonly known response of “flight or fight”, inducing a quickened heart rate, heavy breathing and blood vessel constriction. This stress reaction can contribute to both mental and physical illnesses such as migraines, hypertension, depression and anxiety, asthma, insomnia and more.

Need the good news? Well you can combat these stress responses by using simple techniques both during and after driving.

It’s time to stock up on bananas

When you’re out and about on the road, it can be difficult to choose the right, healthy snacks that are going to keep your energy levels up throughout your shift. A banana contains potassium to help regulate blood pressure and the carbohydrates will keep your energy levels steady.

Disconnect from your phone

Smartphones, in particular, are linked to increased stress, so once your shift has finished by all means check on your social media, but remember to take some down time away from the screen.

Try diverting your anger

Research has shown that some types of music can divert attention from anxiety and pain. Classical music is best known to reduce the effects and feelings of stress, however, if classical music isn’t for you, try listening to an audiobook as it is said to have the same calming effects.

Get out and get exercising

I know its not what we always feel like doing after a long shift driving, but it doesn’t have to be anything strenuous, it can be as gentle as a walk around your local park. Any type of exercise will release endorphins that promote positive feelings of happiness and relaxation, allowing the memories of the stressful drive to melt away.

Practice that posture

Hunched up over the steering wheel can promote feelings frustration and anger, so while your driving, use the opportunity to improve your posture by extending your spine and lifting your neck so you are sitting in a correct and comfortable driving position.

 

Unfortunately, you may not be able to remove all the stress from your job, but we hope with some of these tips you will feel significantly less stressed! What tips do you have for reducing driving stress? Tweet us your ideas @Hows_MyDriving

 

01 September 2016

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2024 July

The Rising Drug-Drive Deaths in the UK: Raising Awareness and Prevention

2024 June

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2024 May

Just the Ticket for Young People in Transport Careers

2024 April

Should First Aid Training Be Mandatory for UK Drivers?

2024 March

Managing Driver Mental Health: A Fleet Manager's Guide to Duty of Care

2024 February

Managing Health Among Drivers

2024 January

Enhancing Road Safety: A Call for Regular Eye Examinations for Drivers Over 60

2023 December

Looking ahead to 2024: Navigating the future of driverless car technology

2023 November

Navigating Winter Roads: 10 Safer Driving Tips

2023 October

New Sentencing Guidelines for Driving Offences in the UK: What You Need to Know

2023 September

Starting a Rewarding Career as an HGV Driver in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

2023 August

Making Roads Safer: A Shared Responsibility

2023 July

Navigating the road to well-being: The impact of driving on mental and physical health

2023 June

Your Ultimate Guide To Logistics: Fleet Management 101

2023 May

Top tips for staying safe on the roads

2023 April

Using the How's My Driving? Service to promote a safer culture

2023 March

Top 5 tips to run a sustainable fleet

2023 February

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2023 January

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2022 December

Our guide for driving in different weather conditions

2022 November

Driver wellbeing: Why it is good to talk about mental health

2022 October

The Ultimate Winter Car Kit

2022 September

Road collision rates sliding back towards pre-pandemic levels

2022 August

New government plans could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025

2022 July

Did you hear? The UK Government has launched Road Safety Investigation Branch

If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss setting your company up with the scheme, you can phone us on 01279 415 480. or email us at info@howsmy.co.uk.