How CDL-A Drivers Can Create Work-Life Balance

It's essential to find the right balance between work and personal life, along with ways to manage stress effectively to stay healthy, happy, and productive. We want our associates to have pride in their careers, while feeling fulfilled in and out of the driver's seat. Here are four great ways to achieve work-life balance.

Prioritize Your Health

It can be easy for your well-being to slip to the side while you're on the road. However, it's crucial to prioritize your health and well-being, both physical and mental. It's important to ensure that you get enough sleep, for your body and mind. The CDC recommends that adults get 8-10 hours every night. It's also important to eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and whole grain crackers. Finally, be sure to exercise regularly. This can be simple stretches in your cab before bed, or going on a walk around rest stops. Taking care of your physical health will help you feel more energized, focused, and alert on the road.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Managing stress effectively can help improve your mental health and make your time on the road more comfortable. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or talking to a counselor. We offer free, confidential counseling services for our associates and their family members. From stress and anxiety to legal and financial questions and everything in between, these counselors are here to help.

Stay Connected with Friends and Family

In 2023, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with your loved ones while you're on the road. Phone calls, text messages, and video chats all give you the ability to keep in touch and spend quality time with friends and family. Set aside some time to communicate regularly with them. It can help you feel less isolated, improve your mental health, and keep you motivated on the job. We also know that part of being successful on the road is having time to relax, refresh, and refocus. Our PTO plans and paid holidays give you that well-deserved time off.

Connect with Fellow Professional Drivers

The bond between professional drivers is like no other. Earning a CDL-A and living life on the road is a unique experience, having friendships with others who understand can provide you with support and comfort. Having someone at work who you can connect with about things both about and beyond work is a great way to create a sense of belonging. And, if you find yourself in a rut, those friendships can be integral in helping you work through it. Our private Facebook group gives our associates the space to talk with each other, offer support and solutions, and give helpful advice.

Take Breaks and Engage in Relaxing Activities 

It's important to involve yourself in activities and hobbies that allow you to decompress and relax. Take advantage of your breaks and engage in activities that help you relax, such as reading a book, watching a movie, or going for a walk. You can also listen to music or podcasts that you find relaxing. Some podcasts that are popular in the truck driving community include An American Truck Driver and TalkCDL. The Averitt Driver Podcast dives into behind-the-scenes details about driver benefits, experiences from our own associates, and current industry news.

Our associates enjoy lifelong, rewarding, balanced careers at a carrier that truly cares. Learn more about our career opportunities today.

To learn more from Averitt, listen to our podcast at https://averittcareers.com/podcast.