The variety is what attracts a lot of people to courier work. You’re not stuck behind a desk, and you don’t have to be at the same place at the same time every day. Although this stops life from becoming boring, it can make it more difficult to stay healthy. It may be tempting to stick to the stereotypical “man and van” diet of pasties from garages and chips from service stations, but this will have an impact on your health in the long-term. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get healthy on the road without too much effort.
Take a packed lunch
Having a healthy lunch every day will not only make you feel better; it will also save you money. If you need proof, make a list of how much money you spend each lunchtime on convenience food. You will quickly get into a routine of packing a sandwich, fruit and a low-sugar drink every morning.
Drink lots of water
It is easy for couriers to become dehydrated when driving for hours at a time. Make sure you have plenty of water with you. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on bottled water; just keep refilling your bottles. Smoothies are also an excellent addition to a packed lunch, and they’re an easy way to get your five-a-day.
Cut down on sugary snacks
Many transport providers experience an energy slump in the afternoon. To avoid this, cut down on sugary snacks like chocolate, biscuits and full-fat fizzy drinks. You may feel a short burst of energy after these unhealthy pick-me-ups, but you’ll feel worse when the effect wears off. Your energy levels will even out if you snack on nuts or grapes instead.
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep is the cause of many road accidents, so couriers need to stay alert at all times. Tired drivers can’t concentrate or focus adequately, and this puts them and other road users at risk. If you work shifts, you need to plan around them. Always schedule in enough time to rest.
As you implement these changes, you’ll soon notice increased energy levels and better concentration. Just remember to set your alarm slightly earlier tomorrow – you need enough time to make that healthy packed lunch!