How To Keep Your Mind Alert During Long Drives
Staying awake and alert during a long drive is important for truck drivers. Caffeine is one of the most well-known ways to stay alert, but it is not always the healthiest option. There are several mental tricks to keep your mind active. Here are a few of NTB’s favorite picks.
Podcasts or Radio
The best thing about listening to the radio or a podcast is that both are available at all times of the day. Podcasts are great for drivers who want more of a streamlined story to keep them engaged. You can even download podcasts your phone for later use. Radio is great for truck drivers who like when content jumps around, with music for a bit and then stories for a bit. Breaking up the long drive with some outside voices is a useful trick in keeping your mind alert.
Road Games
Another way to keep your mind active is by playing road games. Instead of endlessly thinking about how much longer you have until your reach your destination, try keeping your mind active using your surroundings. You can count the number of McDonald’s that you see within the state you are in, or see how long it takes you to find a Z on an exit sign. Little mind games can keep you focused on your surroundings and your mind more alert!
Mental Exercises
If you get tired of the radio or podcasts, try listening to other forms of tapes to keep your mind going. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise, and while in solitude, truck drivers do not get as much mental exercise as they should. Try learning a new language with a book on tape, or even listen to an audio book on a new topic you have been wanting to explore. Learning something new is a great way to keep your mind engaged, and yourself busy during a long drive.
Whether it is listening to something on your drive, or playing a road game with the exit signs, try something new on your next long trip!