Lifelines for Truckers: Staying Connected While on the Road
Nobody would argue that truckers are our lifelines. The loads they haul include the goods that we need to live every day. If you eat, take medicine, put on clothing, or purchase kid toys as well as adult gadgets, chances are strong that a professional truck driver delivered all of it to you.
But the life of a trucker isn’t an easy one. There are long hours, long distances, long waits, and long periods of loneliness. What’s especially hard is being away from family for days, weeks, and sometimes even months. That separation can put an emotional and psychological strain on anybody behind the wheel of a big rig.
There are, however, convenient solutions to keep truckers connected to their families, their communities, and their world. You guessed it, this is where technology comes in. We’re going to explore the personal, life-affirming side of cell phones, video chat, emails, texts, apps, and social media. Yet this isn’t necessarily about all that electronic gadgetry. This is more about how important it is to use it to stay connected while you’re on the road.
“Connection with loved ones is one way to keep our brains healthy, and research shows that high-quality social relationships lead to higher levels of memory, attention, and happiness as we age,’” says Dr. Lauren Barrett, Licensed Professional Counselor. “It’s important to note that loved ones can mean parents, friends, co-workers, siblings, children, mentors, etc. – basically your biological and/or chosen tribe.”
“Connection with loved ones is one way to keep our brains healthy, and research shows that high-quality social relationships lead to higher levels of memory, attention, and happiness as we age,’”
“It’s important to note that loved ones can mean parents, friends, co-workers, siblings, children, mentors, etc. – basically your biological and/or chosen tribe.”
Connections Are Just a Click Away
Feeling the love of your family and your community is only a few clicks away. You can use your cell phone for talking, texting, emails, apps, and social media in order to keep in touch.
Do you have a tablet or a laptop that travels with you? Explore Google Hangouts, the Zoodles app, and the FaceTime and Tango apps. There are many ways to communicate effectively, frequently, and most importantly personally. We even have some tips on doing just that.
Social Media Keeps You in the Community
Are you into exploring social media? It could certainly be a great tool to keep you connected during a long stretch of hauling. It’s certainly no substitute for personal communication – phone calls, texts, emails, video chats, or meeting face-to-face – but the best thing about social media is it helps you feel like you are part of a community and can provide you with good sources for news from your hometown, the country at large, and even the world.
- Facebook – Almost everyone is on this social networking website. Facebook can be a fun place to find friends and family members, join specific groups, and enjoy all sorts of cool and funny videos that not only help pass the time but also provide a chuckle or two.
- Twitter – Do you want your headlines in bite-sized pieces? Then Twitter is a great option. Plus, you can see what’s trending and learn why. Twitter can be a nifty, now-I-know destination for those on the go.
- Instagram – Pictures, pictures, and more pictures. That’s the focus of this social networking app. Check out the color, the cuteness, the drama of images from friends you follow to groups, places, and organizations that are important to you. Because everybody needs pictures.
Overall Wellness is Always Top Priority
Plugging into social media also helps combat the boredom that can sink in during mile after mile of driving. Plus, ever tried mindful meditation? It’s another way to visualize your journey and stay focused on your own emotional and psychological health.
Yet at the end of the day nothing beats the emotional and psychological benefits of loving connections with family and friends. It is, without a doubt, the best way for truckers to deal with separation while they are on the road delivering a load. Positive reinforcement to help you minimize the stress that comes with long stretches of highway is also a powerful way to stay connected.
“Our connections with others are important for overall wellness,” says Dr. Barrett. “So, it’s crucial to always maintain meaningful relationships with your tribe, especially if you are many miles away. Research shows that keeping those life-affirming connections healthy leads to less stress. Truckers can always benefit from less stress.”
“So, it’s crucial to always maintain meaningful relationships with your tribe, especially if you are many miles away. Research shows that keeping those life-affirming connections healthy leads to less stress. Truckers can always benefit from less stress.”
Life on the road for truckers is stressful enough. Cash flow shouldn’t be a source of stress. We are ready to be your factoring company and help you with cash flow. Give us a call at 855-369-2739 or visit our website.