"5 Science-Backed JOURNALING Insights that work for Truckers"

"5 Science-Backed JOURNALING Insights that work for Truckers"

Truck driving is one of the most demanding jobs. Long hours, stress, anxiety, family problems, and the list goes on. In this discussion, we are going to provide science-backed insights that will help you reduce stress as a trucker driver.

Process your thoughts (Journaling)

According to psychologists, writing things down can help you stay organized in your mind. It’s just like our trucks. If you have a cluttered cab, you may feel more confined and uncomfortable. I don’t know about you, but as a truck driver, I like to feel that I have more room with a spacious feel. Having things thrown everywhere, in my opinion, doesn’t help.

When you write things out, your mind begins to feel more at ease because of the awareness it creates instead of bottling things up.

Reduce Stress and Cortisol

Studies show that journaling helps reduce stress. It’s like a pressure relief valve. Just like in our semi trucks, we have brake relief valves. When the air pressure rises to the correct level, a valve will pop open to relieve the excess pressure. As truck drivers, we hear this all the time, even unconsciously.

Our minds are no different. When we think too much about family problems, health issues, or financial struggles, these challenges can occupy a great deal of our mental space. You and I both know we have a lot of time to think sometimes, as truckers on the open road.

Journaling is a science-backed avenue for truckers to explore, as it allows us to write our thoughts down on paper, become more aware, find solutions, and alleviate our worried thoughts.

Improve Decision Making

Writing can engage the prefrontal cortex. This is responsible for emotional control. Sometimes when I journal about personal challenges, I immediately begin to feel the emotions it creates. If I feel hurt or emotional pain, I realize that I still have healing to do. If I feel worried about a situation, I realize I need to make a successful plan. This is why journaling is scientifically proven to help us manage our emotions and stress.

Sleep Better

Research indicates that journaling before bed can provide a calming effect for the mind. You’re in your bunk, relaxed, and ready to put your thoughts onto paper. Your heartbeat slows down to a comfortable pace, and you begin to reduce overthinking.

Journaling Methods

1. Method 1: “3-Sentence Check-In” → How am I feeling? What’s stressing me? What’s one thing I’m proud of today?

2. Method 2: “Trucker Log” → A log that mixes trip notes with personal reflections (e.g., “Today I delivered in Dallas, but I was feeling homesick again.”)

3. Method 3: “Use CHAT GPT AI Technology”

I invite you to try journaling. It doesn’t have to be every day, but the better you get at it and the more consistent you become, will only create the better balance and quality of life as a truck driver you deserve.

Did you enjoy this discussion? Was it helpful?

Check out Survivorneers Truck Talk YouTube Channel Here: