If you’re new to the trucking industry or just getting your CDL, you might be trying to think of how you’re going to spend your time on the road when you’re not driving. Below are some great hobbies you might want to check out while you’re driving over the road.
Life on the road doesn’t have to be boring. Truckers find all kinds of ways to entertain themselves while away from home.
Many drivers listen to audiobooks and podcasts while driving OTR. Listening to good books or interesting podcasts can help pass the time while driving. And some drivers even play their shows while relaxing in the sleeper berth on their downtime. Listening to traditional radio can be tricky unless you’re only driving local routes. So some drivers subscribe to satellite radio to be able to listen to their favorite music or radio DJs while on the road. Sirius XM even has a station called Road Dog Trucking dedicated to the trucking industry.
Sitting in a truck all day can wear your body down. Many truckers use their time at rest stops and truck stops to get a quick workout in. Working out can reap many benefits both physically and mentally. There are plenty of exercises you can do within minimal (or no) equipment, like push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and running. And if you’re having trouble sleeping because of a non-standard sleep schedule, exercising before bed can help tire you out and improve the quality of your sleep.
If you’re a truck driver feeling like you need a creative outlet, your time on the road may be the perfect opportunity to explore your creative pursuits. Time on the road when you’re not driving can be great for writing, playing a new instrument, drawing or painting, or even knitting or sewing. You’ll have fewer distractions in your free time than you do at home, and if you’re just learning a new musical instrument, there’s no likelihood that you’ll annoy your loved ones with your off-key playing.
Truck driving can offer many opportunities to learn a new language. With apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, you can practice your language skills in your downtime. You can also use YouTube video tutorials to learn ASL or other languages. You’ll be bilingual in no time!
With so many video streaming services available, you can always watch a little TV or a movie in your truck when you’re resting. Driving over the road means long hours and sometimes odd sleeping schedules, so having a show or movie to watch in your sleeper berth while you’re taking a break can be exactly the relaxing activity you need to recharge.
Driving a semi-truck can be a fun pursuit. Of course, there’s a lot of work, but you also have many hours of downtime where you can pursue new hobbies and fun activities.
Some truckers start cool collections of things that they find on the road. Souvenirs, stamps, or anything else that catches your eye when you’re out of your truck can make interesting collections that you can show off to loved ones or other truck drivers. As long as you are having fun and enjoying yourself, your job as a trucker can allow you to pursue some really great new hobbies.
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