Top Tips for Looking After Your Health as a Taxi Driver
In this article, we share our top tips for looking after your mental and physical health on the job.
Mental Health Week falls from 13th – 19th May, and it’s an important awareness week for everyone. If you read our article on mental health in taxi drivers, you’ll know it's especially important in the taxi trade.
With so much time spent behind the wheel, it’s vital to make sure you look after your health – and not just mentally. Often, your physical health plays a big part in your mental health, and the two are closely linked.
That’s why we’re taking the time to share our top tips for all-around health as a taxi driver. Read on for all the advice you need.
1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
When you’re on the road so often, it can be tempting to resort to drive-thru’s for a fast-food pick-me-up. Although convenient, these are unhealthy and actually leave you feeling more sluggish later on.
If you have the time, try meal planning in advance and pack a healthy lunch to take with you. Things like fruit, raw vegetables, and nuts make a great healthy snack choice and are sure to give you a boost of energy.
Try switching caffeinated drinks like energy drinks, coffee, and tea with water or juice. These will keep you hydrated and help you retain energy better during your workday instead of a temporary jolt.
2. Take a regular break
You may think as a taxi driver that you can’t possibly make time for a break. Taking a break is always recommended after driving for long periods of time. It’s not only important for your safety, but for that of others too.
Make sure you take breaks during each shift and take the opportunity to stretch your legs. Sitting for long periods can cause stiffness and fatigue, so get out in the fresh air and keep moving when you can. Even 10 minutes of fresh air in the sunshine can be a real mood booster!
3. Make time for health check-ups
It doesn’t matter how old of a taxi driver you are. You still need to ensure you keep up to date with your routine health checks.
Among the most important of these are eye tests. Having good visibility on the road is crucial to your safety and your passengers. You have a responsibility to make sure they get to their destination safely.
It’s normally recommended to have an eye test every two years unless you notice any changes or problems with your vision. In this case, you should book an eye test at your local opticians as soon as possible.
General check-ups with your doctor are also a good idea to make sure you’re fit for work. If they identify any issues like high blood pressure, for instance, your GP will be able to provide advice on adapting your lifestyle.
4. Get regular, good-quality sleep
A good night’s sleep is incredibly valuable to both your physical and mental health. It’s what helps your body generate energy to move around and support your immune system against illnesses.
Getting enough sleep also helps reduce mental difficulties such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
When driving for a living, being well-rested is crucial to road safety. Driving while tired is extremely dangerous and can cause accidents.
So, you should always aim to prioritise a good night’s sleep, which is around eight hours every night. If you have trouble sleeping, you can try various home remedies such as calming music or white noise. Alternatively, you can speak to your doctor about any herbal medicines available.
5. Socialise with family and friends
Although you see people every day getting in and out of your taxi, it can sometimes get lonely on the road. This can seriously detract from your mood and leave you feeling low, irritable, or unmotivated.
When not at work, make sure to spend time with family and friends. Spending time with loved ones makes a real difference to your mood, and even a quick phone call or catch-up can do wonders.
There are lots of taxi forums and community groups you can join to help you socialise on the job too. These provide a great space to have fun and share your experiences!
6. Prioritise self-care
Self-care is incredibly important, especially on the days when you find yourself feeling a bit down. Make time for the things you enjoy outside of work – whether that’s reading, playing a musical instrument, or exercising.
It doesn’t always have to be something physical, and there are lots of mindful things you can do to look after your mind. Studies have shown doing things with your hands like painting, sculpting, or crafting can be beneficial to mental health.
You could also try mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling to help you relax and switch off.
Helping both you and your business at The Taxi Centre
We hope you’ve found this article useful and feel motivated to do everything you can to look after your health. Both on and off the job!
At The Taxi Centre, we do more than help you find the perfect taxi for you. Whether that’s a standard, purpose-built, electric, hybrid, or other taxi. We also give you helpful advice and support so you can ensure the best for your business.
From money-saving tips to the best apps to download as a taxi driver and beyond. You’ll find a range of handy articles in our newsroom to guide you.
Ready to drive your business forward with a new taxi? Browse our latest new taxi deals or get in touch with our friendly team for any questions.