Part of being an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver means that you may be spending a part of the holiday season on the road rather than at home with family and friends. Understandably, this can leave many drivers feeling a bit blue as they may be missing their families or feel as though they are missing out on the holiday altogether.
The good news, however, is that there are a few ways to help combat the holiday blues as an OTR truck driver. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday season ahead!
Bring Something Homemade By Loved Ones
As an OTR driver, you will spend quite a while away from family. This can be especially difficult when you have young children waiting for you at home. Consider asking each family member to make you something special like a holiday craft or card. Take these items along in your truck and each time you’re feeling sad you can look at these gifts for comfort. These decorations will remind you how excited your family will be to see you when you return home for your extended time off.
Listen To Holiday Music & Audio Books
Listening to holiday music can brighten anyone’s mood! Try tuning in to a local radio station, or putting on your favorite holiday music while you’re driving. Another fun way to get into the holiday spirit is listening to audiobooks. Have a favorite holiday story? Search for an audio version of your favorite stories online. Listening to holiday music and stories will help you feel right at home!
Participate in Holiday Festivities Where You Can
Since you’ll likely be on the road for a large part of the holiday season, it could be fun to do a bit of research to see if you can catch any fun events near your destination. If your schedule allows, stop by and participate in a local holiday event between your deliveries. It could be as simple as taking a moment to sip a hot chocolate and enjoying a display of lights. Spending some time with others and celebrating the season will put you in the holiday spirit.
Send Packages Home
Sending packages home to your loved ones is a great way to connect during the holidays. Fill a package full of treats and goodies from different cities you visit as a reminder that you’re thinking of them. In addition to making your family feel loved, this can also boost your mood. Moreover, sending home little trinkets from where you’ve visited can make for a great story to share when you arrive back home.
Utilize Technology
As technology has progressed it has left us with many options of communicating across distances. Video calling through Facetime or Skype is an easy way to feel right at home. Talking on the phone is nice but it’s even better when you get to see the people you miss most. Create a set schedule so you can check in with your loved ones daily or several times a week. Sticking to a set video call schedule will help keep you from feeling disconnected this holiday season.
While being an OTR trucker can be challenging at times, there are several things you can do to make it more enjoyable. Adding just a little holiday cheer into your life on the road can help you beat the holiday blues as a truck driver. Plus, when you are done with your route you’ll get to go home and enjoy some extended time off with family and friends!
Getting homesick is a common issue for a lot of OTR truck drivers. Luckily, there are ways for you to Deal with Homesickness as a Trucker!
