addiction to negativity

Yeah, I didn't say it was the most popular, rather that there are usually (last few times I looked) 10x more ppl browsing the complaints of bad companies than the recommendations for good ones.

If it were equal or even a bit tilted, I wouldn't think much of it, but 10x negative attention looks interesting and I would like to explore that. Could it have something to do with the solitary nature of the job or the sedentary lifestyle? Isolation may tend to unresourceful rumination and lack of exercise leads to metabolic imbalance that will negatively affect mood.

Since the issue is no less than health and well-being, the possibility that attention on this social media skewing toward the negative may be a symptom of job-influenced lifestyle should be worth some conversation. I know, of course, most of us give some passing thought to this theme but when I noticed so seemingly clear an indicator of a general dysphoric trend the numbers suggest, that motivated me to give more effort toward preserving my health. Having some conversation is part of that.

Before I became a trucker 3 years ago, I was in excellent physical condition. Now, compared to where I was, I feel flabby and stupid. This upsets me but I find it much more difficult to maintain mind and body in this lifestyle than any other I've lived. I know many of you feel the same way. Maybe some conversation and encouragement can help motivate to take better care, maybe by talking about it we can raise our attention to the fact that physical health greatly improves mental health.

So, let's share the many stories and suggestions and questions we have about how to do that; ways that we make good use of our down-time on the road and even our time behind the wheel.

 

You need a better job! 12.50/hr and 4 weeks out? Yikes! even C.R. England will treat you better than that.

 

Hard to believe? That's not a huge amount. I left because I got fired (see thread:fired for off duty alcohol)
Now I have a much easier job that pays significantly more, so it was for the best.

 

That is why we have to find ways to make it more healthy. I try to make at least some of my time behind the wheel beneficial: I like to sing so I have all these practice cd's I work with at least one hour of my drive. Then there are audiobooks - I've absorbed a lot of high quality literature while driving. One of my 'bucket list' items is to finally master Spanish. I just ordered the Rosetta Stone program and that is something else to work on at least one hour per day.

I have dumb bells and a jump rope but I still don't use them much. I was a landscaper before I did this so exercise was never an issue before and now I find it very difficult to do "artificial" exercise.

I see some people blogging their experience and making videos - that seems another good way to be personally productive.

We all see how unhealthy a lot of truckers look and I am dismayed at how infrequently my conversations with fellow truckers are thoughtful or joyful. We need to encourage each other to see our road time and solitude as an opportunity to develop hobbies and projects that add to us and improve us.