Why Are Hobbies Important?
It is important that truck drivers find a creative outlet that can fill in some of their free time while on the road. Having a hobby can work wonders on one’s mental health and overall mood. Use this time to develop a skill and expand your horizons. We understand that you don’t want to drag a bunch of supplies on the road with you, so we have some suggestions below that require few materials and take up little space.
Reading/Writing:
Reading is one of the easiest hobbies one can have. Most libraries across the U.S. offer downloadable e-books that can be checked out and returned online. If you like the idea of listening to an audio-book then you should consider downloading an app so that you have a plethora of stories to keep you entertained while your driving. Perhaps it would be interesting to explore a genre that is new to you. For instance, if you have never read anything in the nonfiction category, give it a go. You may just find some real gems in the uncharted territory. Utilize your reading time by learning about a topic that has always interested you, or just kick back and immerse yourself in a fascinating adventure.
Here are a few great books to check out:
- The Odyssey by Homer
- Crime and Punishment by Fedor Dostoyevsky
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Secret Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
- Into the wild by Jon Krakauer
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
- Stiff by Mary Roach
Writing is another great hobby to have because it is so convenient and has the potential to help others. Bring your laptop along with you and write in a word processor. Perhaps you should consider starting a blog where you post regularly and interact with an audience. Blogs can be about anything. There are ones that focus on alternative lifestyles, health and fitness, history, etcetera. If you can think of it, there is probably a blog about it. Writing about your daily life on the road has the potential to be extremely interesting and may come easy to you. Since writing is so portable, you can take your materials with you to a nearby coffee shop, library, or park to stretch your legs and possibly find a little inspiration.
Drawing/Adult Coloring
This hobby, although portable, does have a startup cost. Whether you prefer to draw your own pictures, or color in other people’s, this hobby will bring out your creative side. If you have always wanted to draw, the present is the best time! There are countless drawing tutorials online for free.
Adult coloring has really kicked off in recent years and more adults than ever are getting in on this pastime. Coloring books have become extremely complex and artists are publishing books with themes that stretch beyond flowers and cute animals. You can find coloring books based off of movies and television shows, landscapes, horror, portraits…the possibilities are endless. Coloring is a soothing task that quiets the mind and allows your creativity to shine. Social media platforms also have groups for artists and coloring enthusiasts where you can share your work, ask questions, and chat with people who have similar interests to you.
Supplies to Consider Bringing Along:
- Drawing pad
- Pencil/pen
- Pencil sharpener
- An eraser
- A coloring book of your choice
- Pencil crayons
- Small lap tray (Optional)
Play an Instrument:
If you are musically inclined, consider bringing an instrument with you. You will be able to get a good bit of practice in and can challenge yourself to learn hard compositions. You could even try to write your own music! Don’t know how to play an instrument? Take the time to learn! Once more, there are plenty of free tutorials available at your fingertips. Playing an instrument can give your brain a workout, relieve stress, improve your memory, and help make you the life of the party. Feel free to show off your new and improved skills with other drivers that you meet.
Biking/Exercise:
At first glance this may seem like an inconvenient hobby for a truck driver. Lugging a bike into the back of a rig might not be the best use of space. Luckily enough, they manufacture fold-able bikes that typically weigh between 20-35 Ibs. A fold-able bike would allow you to take off and explore the areas that you are staying in. When your all done, fold the bike up and store it out of the way. Biking or any other hobby that involves physical activity, such as running, walking, and skating, will be good for you. Truckers have a very inactive work day, so use your free time to get your body moving and your heart pumping.
Needlework:
Be the trucker that knits! Knitting, embroidery, latch hook, and crochet are all wonderful activities to take up because they are portable, repetitive, require few materials, and give you the opportunity to make something useful. All of these materials can be stored in a small bag in your truck, ready to be pulled out at a moment’s notice. You can find tons of free patterns online and in magazines. Knit items for your friends and family while your away, or make yourself a nice pair of socks… the possibilities are endless.
Photography:
As a trucker, you will have the opportunity to visit quite a few placing during your career. Capture those awesome sights and share them with your family when you return home. Don’t think that you need a luxury camera to take up photography. The camera on your phone will suffice. You can even spend some time learning how to edit the photos and improve your skills. Not only is this a creative outlet but it is also a great way to keep memories.
Cooking:
This is probably one of the most practical hobbies for a truck driver. We know what you are thinking…how can you take up cooking without a kitchen. Many truckers eat take-out regularly because of the convenience. Consider investing in a small portable fridge and crock pot and make your own meals. You can become the master of trucker meal-prep. For easy, but delicious lunches, prepare yourself a sandwich or salad. Taking the time to find recipes that you enjoy making while on the road will make work better for yourself. Not only will you eat better, but you’ll most likely feel better overall once you cut the fried and processed foods out of your diet. Play around with spices and explore new recipes. After a while, you could probably come up with your own on-the-road recipes. Click HERE to read out post about prioritizing health as a trucker.
In the end, have fun with whatever hobby you decide to take up. Use your free time to decompress from the work-day and learn something new. It is important to keep your mind occupied and hobbies help to improve your overall mood and reduce stress levels.
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Thanks for reading!
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