CVSA COMMITTEE AND PROGRAM NEWS
INSPIRING TESTAMENTS ON FIVE KEYS TO WELLNESS A few weeks ago, while watching Dan Buettner’s Netflix docuseries, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” I couldn’t help but realize the impact of the NAFMP’s Five Keys to Wellness – sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and positive relationships. These habits are embraced by those residing in the renowned Blue Zones, areas where a high percentage of the population live longer than average, and have had a remarkable effect on individuals I know who have enjoyed long, fulfilling lives. In thinking of long lives well-lived, my thoughts naturally turn to my mom. For decades, I never considered her particularly healthy; the opposite seemed true. She faced many health challenges, including thyroid and rheumatic disorders, a benign brain tumor that required two surgeries, breast cancer and obesity. Despite these, she lived a joyous and active life for 96 years, only losing her ability to walk in her final two months. Remarkably, she never stopped having a great sense of humor. While arthritis pain-induced sleep disturbances were a constant companion, she I ncreased motivation: Positive
relationships can provide a sense of purpose and motivation, which can help drivers stay engaged in their work and achieve their goals. I mproved job satisfaction: Commercial
drivers with strong relationships with their colleagues and supervisors are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and less likely to experience burnout.
What can drivers do to nurture positive relationships?
M ake time for your relationships: Even
with a busy schedule, it’s important to set aside time for the people you care about. Make an effort to connect with them regularly, whether it’s through phone calls, video chats or in-person visits. B e open and honest: Communication is
key in any relationship. Be open and honest with your loved ones about your thoughts, feelings and needs. This will help them to understand and support you better. B e supportive: Offer emotional, practical
and motivational support to your loved ones. Celebrate their successes and be there for them during difficult times. B e respectful: Treat your loved ones with
respect, even when you disagree with them. Value their opinions, boundaries and individuality.
followed a regular sleep schedule and took naps when needed, demonstrating exemplary sleep hygiene (key #1). While never on a diet, she consumed minimally processed, homemade meals, prioritizing nutritious eating (key #2). Although she never set foot in a gym or engaged in organized sports, her daily activities, which included managing a household and raising eight children, ensured she remained physically active (key #3). She also dedicated at least an hour to reflection and prayer each day, embodying mindfulness (key #4). Perhaps most importantly, she nurtured her extensive network of family, friends and church community every day, exemplifying the power of positive relationships (key #5). CVSA would be delighted to read and, with your permission, share, your stories about individuals who have enjoyed long and fulfilling lives, especially those who did so by embracing (or not) any of the Five Keys to Wellness. Please send your narratives to rodolfo.giacoman@cvsa.org. Your stories will help inspire and enlighten others on the path to a healthier, more alert and fulfilling life.
R esolve conflicts constructively: When
conflicts arise, it’s important to resolve them in a respectful and constructive manner. Avoid personal attacks and focus on finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
What can motor carriers do to nurture positive relationships?
Create a positive work environment: Motor
carriers can create a positive work environment by fostering a culture of respect, trust and support. This includes providing fair compensation and benefits, training and development opportunities, and a safe work environment. E ncourage communication: Motor carriers
can encourage communication by providing employees with opportunities to share their feedback and suggestions. They can also establish regular check-ins with employees to discuss their goals and needs. S upport drivers’ well-being: Motor
carriers can support drivers’ well-being by offering employee assistance programs, which provide free, confidential counseling and support services. They can also offer wellness programs and other resources to help drivers stay healthy and manage stress.
LEARN MORE: Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2910600/ Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/ viewcontent.cgi?article=3024&context =facpub Harvard Study of Adult Development www.theatlantic.com/ideas/ archive/2023/01/harvard-happiness-studyrelationships/672753/
The Blue Zones® The Blue Zones are regions where people live longer and healthier than average, often well into their 100s. Dan Buettner identifies five known Blue Zones in his book on the subject. Read more here:
www.bluezones.com/about/history/
Tips for Building and Maintaining Positive Relationships in the CMV Industry G et involved in the community: Joining a
truck club or participating in other industry events is a great way to meet other drivers and build relationships. U se social media: Social media can be a
great way to stay connected with friends and family as you travel, as well as other drivers. There are also many online support groups and forums for commercial drivers. B e a mentor: If you have experience in the
industry, consider mentoring a new driver. This is a great way to give back to the community and build a positive relationship with another driver. T ake care of yourself: It’s important
to take care of yourself physically and mentally to maintain positive relationships. Make sure to practice good sleep hygiene, eat nutritiously, move regularly and practice mindfulness. By nurturing positive relationships, drivers may reduce stress, improve their health and enhance their performance on the road. For motor carriers, creating a positive work environment that encourages positive relationships can lead to employees that are safer, more motivated and healthier. Companies should never subtract activities that promote positive relationships from their fatigue management equation. n FOURTH QUARTER 2023
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