Stress & Anxiety Management  

Ever find yourself stuck in traffic, mind racing? One second you’re worried about that steer tire, the next you’re wondering what the point of a pergola is that doesn’t keep the sun or rain off anybody. That’s how stress works—it stacks up, bouncing between family, work, and this ridiculous traffic. Before you know it, your brain feels like a dryer full of steel-toed boots with unlimited quarters.

Science says the universe naturally slides toward chaos (the Law of Entropy). The same goes for life: things get more complicated as time goes on, and it takes effort to keep order. Stress and anxiety? Yeah, they’re baked into the system. The trick is learning how to ride it out without getting chewed up.

‍Practical Stress Management

 An Ounce of Prevention

• Trip Planning: Look at routes, fuel stops, and parking before you roll. Satellite view is your best friend; locate the customer station before you leave.
• Time Management: Build in wiggle room. Don’t over-promise and end up late. Late wrecks your Zen.
• Checklists: SOPs aren’t just for airlines. A standard routine keeps chaos from sneaking in.

Take Care of Your Body 

• Sleep: Blackout curtains, eye masks, CPAP, naps—whatever it takes. You know when you’re rested and when you’re not.
• Movement: Stretch, walk, or keep bands/dumbbells in the cab. A few minutes go a long way.
• Nutrition: Swap sugar bombs for water, fruit, nuts, lean protein. Your body pays later for quick-burning junk food.

Manage the Mind

• Box Breathing: Inhale 4–6 seconds, hold 4–6, exhale 4–6. Simple, powerful reset.
• Mental Breaks: Music, podcasts, audiobooks—get your mind out of the stress loop.
• Mindset Reset: “Variables are infinite. I only control my reactions.”

Stay Connected

• Stay in Touch: Call the folks who calm you, not the ones who crank you up.
  
• Driver Community: CB, truck stop TV room, Reddit, FB—don’t go it alone.
  
• Professional Help: There's no shame in talking to a counselor or getting medication if you need it. 

Life’s complicated, trucks break down, traffic jams happen, and pergolas don’t make sense. But you don’t have to let stress erode your peace of mind. Breathe, connect, take care of yourself, and remember—everybody’s battling their own entropy. Stay sharp, stay safe, maintain your Zen.