Everybody knows one of the most important things to do while driving is to stay alert. You need to be able to react to different scenarios and be aware of your surroundings. If you start to feel drowsy or fatigued, you may begin thinking about ways to keep yourself focused and attentive while still trekking on down the highway. Here is a list of some of the best ways to stay awake and dialed in to that long stretch of road on your horizon.
Stay Hydrated
Your first thought when you start to feel your eyelids getting heavy is probably to pull over and grab yourself a cup of coffee. Did you know that drinking water and staying hydrated will actually keep you more alert than stopping to grab a dose of caffeine every time you start to doze off? Coffee or sugary drinks will only provide a short term boost to battle your fatigue and cause you to become dehydrated which can lead to muscle fatigue. Drinking plenty of water will pay off more in the long run.
Eat a meal your mom would be proud of
Staying healthy and eating right is crucial to helping you maintain awareness and focus while driving. If you eat nothing but greasy fast food and microwave dinners, you’re probably going to be stopping to rest much more frequently. When you stop, try and grab something healthy that will keep you going throughout your trip. Healthy snacks are a good option as well. Grabbing a piece of fruit or mixed nuts will provide you with the energy and nutrients your body needs. It isn’t too difficult to find these at most truck stops or rest areas along your route.
Get plenty of rest
Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. Most people need a minimum of 8 hours a night to stay awake and alert the following day. Cutting your resting time short or prolonging it will only cause you to become drowsier and less mindful of your situation. Taking a short power nap before you begin your day can also help you stay vigilant of other drivers and potential hazards on the road.
Listen to music or an audio book
Listening to your favorite music or an audio book will also help keep your mind alert and focused and help prevent you from nodding off. We all like to become our own highway karaoke star and singing along to our favorite band or artist.