Any Suggestions on how to RELAX?

[New2This]

I had my first on the road experience yesterday, WHEW, I may as well have been a cadaver---Blue and Stiff---I know it will become easier with experience BUT what can I do next time?

[Sealord]

Take a nap. BOL

[New2This]

Gee thanks.... I HOPE you weren't referring to a "Dirt Nap" lol

[Mr. Ford95]

Don't put a death grip on the steering wheel. I found I was doing that when I first got behind the wheel. I was doing it subconciously and couldn't figure out why my hands were bothering me so much.

I don't think I ever relax totally when behind the wheel. Being too relaxed can get you in a bad situation real quick.

[marcel27208]

LOL "death grip"

[ben45750]

Just takes time to get comfortable.

[CaliTrucker]

Remember to breathe and i was guilty of the "death grip" at first too 8)

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

I had my first on the road experience yesterday, WHEW, I may as well have been a cadaver---Blue and Stiff---I know it will become easier with experience BUT what can I do next time?

http://mud.mm-a2.yimg.com/image/367680022[img][/img]

[yoopr]

just take it easy and YOU be the Driver and don't let anybody push you and be comfortable with what you're doing.

[Big John]

New2This wrote:
I had my first on the road experience yesterday, WHEW, I may as well have been a cadaver---Blue and Stiff---I know it will become easier with experience BUT what can I do next time?

BIG JEEP on 44's wrote:
http://mud.mm-a2.yimg.com/image/367680022[img][/img]

LMAO

I bought a new steering wheel for my truck and it was nice and smooth all the way around. Now it has little finger indents all around the wheel.

[Slimland]

This might sound stupid but her it goes--

When I first started driving , I was real tense and had the seat real high, death grip on the wheel etc. When I was done I was extreemly tired and stressed, with a huge neck ach and head ache.. This was my trainers response and I found it most interesting and true...

He said Relax, let the seat down a little sink into the cab, become apart of the truck, Have the mirriors where you can see them without moving yourself. Have them where you can see Just the tail end of the Trailer. If you become one with the truck like sinking into it, then the controll you have will be much better and you can relax and actualy enjoy the Job.

So this is what I did, and my driving carrer was excellect and comfortable.

I hope this helps even if it sounds stupid.

[redsfan]

I would say that what you experienced is perfectly normal and I doubt that there is anyone who had a different experience their first time behind the wheel. As for what you can do next time, nothing really. Just continue to be alert and aware and getting more comfortable will take care of itself. Experience builds confidence and you will be amazed at how much more relaxed you will become in just a few days.

However, as someone else stated, you never want to become too relaxed as it can lead to mistakes. Make sure you are always alert and in control and I promise you will become less tense.

Good luck!

[trick_knee]

Definitely in agreement on the death grip. If you're noticing that, you're way too tense, but it's natural. I actually went through it a second time when I started my current job, with doubles. We run pups, usually very light/empty, so it seemed like it was all I could do to keep them in my lane. Then I noticed I had that old death grip again and was just way more nervous than I needed to be. Once I identified that and dealt with it, I found they weren't much worse than the 53's I'd already gotten used to. I'm not some spiritual yoga type of person, but a technique I used to relieve my tension was just take a nice deep breath and exhale as if all the anxiety was going out along with the air in my lungs (cue the incense and indian music). Sounds crazy, but it worked for me. BOL

[GMAN]

You could take deep breaths, hold and slowly exhale. If you are lying in your bunk, you could start with your toes and tense them, hold and slowly release. Then move slowly up to various parts of the body until you reach your head. By then, you should be very relaxed. It helps me to listen to the radio at night. I can usually nod off shortly after laying down. You could also try adjusting your seat to different heights. Some have adjustable lumbar supports. If you don't have the lumbar support, try getting a small pillow to place behind your back. I still sometimes find myself holding the steering wheel very tightly. That will cause a lot of stress on your back, neck and arms. One other thing I will mention. If you have a CD player, you may see if you can find a CD of waves. That can be very relaxing.

[emerlin]

Smok3 teh kronik! :twisted: Bwahahaha!

[Ardmore Farms Forever]

Now it has little finger indents all around the wheel.

I believe if I remember correctly, those are called "French Ticklers".

New2this...............I would try the breathing exercises.......... you'll be O.K.............just NEVER lose respect for that truck you are driving.