Let’s face it: truck driving is a challenging job that some may consider long and boring. You’re on the road for up to 12-14 hours at a time and away from home for days and weeks. Having time for hobbies may seem a bit unpractical since your hands are on the wheel the entire time!
The good news is that there are many hobbies you can pursue while in the cab or during a rest break. Hobbies can help pass the time on the road, relieve stress, and also keep the mind active and fresh. Check out our top 7 recommendations for truck driver hobbies.
1. Podcasts
There are hundreds of podcast options for whatever your interest may be in—history, sports, news, interviews, true crime mysteries, etc.
There are even podcasts about the trucking industry which will give you valuable information for developing your career.
Most podcasts are available for free and have very few advertisements. Best of all, this is a hands-free hobby to pursue behind the wheel. Podbay.fm is a good start, but search other apps and podcast libraries for the topics that interest you. Pick a few episodes and build a playlist that can run while you’re driving.
2. Document your journey
If you’re a fan of taking pictures, then you probably already take a few snaps of the beautifully scenic views you can find while at work. If you’re not into photography yet, what better excuse to get started than driving across the country for work? You can tap into your creative side and build a new interest. Try it out with your smartphone first and then invest in a camera if you really get into it.
In addition, this hobby can be expanded if you don’t mind making your photos public. Start a photography blog and share your stories and thoughts along with your photos. Write about your travels, the unique sights you see, and the interesting people you meet. Also, sharing your blog and photos helps you stay in touch with friends and family at home, and let’s them know what you’re up to.
3. Exercise
Working out while on the road helps your health goals, but also relieves stress and helps you feel confident and relaxed. However, it can be tough to find time to hit the gym while working, so start out with short exercises during rest breaks.
Bring some weights you can use in the cab, or try lunges, sit-ups, and push-ups.
In addition, a few years ago, exercise scientists published findings recommending “the scientific 7-minute workout” which is based on high-intensity interval training and can replace longer workouts. If nothing else, you can go for a quick jog or run around rest centers while on break. Also, researchers have found that even 30 minutes of walking every day has some of the same health benefits as longer and more intense workouts.
4. Audio Books
Audio books are becoming very popular during the average person’s work commute. This hands-free alternative to reading is perfect for truck drivers who can’t (and shouldn’t!) be turning pages and reading while driving.
Getting back into your reading list can keep you up to date on the latest bestsellers, or catch you up on classics that you never got around to.
Some suggestions of where to get started are audiobooks.com and audible.com. While they aren’t free, most of these services will offer a one-month free trial before charging you. In addition, if you prefer the feeling of a book in your hands and the satisfaction of turning the page, regular old-fashioned books serve as a great option while not driving.
5. Creative Arts
Being away from home doesn’t mean you can’t dabble in the arts and express your creative side. If you’ve ever played an instrument but have been out of practice, now is the time to pick it up again. In addition, you could start learning the instrument you’ve always been interested in but never found time for. There are hundreds of tutorial videos and resources online you can watch while not driving. If you have a music instructor locally, you can check-in for a lesson whenever you get back home periodically.
However, if music has never been your jam, try creative writing or painting. Many drivers try their hand at writing short stories or poetry. It’s also easy to keep simple materials in the cab like a folding easel, canvas, and painting utensils. It’s a misconception that some people aren’t artistic—they just haven’t found the right one for them.
6. Start a cool collection
Truck driving takes you all over the country. Keep souvenirs and build memories by starting a small collection. Typically people collect stamps or coins, but it could be anything that catches your fancy. If each item is something unique from the town or state you got it from, that’s all you need.
In addition, similar to the blog idea, add these items to a scrapbook or trunk box and pair each collectible with a cool story or memory of where and how you find it. You’ll be surprised what kinds of trinkets you can find for cheap across the country.
7. Language-learning programs
You’ve always wanted to learn German, right? Or was it Swahili? Most people who aren’t bilingual wish they were, and bilinguals are usually trying to add a third or fourth language to their skills. The biggest obstacle holding people back from learning a new language isn’t money or resources, but time.
In addition, with audio-driven language learning programs, you learn a little bit everyday while still behind the wheel. Researchers constantly find new cognitive benefits of bilingualism, like improved memory and critical thinking. Look into a few audio programs online, select a program or playlist, and hit play!
Although many people believe that truck drivers don’t really have time for hobbies, that can’t be further from the truth. Hands-free audio apps and tons of time make some hobbies ideal for truck drivers. Others can be pursued while on breaks or rest time. Engaging in truck driver hobbies will help pass the time quicker, keep you from being bored, and help contribute to a more fulfilling life.
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But for the Barkers, it’s not enough simply to create. “I believe that to be successful you have to give back,” Taylor says.
The Barkers are living their own dream right now. Taylor loves seeing the smiles on his clients’ faces when they see their heirlooms transformed. And while he’s had a CDL trucking job for 20 years, he hopes his furniture business thrives and he can retire from trucking. Until then, he’ll continue to balance both careers.
