What do you do with long layovers? Hang out at a truck stop? Eat snacks and watch movies?

If you answered yes, you’re not alone.

Many of us eat and lie around because we’re bored. We lie around waiting for something or someone to give us an idea of what to do. I can’t tell you what that something is, but I do know that the someone should be you! You have to make yourself get out and get some exercise.

Filling a day off with healthy leisure activities will reward both your body and mind — you’ll sleep better and feel good about yourself. Here are some of my favorite ways to pass time on a layover:

• Carry a bicycle in your truck and use the time to explore the area.

• Use a smartphone to help you find interesting activities in the area. Simple research on a smartphone or computer will show what’s within walking or riding distance. Large bike trail systems are also listed on Google Maps to help you navigate through the region.

• Explore local shopping areas either on foot or by bike — just don’t forget to lock your bike or you might have a long walk back to the truck!

• Carry a small computer in your backpack and find a nice outdoor café to linger at.

• Visit local flea markets. You can always walk around them and find something you don’t need, but buy anyway.

• Carry a small set of golf clubs to play at courses you wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to visit.

• Carry a small telescoping fishing pole to fish at local ponds and lakes. A daily fishing license can be purchased with a credit card using the Internet at www.takemefishing.org.

You just never know where your next layover will be. You might find yourself next to a lake or within a half-mile of a great golf course; it pays to be ready to take advantage of these opportunities no matter where you are. The variety of activities this country has to offer, and the fact that I get to experience them somewhere different every week is one of the pleasures of being an American truck driver.