Going Through the Motion Sickness
We’ve all felt a little queasy now and then, but motion sickness is an entirely different beast. From the unending nausea to the terrible dizziness, those symptoms completely ruin a person’s travels. Not to worry: we have some effective ways you can keep it at bay and enjoy your time off.
1. Sit Near a Window Seat
Trains, buses, streetcars—no matter where you are, window seats can help alleviate motion sickness. When you start to feel sick, it’s because your eyes and inner ear are in cahoots, and window seats can help correct the imbalance by giving you something to focus on.
2. Invest in OTC Medications
Popular over-the-counter medications prevent symptoms before they even start. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the best options for you, especially since some of them come with adverse side effects like drowsiness.
National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
3. Speak to a Doctor
Some people struggle with more severe motion sickness—and OTC medications don’t cut it. Talking to your doctor can determine if something else is going on and what you can take to curb any symptoms.
4. Stay Hydrated
Traveling on an empty stomach seems like a good idea, but hydration is an important part of your journey. Don’t assume that foregoing water will make motion sickness any easier; in fact, keeping a water bottle handy can help alleviate some symptoms.
5. Only Eat Small Snacks
Motion sickness is similar to everyday nausea, so don’t chow down on any large meals before or during travel. Small snacks like crackers and bread are a great way to ensure you get something plain in your belly without the risk of losing it.
6. Suck on Ginger Lozenges
Ginger is a powerhouse against all sorts of ailments, including motion sickness. From Gravol with ginger to regular ginger candies, don’t be afraid to indulge on long flights or bumpy car rides. It not only keeps your stomach in check, but it also helps regulate blood pressure.
7. Face the Direction You’re Going
A good way to keep your crackers down is to face the way you’re moving. Sideways seats or backwards travel only exacerbate your symptoms, so face forward on ferries, buses, and trains. The name of the game is to keep your visuals and inner ear on the same page.
8. Stay Off Your Phone
Don’t assume your phone is enough of a distraction. If anything, it can actually worsen motion sickness. Staring at something stationary while you travel creates a disconnect between your visuals and the inner ear, which makes travel much harder.
9. Know When to Take Breaks
Speaking of screens, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention how they cause motion sickness all on their own. Believe it or not, people can experience nausea and dizziness from video games, doom scrolling, and virtual reality simulators. Whether it's phones or handheld consoles, eyes off your screens!
10. Look at the Horizon
So, if you can’t look at your phone during travel, where can you look? Keep your eyes on the horizon! By doing so, your visuals match what your inner ear can sense: movement. It bridges the gap between them and can help fight any unwanted symptoms.
11. Focus on Pressure Points
Sometimes we need a little extra in our fight against motion sickness. Pressure points like the P6 (located on the inner part of your wrist) or the LI4 (found between your thumb and forefinger) can keep symptoms at bay. You can either learn how to apply pressure to yourself or invest in wristbands to make your journey easier. Though pressure points are often touted as a placebo effect, they're still powerful enough to help some people!
12. Try Not to Read
Books cause just as much trouble as your phone. Though we’d all love to burn some time with a good read, those stationary pages elicit classic symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. You can always invest in audiobooks instead!
13. Sit Up Front in a Car
The backseat is a spacious place to crank some tunes or take a nap—it’s also a great way to make yourself sick. Hop in the front seat next time you’re on the road; having more access to what’s around you can balance out motion sickness.
14. Avoid the Upper Level for Water Travel
Unfortunately, ferries and cruise ships can also cause severe motion sickness. You may not have the best view on upper decks, which worsens symptoms, and you’ll definitely experience more swaying, which sloshes you around and makes you feel worse.
15. Plug One of Your Ears
This method doesn’t work for everyone, but some people swear by it! About 15 minutes before travel, place an earplug in your non-dominant ear. Once you’re on the road, your brain pays more attention to what your eyes see over what your ears sense. It may not help as much as ginger or OTC medication, but it can alleviate some discomfort.
16. Consider Motion Sickness Glasses
Admittedly, motion sickness glasses aren’t for everyone either. While some claim they work like a charm, others aren’t as affected by their supposed uses. But, they're worth a shot! They essentially create a faux horizon for you to focus on and can relieve nausea or dizziness. A word of warning: they look a little goofy.
17. Get Some Fresh Air
You can’t always access it, but cool air is one of the best remedies. Open a window if you can. Turn on the valve in your airplane seat. If you need to, you can even check your airline’s regulations about bringing a personal fan.
18. Keep Your Head Straight
Try not to whip your head at every roadside attraction. Those sudden movements only exacerbate motion sickness, and once you’re on the move, they’re even harder to stop. All limbs should face forward!
19. Stay Away From Vices
It’s easier said than done, but try to avoid smoking during travel; nicotine can actually make motion sickness worse. Alcohol can also worsen symptoms (in addition to causing their own), so try to steer clear of any vices beforehand.
20. Controlled Breathing
We can’t always open a window, and we don’t always get a forward-facing seat. That’s okay—one of the best things you can do is remain calm. Close your eyes and practice controlled breathing. In some cases, breathing exercises aren’t just a distraction; they can prevent nausea and vomiting.
