7 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness while Travelling
Motion sickness can put a damper on your travelling excitement. When everyone else is enjoying the breathtaking scenes and having fun, you’re resisting the urge to throw up without any luck. You’re not doomed to this fate on all your trips. There are certain things you can do to prevent motion sickness and enjoy your next adventure. Here’s a list of the most effective tips.
1. Skip Large Meals
When you’re going on a long trip, it can be tempting to fill up on food to minimize hunger pangs. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a bad idea. Fatty, salty, spicy, and foods that leave you unusually full tend to increase nausea and motion sickness.
Therefore, to prevent motion sickness, be cautious about what you eat before a trip. Stick to lighter foods and avoid those with strong odors because they increase nausea as well. Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes as well because they have the same effect.
2. Face the Direction You’re Moving Towards
If someone else is driving, find ways to face the direction you’re moving towards at all times. Most people find that sitting at the front eases their symptoms in cars compared to sitting at the back. It also works on boats and ferries.
Instead of staying at the stern (back), try moving to the bow (front). In public transportation, try booking the front seats before your trip because swapping seats may be a challenge on the day of the trip.
3. Use Marijuana
For a long time, CBD strains have been used to treat nausea in chemotherapy. Cannabidiol is also effective in soothing anxiety that can make motion sickness worse. The theory behind why marijuana works in treating motion sickness is that THC and CBD in cannabis activate receptors in the body that limit the production of chemicals that cause nausea.
Medical marijuana is easily accessible in most states in the US. And the good news is that it’s a safer alternative to conventional motion sickness drugs. What’s more, you have plenty of options to choose from. From cookies to microdose shrooms, the options are endless.
4. Travel at Night
If you’re using comfortable means of transport like air or sleeper train, an excellent way to deal with your motion sickness would be to travel at night. This method works best in combination with motion sickness medication. Because most of the drugs will make you drowsy, you’ll fall asleep easily and not have to deal with motion sickness for the better part of your trip.
This hack doesn’t work in uncomfortable vehicles like buses because you can’t sleep comfortably. Not to mention, if you happen to be in one of those buses where you’re required to draw the curtains at night, you won’t be able to focus on the direction you’re heading (which eases motion sickness).
5. Change Positions
Sometimes, all you need to do to control your motion sickness is to change your body position. Some people find that standing up makes them feel way much better than sitting. Others find relief from lying down.
Attempt to maintain different positions for a few minutes to figure out which one works best for you. Maintain the position for the duration of the trip to ease your nausea and motion sickness.
6. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key when you suffer from motion sickness. Water and carbonated drinks like ginger ale curb nausea and make you feel better. Avoid caffeinated beverages like sodas and coffee because they not only cause dehydration but also make nausea worse.
Other drinks you can take to curb nausea include:
7. Choose an Area with the Least Motion
Did you know that certain parts of different types of vehicles have areas with more motion than others? Yes. Sometimes, your motion sickness will get better or worse depending on where you’re sitting.
In a plane, the middle row is the calmest. If you’re traveling by ship, go for the lower cabins near the center of the vessel because these are the calmest areas.
When Nothing Works
If you've tried everything and nothing works, it may be time to speak to your healthcare provider about motion sickness medications. The physician will evaluate your case and recommend the best treatment depending on the length of your trip.
However, you should know that medication isn’t always an option. Doctors prescribe motion sickness drugs in severe cases. For most people, the lightheadedness, nausea, and other symptoms pass a short while after the trip is over. And if you take the necessary precautions during your trip, you may not experience extreme symptoms. Either way, seek medical advice to determine where your case falls.
Wrapping Up
If you suffer from mild motion sickness, these tips will do wonders in easing your discomfort. Therefore, make sure you plan ahead to ensure you have the best experience while traveling. And if you decide to go the medication route, always consult a licensed physician before taking any drugs.