Are you prone to feeling queasy while travelling? Motion sickness can put a damper on any trip, whether you’re driving, flying, or sailing.
According to an article published by The Conversation, about 65% of people suffer from motion sickness, women more often than men. The dizzy, nauseous feeling happens when the brain gets mixed signals from the inner ear and eyes.
Luckily, there are plenty of simple, effective ways to keep motion sickness at bay. Save these tips ahead of your next journey!
1. Pick the best seat
Where you sit can make a big difference. In a car, ride in the front seat to minimise movement. On a boat, stay in the middle where there’s less rocking. If you’re flying, go for a seat over the wings—the most stable part of the plane.
2. Fix your gaze on a steady point
Staring at a distant, unmoving object—like the horizon—helps your brain sync up with your body’s motion, reducing dizziness. This trick works because it minimises the sensory confusion that causes nausea.
3. Deep breaths
Slow, controlled breathing can calm your nervous system and ease nausea. Try inhaling through your nose for four seconds, holding for four seconds, and exhaling slowly. This relaxes your body and keeps queasiness in check.
4. Avoid heavy meals and strong scents
Eating greasy or spicy foods before travelling can upset your stomach. Stick to small, light meals like crackers or a banana. Also, avoid strong odours—like perfume or food smells—which can make nausea worse.
5. Keep on sipping
Dehydration can worsen motion sickness. Sip on water or clear liquids, but skip alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and trigger nausea.
6. Use ginger or peppermint
Ginger is a natural nausea fighter, so try ginger tea, ginger candies, or even ginger capsules. Peppermint has a soothing effect on the stomach—peppermint tea or essential oil can help settle queasiness.
7. Snack on something sour
Sour foods like lemon slices, sour candies, or pickles stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralise nausea. Many travellers swear by tart flavours to combat motion sickness.
8. Keep your head still
Too much movement can make motion sickness worse. Try resting your head against a seat or using a neck pillow for support to reduce jarring motions.
9. Chew gum or suck on mints
Chewing gum or sucking on mints helps regulate stomach acids and keeps your mind distracted from nausea. Plus, the repetitive motion of chewing can help stabilise your senses.
10. Roll down the window
Overheating can make nausea worse. Open a window for fresh air, turn up the aircon, or place a cool cloth on your forehead to help keep your body temperature down and prevent dizziness.
First Published by: Woman & Home
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