You’ve probably suffered from motion sickness at least once. We all have!
All it takes is a bit of choppy water on a boat, a few turbulence on an airplane, or a fast moving theme park ride to mess up your equilibrium and make you feel disoriented and nauseous.
The reason you get motion sickness is because the balance center in your inner ear senses something different from what you are seeing, and your brain doesn’t know how to get everything back in balance.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to combat motion sickness. The idea is to take steps ahead of time so you can prevent the motion sickness altogether. That way, you won’t have to worry about getting sick during your travels.
Here’s a collection of the absolute best tips for combating motion sickness!…
How To Prevent Motion Sickness
If you’re traveling by cruise ship, ask for a cabin in the front or middle of the ship, or on the upper deck. (Here are some more video tips specifically for preventing sea sickness.)
If you’re traveling by train, sit up front by a window and facing forward.
If you’re traveling by plane, sit over the front edge of one of the wings. Direct the air vent so it’s flowing directly over your face.
If you’re traveling in a car, sit in the front seat. Also, don’t read while riding in the car.
Stay calm by meditating for a little bit or doing certain yoga moves before you enter a situation where you might experience motion sickness.
Focus on a stationary object in the distance. For example, if you’re on a boat, focus on the horizon that is far away or on a distant, stationary object. Do not read.
Rest your head against a seat back, and keep your head still, even though the ride may be bumpy.
Drink a carbonated beverage (like 7-Up or Sprite), or eat a few dry crackers to help keep your stomach settled.
Don’t overeat or drink alcohol before entering a situation where you are likely to experience motion sickness. Also, don’t eat spicy food or greasy foods beforehand.
Don’t smoke and don’t sit near others who are smoking. Poor ventilation caused by smoke or gas fumes can bring on an attack of motion sickness.
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Antivert, Bonine, or Dramamine) at least 1 hour before you leave home. Keep in mind that antihistamines may cause drowsiness, but it’s better than being sick! (Nonsedating ones are less effective.)
Get a prescription for a motion sickness medication from your doctor. One example is Scopolamine which comes in the form of a patch that you stick behind your ear.
Use acupressure bands — also known as motion sickness bands — like these Travelsmith PSI bracelets or the classic Sea Bands. The bands and bracelets have a bead that presses on a specific acupressure point on the inside of your wrist which keeps you from experiencing motion sickness. (Here’s how to tap your acupressure points without using the bands.)
Pregnant women who are nauseous should use the acupressure bands mentioned above since they don’t have any drugs or chemicals, or try these 7 natural cures for morning sickness.
By using a couple of these tips before the times when you are most likely to experience motion sickness, hopefully you will be able to stave off the dreaded symptoms and enjoy your day!
Having a good trip requires some bit of pre-planning. Speak with your doctor about some options you can use for motion sickness and try them out before your trip. Four hours into your 10 day cruise is not the time to find out your chosen medication is not working or causing you to sleep away your holiday. I always try to live by “real world rules: two is one, one is none”. Carrying a back-up motion sickness remedy is a good idea, should you find yourself out of your first option or not able to access it. Source
More Tips For Preventing Motion Sickness
- VIDEO: Quick & Easy Exercises To Prevent Motion Sickness
- Motion Sickness FAQ
- Tips From Moms For Preventing Car Sickness
- Natural Ways To Manage Motion Sickness (a few more here)
- 4 Strategies To Combat Motion Sickness
- CDC’s List Of Medications For Treating Motion Sickness
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with weather, pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and my life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
