Go the Extra Mile to Find Relief for Motion Sickness
There is no cure for motion sickness, but you can find relief from this problem by experimenting with tried and true suggestions for a better travel experience. Because every individual is different, you will need to find the best coping strategy for your personal symptoms. Here are some methods of preventing or controlling motion sickness that have been tried with some success. Keep in mind that it is recommended to consult a physician on any matter regarding your physical health. Suggestions for the relief of symptoms of motion sickness follow:
Prior to traveling, eat a light meal consisting of foods that are easy to digest. Avoid fatty and greasy foods. Bring along snacks, like crackers and granola bars, to eat every few hours. Peppermint and ginger root are other edibles with benefits discussed below.
Position yourself carefully. Whenever possible, face the front of the vehicle or your means of transportation. Look out the forward facing window rather than a side window. This allows the traveling motions to match with your visual and sensory motions and causes less confusion for your body. Determine the best seat for you depending on your mode of transportation. When in a car, a seat in the front is ideal. Many find that driving prevents their symptoms. When flying, requesting a seat near the wings may provide you with a smoother ride. When on a boat, a cabin near the center may provide you with a smoother ride.
Try to calm fears and anxiety. Take deep breaths or practice other relaxation techniques. Fear and anxiety will encourage the development of symptoms, or exacerbate your current symptoms of motion sickness.
Get some fresh air. Take more of those deep breaths! Perhaps because it diminishes the feeling of being in an enclosed space, fresh, cool air seems to help.
Put your book, newspaper, or map away. Don’t watch television or a movie. The movement your eyes detects can conflict with the movement your body is detecting, and result in motion sickness.