Travel Tips
Motion sickness remedies everyone should know
From sweating to dizziness and at worst, vomiting, motion sickness isn’t pretty. The good news is you can beat it and we show you how.
Travelling should be a time when you can enjoy yourself and look forward to your holiday ahead. But motion sickness, unfortunately, is one of those pesky little things you don’t have control over. It’s a common condition that can affect people when travelling by any form of transport, including car, train, boat and plane. While anyone can get motion sickness, some people are affected more than others. Either way, here are some things to keep in mind when you go on your next trip.
- Position yourself where you will experience the least motion: for example, over the wings in an aeroplane or in the dead centre of a ship.
- So that your eyes confirm the sensation of motion picked up by your inner ear, watch the scenery going by. This may mean, you’ll want to be out on deck at sea. Remember, though, not to fix your gaze on individually moving objects, such as another moving car – just scan generally.
- If you can, drive the vehicle. Passengers in moving cars are more likely to experience motion sickness than drivers.
- The larger the moving vehicle you’re in, the better. Bigger vehicles are less susceptible to motion. If you can, try to travel on a ship rather than a small boat.
- Keep your head still as moving it around will swirl the fluid in your canals and add to the sensory confusion.
- Some people find that closing their eyes is the best way to eliminate sensory confusion.
- Lying down on your back allows the fluid in the ear canals to pool, rather than swirl around.
- Cut back on, or eliminate, alcoholic drinks and don’t have any alcohol for 24 hours before travelling.
- Make sure you have plenty of fresh air. Fumes or smoke can exacerbate symptoms.
- On brief journeys, try not to eat or drink anything.
- On long journeys, eat and drink sparingly and often.
- If all else fails, try to relax as anxiety worsens symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as abdominal breathing or distracting yourself with a book or hobby are good way to take your mind off worrying. If your anxiety is severe, you could consider professional counselling.
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