Do you often avoid traveling because of the uneasy feeling that makes you extremely uncomfortable? Watching others have a great time while you’re stuck feeling miserable is probably one of the worst experiences, isn’t it?
Well, know that you are not alone. Motion sickness is a common phenomenon experienced by nearly 30% of the population at some point in their lives. Also, it is seen affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
If you are already looking for helpful resorts to deal with this issue, know that in addition to medications, there are many practical strategies and remedies to give relief from motion sickness and make your travel a better experience.
What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when there is a discrepancy between the signals received by our eyes and inner ear. When we experience motion sickness while traveling, a sensory conflict arises, causing our balance and spatial orientation systems to send mixed signals to the brain.
Let’s say, you are reading a book in a moving vehicle. Your visual system, responsible for sight, sends your brain a stationary signal. At the same time, your vestibular system, which senses motion, sends your brain signals of movement, including acceleration, deceleration, and turns. This sensory conflict confuses the brain, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and sweating.
This disconnect creates a sense of unease as the body struggles to reconcile the motion it feels with the lack of corresponding visual cues, ultimately resulting in the uncomfortable experience of motion sickness.
Quick Question
How do you usually feel before starting a journey? Anxious, excited, or indifferent?
Common symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and a general feeling of unease. Some individuals may also experience headaches and fatigue. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person and may be triggered by factors such as anxiety, fatigue, or a history of migraines.
Ways to Beat Motion Sickness
There are practical ways and tactics to deal with motion sickness while you are traveling in cars, airplanes, or boats. Give them a fair read and find what works for you to beat the motion sickness.
#1: Choose Your Seat Wisely
When it comes to choosing a seat during the travel, make it a point to sit in the direction where you are heading. It will help in sesniory alignments, improve the focus, and minimize disorientation.
Also, if possible, you can choose to drive the car to get rid of the symptoms. The general rule for motion sickness states that the sensory conflict between what your inner ear perceives and what your eyes see leads to uneasiness and other discomforting symptoms. When we take the lead in driving the car, the senses connect better.
#2: Keep yourself Hydrated
If motion sickness is a recurring occurrence while traveling, ensure that you keep yourself well-hydrated before and during the trip. In addition to maintaining your hydration level, drinking enough water can help you cope with the symptoms of fatigue, headache, and nausea.
Hydration Reminder
Keep a water bottle handy during travel to stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen symptoms.
It is recommended to keep your stomach light and avoid taking heavy meals. In such instances, maintaining a sufficient intake of water also helps keep us fuller and satiated against the urge to snack on unhealthy foods that can worsen motion sickness, ultimately contributing to a more comfortable travel experience.
Additionally, you can use hydration supplements to keep yourself in better shape. These ready-to-drink sachets can help you achieve optimal hydration levels, replenish essential electrolytes, and maintain energy while traveling.
SHOP ON AMAZON#3: Take Breaks During Travels
If you are susceptible to motion sickness when traveling, ensure that you take frequent breaks in between. This will help ease your senses and allow you to inhale some fresh air. When we stop in between, we not only allow our body to reset and relieve the discomfort from prolonged motion but also promote circulation and decrease the feeling of being confined.
Another reason that justifies taking breaks in between is to stretch our body and release the tension that builds up from sitting for prolonged periods.
#4: Practice Deep Breathing
If you get under the grip of motion sickness, one thing that would give you instant relief is deep breathing. Try to ease yourself by following your breath, coming in and going out. It will help you promote relaxation, which further eases your stress and anxiety. By doing deep breathing, you are increasing the supply of oxygen within the body, which will further shift your attention away from the discomfort. Also, your blood circulation will improve, and it will help to counteract the physical sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness that often accompany motion sickness.
You must pay attention to keep yourself comfortable during the journey. You can prefer to sleep. For this, you can carry a travel pillow to provide sufficient support to the neck area, helping to prevent stiffness and allowing you to rest more easily.
#5: Connect with your Pressure Points
Acupressure can be an effective remedy to get relief from motion sickness. The principle of acupressure is such that it involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or “qi,” and restore balance. The common point prescribed for motion sickness is P6 on the inner wrist. When a generous amount of pressure is applied to it, you get relief from nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, you can apply drops of essential oil on the pressure points to see if it eases your symptoms.
#6: Take Medications
If the need arises and you do not get relief from any of these methods, you can opt for the medications that can further help relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. You can consult your physician to get a specific prescription to avoid any further risks or dangers.
Quick Tips to Beat Motion Sickness
- Eating light meals before and during travel. Stuffing yourself with heavy meals can further worsen the situation.
- Ginger remedies work wonders. You can consume ginger candies, ginger tea, and ginger supplements to help reduce nausea.
- Avoid reading or facing small screens, as it can aggravate the symptoms.
- Try looking at the stable point in the distance. This will allow your brain to reconcile the motion signals.
- If possible, take over the driver’s seat. The driver’s seat is less prone to motion sickness than the passenger’s seat.
- If traveling by airplane, choose middle-wing seats over the rear, as these positions experience less turbulence and provide a more stable flying experience. Additionally, opting for a window seat allows you to engage in sightseeing, which can help distract you from any discomfort.
- In the case of ships, know that the lower cabins are less susceptible to motion sickness.
- You can also use the distractions of music and conversations to take your mind off motion sickness and see if it works.
Conclusion
Dealing with motion sickness doesn’t have to be a daunting challenge. When you try these methods, you are sure to find relief with one or another. You simply need to understand your mind and body dynamics, and soon, you will overcome the limitations of motion sickness, allowing you to enjoy your travels with greater comfort and confidence. Be proactive in choosing the right seat, maintaining a positive mindset, and giving yourself the comfort you need. By implementing these strategies, you will notice that motion sickness becomes more manageable, enabling you to focus on the journey and create enjoyable travel memories.
FAQ’s
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and a general feeling of unease are the common symptoms of motion sickness. You may also experience fatigue, headaches, and paleness when your body struggles to process conflicting sensory signals during movement.
You can take several measures to ease your motion sickness, including keeping yourself hydrated, applying pressure to specific points—such as the P6 point on your wrist, taking breaks in between, finding a stable position, and so on.
Some individuals are more susceptible to motion sickness due to their vestibular system’s sensitivity. Factors such as genetics, inner ear health, and previous experiences with nausea can contribute. Additionally, the brain’s ability to process conflicting sensory information may vary from person to person, making some people more prone to experiencing motion sickness.
In addition to taking over-the-counter medications, you can use remedies like wearing acupressure wristbands, applying essential oils on pressure points, and using natural ingredients like ginger in the form of ginger candies, teas, and even supplements.
What causes the sensory conflict leading to motion sickness symptoms?
