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Motion sickness can occur when your senses are not working in harmony. That is, the brain has a hard time managing mixed signals which in turn, can make us feel sick to our stomach and dizzy.
Although symptoms typically do not last long, those unpleasant minutes can feel like forever!
Moments like this can make traveling seem undesirable. In fact, adventures and fun excursions can be lost in fear that motion sickness will strike again.
Consider these remedies, tips, and preventative measures to help curb motion sickness.
With this in mind, always consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, supplements, or medications.
Car Sick? Overcome Motion Sickness on Your Travels
Take the wheel or yell “Shotgun!” The BEST seat to prevent car sickness is the driver’s seat. Riding passenger is the next best option. If you do get stuck in the backseat, try to stay calm and ask for some cool air. At times, anxiety can get the best of us even before the car starts moving. It can feel claustrophobic and cramped in the back, which can cause us to worry– leading to an upset stomach.
Understand the connection between the brain and gut. Like said, getting worked up about the trip ahead can initiate unwanted, queasy feelings. Really, our mind plays a huge role in how we feel through a powerful connection between the gut and the brain. After all, stomach problems are one of the most common symptoms of anxiety. Stressing and worrying releases hormones and chemicals which take a physical toll on our digestive system.
Calm your anxious stomach. Never let your brain think you are going to get sick. It may sound silly and seem downright impossible, but affirmative self-talk really has a large effect on our physical well-being. Talking yourself out of it (or helping someone else who isn’t feeling well get their mind off of it) can help prevent or calm car sickness symptoms. Start an interesting conversation or turn on a podcast for a distraction during the trip.
Look out the window. On boats especially, gazing towards the horizon significantly helps motion sickness. In a vehicle too, fixed points help with visual stimulus and re-orient the inner sense of balance.
Get fresh air. Crack a window or turn up the AC. Fresh or cool air can be a quick remedy to relieve queasiness.
Put the book down. Reading makes motion sickness a million times worse in a vehicle… This is due to a sensory disconnect between the inner ear and eyes. Save the good read for later.
Sit forward and do not move about the motorhome. Similar to boats, riding in the back of a motorhome feels like a bobbing, swaying vehicle. Also, many motorhome couches sit sideways in the unit. This combination of movement and not facing forward– in what feels like a big, moving box– creates the perfect recipe for car sickness. If possible, ride in the passenger’s seat which faces forward and has windows for visibility.
Do not travel on an empty stomach. Consume a meal that agrees well with your stomach– something on the bland-er side. In addition, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated for the trip ahead.
Pack road trip snacks. Traveling and snacks usually go hand-in-hand! Select snacks such as crackers, cereals, or a banana. Skip foods that are greasy, spicy, heavily seasoned, or acidic on the stomach.
Have peppermint essential oil, mints, or gum on hand. Peppermint is often used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. Tea, mints, or even chewing peppermint gum can be an effective remedy. Additionally, try natural peppermint Tummydrops or a nasal inhaler stick to inhale during the ride.
Try ginger. While some swear by ginger ale curbing an upset stomach, many beverages contain very little, if any, ginger. Opt for Reed’s Real Ginger Ale, made with real ginger or try it in other forms like ginger candies, ginger oil, capsules, crystallized ginger, and tablets. Try these Gin Gins or Ginger Tummydrops.
Apply to pressure points. Apply pressure to the pressure point P6 or the Neiguan. It is known for its ability to relieve symptoms from motion sickness. Locate this by applying three finger widths below the wrist crease of the opposite forearm. Place your thumb on the point below these fingers where you feel two tendons. Apply a firm downward pressure to the area.
Test out Sea Bands. Sea Bands are acupressure bands that fit around your wrists applying pressure to the P6 pressure points. Similar to the above pressure point method, this bracelet form is convenient, allowing the traveler to receive constant pressure while being able to use both hands freely.
Consider other motion sickness bands. There are other remedies in the form of wearable technology. One being Reliefband, which uses gentle pulses which send signals through the median nerve under the wrist. These signals travel through the body’s nervous system to the part of the brain that controls nausea, thus “turning off” unpleasant feelings of nausea. These bands are a non-drowsy, drug, and side-effect-free option for those suffering from motion sickness and nausea.
Wear motion sickness car glasses. The Motion Sickness Glasses design contains liquid inside the frame that moves with the movement of the vehicle. This creates an artificial horizon line on the front and side fields of your vision to coordinate visual information with the balance system. Although a bit goofy looking, it’s an idea different from medication or herbal remedies and available to all ages with absolutely no side effects.
Take Dramamine. This is an over-the-counter antihistamine compound used to treat motion sickness and nausea. It is recommended to take the first dose 30 to 60 minutes before travel to prevent motion sickness. Check out the different options:
- Dramamine Original
- Dramamine All Day Less Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief
- Dramamine Non-Drowsy with Natural Ginger
- Dramamine Nausea Long Lasting
- Dramamine Nausea Ginger Chews
- Dramamine for Kids
Talk to your doctor about motion sickness medications. Those who suffer from frequent to severe motion sickness and are at a loss with other remedies may find relief with prescribed medications and/or further treatment. Talk to your doctor and discuss your different options available.
Keep in mind, it is extremely important to always consult your doctor before using any kind of self-therapy or taking any supplement, herbal remedy, or medication.
In most cases, motion sickness is only temporary and mild. Nonetheless, if you are experiencing frequent car sickness, consider the above remedies and prevention methods so that you can enjoy the journey!
RVING IS BEING joyful on the journey