You are on the move, winding through mountain roads or catching a ferry to an island. Everything feels fine until your stomach suddenly turns on you. A little dizzy, a bit sweaty - yes, that is motion sickness creeping in. The annoying part? You do not need to be a nervous traveller for this to happen. Motion sickness shows up uninvited, no matter how often you travel. But here is the thing - it is not unbeatable. All you need to know is what triggers it and how to shut it down before it ruins your trip. This is your cheat sheet to beating motion sickness and keeping your journey smooth.
What Exactly Is Motion Sickness?
"Motion sickness happens when your brain receives conflicting signals from your inner ear, eyes, and body," says Dr. Vinay Arora, senior resident doctor at Yashodha Hospital. "For instance, if you are on a boat, your inner ear detects motion, but your eyes may only see a still cabin wall. This sensory mismatch confuses the brain and can trigger symptoms like nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and fatigue. It is essentially your body reacting to the confusion between what it sees and what it feels."
Also Read: Why Road Trips Exhaust You More Than Train Rides
What Triggers Motion Sickness?
Cleveland Clinic experts say that while some people are just more sensitive, certain situations bring on symptoms faster.
Here are the usual suspects:
- Travelling in vehicles that move a lot, like boats, planes, cars, or rides that stop and start often, is a common trigger.
- Using virtual reality or playing video games, especially for long periods or while in motion, can mess with your balance.
- Sitting in a seat that faces the opposite direction of where you are headed can confuse your senses and set off symptoms.
- Poor ventilation in packed or closed spaces makes everything worse. That stale air can leave you feeling light-headed and queasy.
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How To Avoid Motion Sickness? 9 Quick Tips To Keep Handy
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, "Avoiding situations that cause motion sickness is the best way to prevent it". But let us be honest - you cannot always do that. Luckily, they have also shared a bunch of tricks to help you avoid or reduce symptoms.
1. Sit in the front seat:
Pick the front seat in a car or bus. Looking at the road ahead helps your brain connect what it feels with what it sees. That means fewer mixed signals and less nausea.
2. Choose a window seat:
Whether you are flying or on a train, go for the window. Watching the outside world move gives your brain some solid visual cues, which can make a big difference.
3. Lie down, shut your eyes, or look at the horizon:
Feeling uneasy? Lie back if you can or just close your eyes. Blocking out the visual chaos helps. And if you can see the horizon, focus on that - it helps reset your balance.
4. Stay hydrated:
Sip water regularly to avoid dehydration, which can make motion sickness worse. Keeping your body balanced starts with staying properly hydrated.
5. Limit alcohol and caffeine:
Avoid boozy drinks or too much coffee while travelling. They can dry you out and mess with your stomach. Stick to water or calming herbal tea instead.
6. Eat small, frequent meals:
Going overboard at the buffet is not your friend. Snack on light, regular meals and skip greasy or spicy food. Your stomach will thank you mid-journey.
7. Avoid smoking:
Smoking or even being around smoke can make symptoms worse. Taking a break from it, especially while travelling, can actually keep motion sickness in check.
8. Distract yourself:
Music, a podcast, or a quick chat can pull your attention away from the motion. Just avoid reading or staring at your phone too long - screens can mess with your balance.
9. Use flavoured lozenges:
Ginger and peppermint are your secret weapons. Carry some ginger candies or minty lozenges to help settle your stomach when you feel things going south.
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Motion sickness is annoying, but it does not have to ruin your travel plans. A little prep and a few easy tricks can help you feel more in control and a lot less queasy. Use these practical tips to keep your stomach settled, enjoy the ride, and focus on what really matters - getting where you are going, without the nausea.
