By Martin Banks
An exciting road trip can quickly spiral if you have motion sickness. That said, you don’t have to clench your jaw and endure it. Here are seven strategies for eliminating motion sickness so you can enjoy a smoother, less stressful drive.
What Is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness happens when there’s a difference between what you see and what your inner ear senses. For instance, riding a boat makes your brain think your body is moving even if you’re seated in a stationary position. These conflicting sensations can stress out your brain.
This unpleasant condition is more common among children ages six to nine, women and people suffering from vertigo and migraines. You may notice it when you’re riding in a car or even driving.
What Are the Symptoms of Car Sickness?
Nausea is the primary symptom of motion sickness. You might also experience the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Cold sweating
- Lack of appetite
- Dry mouth or excess saliva
- Heightened sense of smell
7 Tips for Combating Motion Sickness
Here are some of the top tips to curb car sickness.
1. Keep Your Head Still
Fixing your eyes on the horizon can provide some immediate relief. Focusing on a stationary object in the distance can also aid your visual stimulus, preventing sensory mismatch. Keep your eyes on the front windshield or avoid looking at cars passing alongside you.
2. Take the Wheel
Motion sickness happens when there’s a disconnect between the movement and inner ear senses. These sensations may connect better if you’re driving the car. If you’re prone to motion sickness, ask your friends and family if you can drive. Driving can also help you fix your eyes on the horizon, preventing the onset of a queasy feeling.
3. Consider Taking Medications
Some over-the-counter medications, including scopolamine pills and patches, diphenhydramine, antihistamines and cyclizine, can help relieve motion sickness. Consult your physician if you’ve never used any of these medications before.
4. Get Fresh Air
When experiencing car sickness, your capillaries allow more blood to flow closer to the skin’s surface, lowering your core body temperature. That’s why you may experience cold sweats. Despite having a low core temperature, you could feel hot and flushed.
Cold, fresh air can help you feel better quickly. Open a window or park somewhere and go outside to give yourself time to recover. If you can’t enjoy outdoor air, turn the air vents toward you or blow air on your face with a fan.
5. Avoid Heavy Meals
Eat small portions of food before traveling. Snack on foods that help relieve nausea, including:
- Bananas
- Low-fat Greek yogurt
- Protein shake
- Pear
- Sweet potatoes
Avoid eating full-fat dairy, fried foods, and spicy foods before or during travel. Remember to stay hydrated. Drink in small amounts and consider ginger or peppermint tea.
6. Distract Yourself
Start conversing with your family or friends to distract yourself from the unpleasant feeling. You can also listen to calming music or blast your favorite songs to boost your mood. Slow, steady breathing may help calm you down, too. You can work with your therapist to find which breathing exercises work best.
7. Don’t Read or Use Your Phone
It might be challenging not to scroll through your phone or read a book when you’re a passenger. After all, you want to make the most out of time. However, this can exacerbate the symptoms of motion sickness. Stop or pause the activity — nap or listen to an audiobook instead to prevent the queasy feeling.
Pets Can Also Experience Car Sickness
Did you know that motion sickness is common among cats and dogs? Visit your veterinarian and discuss vaccination, booster or medicine requirements before traveling with your furry friend. Consider adding a car seat so your dog remains comfortable throughout the ride.
If you’re driving with your dog, plan your rest stops throughout the ride. Dogs need to relieve themselves three to five times daily. Remember to always clean up after your pet.
Travel With Ease
Now that you know how to prevent motion sickness, you can enjoy your adventure with confidence and peace of mind. If these tips do not work, consult your physician about your symptoms.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
