Tips and Tricks to Avoid Nausea While Reading in the Car
Reading in the car can be a delightful experience, but motion sickness can quickly spoil the fun. Fortunately, there are several self-care techniques and home remedies that can help alleviate nausea and make your travel more comfortable.
Self-Care Techniques
1. Look up from reading every few seconds.
To help your body match the visual cues of motion with physical sensations, look out of the window and fixate on a stable object on the horizon. It's important not to focus on vegetation that's whipping by, as this can exacerbate dizziness. Holding the book up instead of putting it down in your lap can help you flick your eyes back and forth between the horizon and the book more easily. If you start to feel ill, take a break and look out of the window for a few minutes before returning to reading.
2. Minimize the physical sensations of motion.
Choose a more stable part of the car, such as the passenger seat in the front, to sit in. Use a pillow or the headrest to keep your head as still as possible. Avoid reading on winding roads, as the increased physical sensations can trigger nausea.
3. Open a window.
The fresh air can help reduce nausea and prevent you from getting too hot. Even a slightly open window can make a significant difference. Be mindful of how the air currents affect the pages of your book.
4. Relax and don't stress.
Getting anxious can exacerbate motion sickness. Take breaks, use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualization, and listen to calming music or take a short nap. These strategies can help you maintain composure during the journey.
Eating and Drinking Thoughtfully
5. Eat lightly before and during travel.
Avoid greasy, spicy foods, and alcohol, as these can increase your propensity for nausea. Instead, opt for light, easy-to-digest foods such as dry crackers, hard candies (particularly mints), and carbonated beverages. These can help settle your stomach and provide electrolytes.
6. Settle your stomach.
Consider trying ginger, which has been used for centuries to settle the stomach and combat nausea. Ginger products range from teas and supplements to ginger cookies and breads. Before using any of these, consult your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.
Home Remedies and Medications
7. Wear acupressure bands.
These are elastic cloth bands with a small knob that should be placed on your wrist between the two tendons on the inside of your forearm. This acupressure point is believed to prevent nausea. Ensure the bands are not so tight as to cause pain or cut off circulation.
8. Avoid smoke and strong air fresheners.
Smoking or being exposed to smoke and strong air fresheners can increase sensitivity to irritants, potentially causing nausea and vomiting. Keep the air in your car fresh to minimize these triggers.
Medications to Consider
9. Try ginger.
Ginger is believed to relieve nausea due to its oils and phenols. It has been used for centuries to settle the stomach and combat nausea. Before using, consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications. Options include fresh ginger tea, ginger soda, ginger cookies or breads, and ginger supplements.
10. Over-the-counter antihistamines.
Medications like Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or Meclizine (Antivert) can be effective. These antihistamines can make you drowsy, so it's essential to read the instructions and consult your doctor before use. It's recommended to take them about half an hour to an hour before you plan to travel.
11. Prescription motion sickness medication.
For long journeys, your doctor may prescribe a scopolamine or hyoscine adhesive patch (Transderm Scop). This patch, placed behind your ear a few hours before travel, can provide protection against motion sickness for about three days. However, it may cause side effects like drowsiness, blurred vision, and dizziness, which could interfere with your ability to read. Inform your doctor about any other health conditions and medications you are taking to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
By following these tips and tricks, you can reduce the likelihood of motion sickness and enjoy a more comfortable reading experience while traveling in the car.