Buzz
If you're someone who easily experiences motion sickness, long road trips can be a nightmare for your stomach. And if it's your children struggling, you might find yourself constantly debating whether you really need to pull over. Here are a few suggestions for managing that wave of nausea when it hits.
Gaze out the front window
When I was younger, my parents used to tell me to look out the window, but that only made my carsickness worse. Looking out the front windshield works better: The sensation of movement aligns with what you see. That's why it's often worse in the back seat. Although kids shouldn't sit in the front until around age 13, sometimes you can arrange the seating so that the one feeling carsick has the best view of the road. If that's not an option, the next best choice is to have them close their eyes.
If you're someone who tends to get motion sickness, consider sitting in the front passenger seat. Or, for a better option, offer to drive the vehicle.
Breathe in some fresh air.
Cool air can provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of motion sickness. Although the exact reason isn't fully understood, it’s believed that when we feel nauseous, our body tries to cool itself down. This is why we often feel overheated, flushed, and start sweating. A cool breeze directed towards your face can help ease these symptoms, so it might be a good idea to open a window or use the air conditioning.
Find something to take your mind off it.
Though nausea is a physical sensation, it’s managed by our brain. We're not experiencing food poisoning or an illness (hopefully). Listening to music can serve as a distraction from the competing sensations of motion and vision. Playing games can also help—but avoid ones like video games or crosswords that require close attention. Instead, focus on the front windshield and try games like Twenty Questions or the classic rhyme 'A my name is Alice...', regardless of age.
Prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Being unwell in a car (or, even worse, on public transport) can be a dreadful experience. You feel miserable, and with no immediate chance of stopping, the thought of throwing up makes things even worse. If you or your child are prone to motion sickness, it's wise to have a bag or container handy just in case. Sometimes, just knowing it's available can prevent you from needing it.
