5 Ways to Ease Motion Sickness While Driving

Motion sickness can turn any road trip into a nightmare, especially when the one suffering is behind the wheel. If you’ve ever dealt with motion sickness while driving, here are a few tips that can help.

Watch What You Eat

The types of food or beverages you consume prior to driving can make all the difference. Excess alcohol, spicy food, too much fat, and other heavy items can worsen motion sickness in those that are most susceptible. Strong food odors can even elicit nausea, which can make motion sickness worse.

If you’ve found that there are certain foods that don’t agree with you, avoid eating them before the daily commute or while taking a long road trip. Eating light is your best option if you plan on being in the car for several hours per day.

Be Mindful of Your Position

For most people, being in the front seat is enough to ward off motion sickness, but if you suffer from motion sickness while driving, this alone won’t help. Be sure to sit up straight in a comfortable position with your eyes focused on the horizon. Staring into the distance at a stable point keeps your focus away from moving objects. While you will still need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, try to avoid looking sideways out of the window, as this can cause sudden and sometimes severe nausea.

Stay Cool

Being in a car that’s overly warm makes you sweat, which can worsen motion sickness. To help keep your symptoms in check, keep the air conditioner running and recirculate the vehicle’s air so you’re not subjected to exterior odors like exhaust fumes. To get the most benefit, point the air vents at your face.

While it can be difficult to circulate cool air in the vehicle during cold winter months, it’s still a good idea to keep the car as cool as possible, so try not to max out the heat.

Take Frequent Breaks

Many drivers suffer from motion sickness the most during prolonged road trips. If this is the case, pull over at rest areas, gas stations, or food stops often so you can get out and stretch your legs. Taking deep breaths through your mouth can also help you relax before getting back in the car.

Anytime you feel nausea starting to take hold, pull over as soon as possible for a break. Only resume driving when the nausea and dizziness have passed.

Take a Motion Sickness Pill

There are several over-the-counter motion sickness products on the market, including Dramamine. Almost any kind of antihistamine can help reduce nausea brought on by car sickness, so keep some on hand for when you need it. In most cases, you should take a motion sickness pill 30-60 minutes before driving for best results.

Dealing with motion sickness while driving is no joke, but thankfully you don’t have to suffer. Try a few of these tips the next time car sickness strikes.

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