Feeling Nauseous? Here’s How To Cope With Seasickness!

Motion sickness typically arises from a vehicle’s movement and the body’s struggle to adapt to these changes in motion. It occurs when various body parts transmit conflicting information to the brain.

Seasickness usually occurs in the first 12-24 hours after the voyage begins, and goes away as soon as the body gets used to the ship’s motion. It is not very common for anyone to stay ill for longer unless the boat encounters really rough waves.

Drinking enough water helps balance your body fluids, preventing nausea. It also keeps your electrolytes in check, making seasickness less severe.

If you have time to read (or anything else that requires you to focus), hold off. This can worsen seasickness as it distracts you from how your body feels, making it challenging to recognise early signs. The motion of the vessel, coupled with trying to focus on the text, can worsen symptoms.

3. Stick to the middle of the ship

Being a seafarer doesn’t always make it easy to get quality sleep, but getting sufficient rest helps decrease fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety. These factors can otherwise exacerbate the symptoms of seasickness.

Opt for light and bland foods like saltine crackers, plain bread, or pretzels for relief. It’s better to have something in your stomach than nothing, but avoid overeating. Consider sipping ginger ale, as ginger is a well-known natural remedy for motion sickness.

The advantages of yoga or meditation for overall well-being are plentiful. These practices are effective in diminishing stress and anxiety, which can be a trigger for seasickness. Additionally, they contribute to calming the mind and body, diverting attention from the motion of the waves – therefore alleviating seasickness symptoms.

For seafarers spending consecutive months at sea, taking medication daily may not be feasible or healthy. However, in certain situations — such as the first two days of the voyage or during severe weather — using anti-nausea medications may help. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making such decisions.

Acupressure wristbands, found in pharmacies, apply pressure to your wrists. This stimulates the body’s natural anti-nausea reflex and reduces seasickness symptoms. They also aid in preventing nausea and vomiting by reducing stress and tension. It’s worth seeing if this helps coping with seasickness.