Seasickness: How to avoid it?

Seasickness, also known as motion sickness or sea sickness, is an unpleasant experience that can affect anyone, even those who do not usually suffer from seasickness.

Symptoms can range from feelings of nausea to vomiting and general malaise, which can ruin the experience of traveling by boat. However, there are several measures that can be taken to reduce or avoid seasickness and enjoy the trip more pleasantly.

Choose the right location

If possible, choose a seat in the middle and most stable part of the boat, where movement is less pronounced. Avoid sitting in the stern, where rocking and vibration tend to be more intense.

Keep your eyes on the horizon

Fixing your eyes on a fixed point on the horizon can help your brain maintain balance and reduce the feeling of seasickness on the boat. Avoid looking down or focusing on objects that move a lot, such as waves or people walking.

Another tip that might work is to travel with sunglasses to reduce visual stimulation.

Avoid reading during the trip

It is important to avoid excessive use of the cell phone during the journey. Fixing your eyes on the screen of a device can increase the lack of coordination of the senses, which can cause motion sickness or motion sickness.

Therefore, it is advisable to reduce reading to a minimum, whether it be books, magazines... or looking at the mobile screen while navigating.

Ventilation and fresh air

Staying in a well-ventilated area and breathing fresh air can help reduce the feeling of nausea. If possible, stay on deck where there is more air circulation and avoid enclosed and poorly ventilated areas.

Avoid heavy foods

Before boarding, avoid eating heavy, spicy or fatty foods that may contribute to stomach upset. Opt for light, easy-to-digest foods, such as fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

Green apples may be a good choice as they reduce nausea.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water regularly can help maintain the balance of fluids in your body and reduce the discomfort associated with seasickness. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and worsen symptoms.

Drinking an infusion of ginger can be quite helpful in avoiding seasickness.

Rest and relax

Try to stay calm and relax during the boat trip. Anxiety and stress can increase the feeling of seasickness. If possible, sit or lie down comfortably and close your eyes to rest.

It is important to have had sufficient rest the day or night before.

Medications and natural remedies

If you suffer from frequent seasickness, consider talking to your doctor about taking medications or natural supplements to prevent symptoms. There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help control seasickness, such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate, better known as biodramine.

By following these tips and precautions, you can reduce your chances of experiencing seasickness and enjoy your trip with greater comfort and peace of mind. Remember that everyone is different, so it may be necessary to try different methods to find the one that works best for you. If symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.