As spring arrives, many of us enjoy outings with family or friends by driving around during weekends. However, there's something to be cautious about – car sickness. It's frustrating to get into the car with excitement only to be plagued by unwanted dizziness, nausea, and headaches. To prevent this, we need to pay attention to the following three things.
Avoid Drive-through Foods
Recently, there has been a proliferation of drive-through outlets of fast-food chains and cafes across the country. Ordering food while still in the car and receiving it immediately increases the likelihood of motion sickness when eating inside the vehicle. Digestive activity increases to process the food, making the stomach more sensitive. This can lead to nausea or vomiting. Moreover, the movement of the vehicle can exacerbate symptoms by affecting digestive activity. For these reasons, it's best to avoid eating inside the car. Instead, have a light meal before getting into the car.
Avoid Using Smartphones or Reading Books
Using smartphones or reading books in the car can trigger motion sickness. Our sense of balance mainly comes from visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensations. When we receive visual stimuli, the brain sends commands to maintain body balance. Therefore, when using smartphones or reading books in the car, although the eyes are focused on something static, the body moves vigorously due to the vehicle's motion. This confusion can lead to motion sickness. Hence, it's better to look around or gaze out of the window while in the car.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is effective in relieving motion sickness. Deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes and calms the body. This helps reduce stress and anxiety that can worsen motion sickness. Additionally, deep breathing increases blood oxygen saturation, which positively impacts overall body metabolism.
Even with these methods, if motion sickness cannot be completely prevented, medication can be considered. Motion sickness medication suppresses nerves that induce discomfort or vomiting, alleviating symptoms. For patch medications, it's advisable to apply them four hours before driving, while oral medications should be taken an hour before.
Car sickness not only affects the driver but also makes passengers uncomfortable. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of the above tips to enjoy a pleasant drive.
