If you know that you will need to travel by a vehicle that gives you motion sickness, begin to prepare now. Practice yoga techniques like sirsasana (headstands) and meditation to increase your overall equilibrium and balance. Since factors such as diet can increase the incidence of motion sickness, avoid fatty and spicy foods and make sure you are fully hydrated.
In the moments leading up to your travel, consider over-the-counter medication like Dramamine or Bonine. For more prolonged relief, you can opt for a prescription scopolamine patch. If you do not want to take medication, eat dry crackers and other simple foods. Make sure not to smoke or sit near smokers as smoke can exacerbate motion sickness.
As you prepare to depart, practice deep breathing techniques to relax your mind. Position yourself in a seat where your eyes, ears and body will sync together. This means, don't sit backwards or sit in any seat with an obscured view. Sit still, with your head against a headrest and keep your attention focused on objects in the distance. Far-off objects on the horizon will minimize the affect of motion on the brain and help calibrate your body.
Depending on the travel method that causes your motion sickness, you have a variety of options to minimize symptoms. If flying causes your motion sickness, try to sit by a window over the front wing and always have the air conditioner blowing directly in your face. For trains, sit in seats that face forward and sit near a window toward the front of the car. If cars cause motion sickness, don't read while you ride and don't sit in the back seat, if possible. On a bus, sit toward the front.
One of the most common places for motion sickness is on a boat. If you travel on a cruise ship, book a cabin in the middle of the ship on the upper deck. Whenever you feel sick on the boat, go to the deck and focus on the horizon. For travel on smaller boats, keep your focus on the horizon at all times.
Should motion sickness already kick in, avoid and ease the symptoms by refocusing the brain's sense of movement. Reposition yourself so your eyes see what your body experiences. Sit upright and face forward. If you're on a boat or in a car, get fresh air by opening a window or going onto the deck. A fan can help as well.
Like yawning, motion sickness is "contagious." Seeing other people with motion sickness can prompt more exaggerated symptoms. Thus, in the middle of a motion sickness attack, avoid focus on other people altogether.
Whenever possible, cease the motion to re-acclimate your body and mind. While this method will not be possible on a cruise ship or an airplane, you can use it on other vehicles. Get off the train a stop early or make a pit-stop on a road trip to help eliminate symptoms.
