There are 10 simple things you can do to prevent or slow the onset of seasickness:
Avoid caffeine for at least 24 hours before getting on the boat and once on the boat. If it’s likely you’ll suffer from a headache due to lack of caffeine stop drinking it for longer so that you’re not on the boat already feeling unwell.
It’s important your stomach has something to work so, so plan to eat a light meal about an hour before the boat leaves dock. Greasy, heavy and acidic foods must be steered clear of, and don’t forget dressings on salads often contain vinegar. Fruit juices are acidic so it’s best to stick to plain water. For breakfast avoid the traditional cooked breakfast in favour of cereals and porridge or poached, boiled or scrambled eggs. Food containing ginger is good at combating sea sickness.
Having alcohol or the effects of it in your system whilst on the boat really won’t help so refrain from drinking it the night before boarding and when underway. Wait until you get you "sea legs" if you are on a cruise before trying alcoholic, caffeinated or acidic drinks.
Being anxious and tired won’t make you feel good so try to have a good night’s sleep before joining the boat. If you can board at the boat looking forward to the journey and feeling relaxed you will have a better trip.
Outside of the boat is usually the best place to be, but wherever you are make sure you have sufficient fresh air, not in direct sunlight and not too hot or cold. Continue to take sips of water frequently and prevent hunger by eating light snacks on long trips. If you are on a cruise, eat light meals until you are sure there won’t be an adverse reaction.
Hypnotism, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) have all helped people with sea sickness, both before boarding and when on the boat. plenty of information is available freely on the Internet so you can research these techniques to see if they are suitable for you.
Fumes from diesel and exhausts accelerate sea sick feelings so keep well away from them. On smaller boats try not let the engine run when it’s not necessary, especially when moored as exhaust fumes can blow into the boat.
Sea sickness can come on quickly if you are down below or searching through lockers as often happens when sailing or going on a fishing trip. To reduce the time you spend doing this to an absolute minimum, do as much preparation on shore as you can. Boats being loaded with equipment or people have a tendency to rock from side to side and if you’re on the boat and not able to anticipate the movement this could bring on sea sickness before you’ve left port. Keep going below when underway to an absolute minimum and if possible ask someone else to go.
Running with the wind behind you in a sailing boat can cause the boat to roll from side to side, which is a sure way to induce a seasick feeling. If possible try a broad reach, which will extend your journey time but will be more comfortable.
Reading or the use of binoculars or cameras hinders the anticipation of boat movement so don’t do it for long. Keep the horizon in sight, but avoid staring at it or other items that would normally be fixed, for example seats, tables and walls.
Nigel West has long suffered from various forms of motion sickness, often because he didn’t follow the advice above. Having had children that suffered the same messy problem he bought a vast quantity of sick bags and decided to offer them to other motion sickness sufferers and their parents in convenient sized packs under the name of Chuckie Bags.
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