7 tips to stop seasickness

A day spent out on the water on a boat is the ultimate luxury. However, seasickness casts a dark cloud across an outing when it strikes. A more common ailment than you might believe, don't let it stop you, or someone you know, from enjoying time out on the boat.

Here's what you need to know about how to stop seasickness in its tracks.

Before heading out on the boat:

Preventative measures can help you stop seasickness before it even has a chance to rear its head.

1. Monitor what you eat and drink

What's in your stomach can play a large part in how you feel when there's a rolling deck beneath your feet. Instead of feeling lulled into a blissful state, you might find your insides beginning to churn.

Be careful with what you eat and drink, before and during your time out on the boat. Avoid things such as:

• Heavy foods that will make you feel too full.
• Anything with strong odors that might unsettle you.
• Spicy or fat-rich food.
• Excessive alcohol, especially the night before.
• Smoking.

Don't miss out on a family day on the boat. Use these remedies to prevent seasickness striking.

2. Take anti-motion sickness medication

There are many great options out there when it comes to motion-sickness medication. While this is more of an extreme option, for those that need it, medication can provide relief against seasickness and allow an enjoyable day out on the water fishing.

Talk to a pharmacist to discover what choices are available for you, and which suits your needs best.

3. Guard yourself with ginger

Interestingly, a dose of ginger might just provide you with the defence you need against seasickness. It's an ancient herb that's been used throughout history for a range of treatments, but its abilities in dealing with seasickness is what makes it so handy for those prone to the. In fact, a scientific article published online in the Integrative Medicine Insights Journal calls it an effective and inexpensive method for treating nausea and vomiting.

Out on the boat:

Even once you've left land, you're not without ways to settle any queasiness that threatens to spoil your day.

4. Enjoy the fresh air

One of the major draws of a day spent out boating is getting to enjoy the fresh air, and, if you're out at sea, the tang of salt in the breeze. So it's an additional benefit that this is also a great way to stave off any signs of seasickness.

With some boats, such as those in the Glastron range, this shouldn't be a problem given the open design that you'll get to enjoy. For others though, make sure you're positioned so that you can feel the breeze on your face and make the most of the fresh air.

Fresh air helps prevent motion sickness from taking hold.

 5. Take in the horizon

Seasickness is a symptom of the body's balance system struggling to adapt to the unfamiliar motion of a boat on the waves. The rocking, swaying movement beneath your feet can cause a mix up of sensory signals within your brain, causing headaches, cold sweats and nausea.

This is why methods that help you to orient yourself and find your footing are great for preventing motion sickness. Looking to the horizon, especially a fixed, still point on it, is one of the best options for this. Pointing yourself in the same direction as the boat is moving will also help.

It's important to note here that certain activities minimise your mind's ability to sort out the sensory signals it's dealing with. For example, reading, looking at your phone, or staring through binoculars all make it harder for your body's balance system to stabilise itself.

6. Head to the lower decks

If seasickness is caused by an overload of motion inputs, then minimising the movements your feeling is an obvious way of preventing it. Head to the centre of the boat, and if there's more than one level, the lowest one you can get to. The central low point will experience the least movement, helping you avoid any onset of seasickness.

7. Stay hydrated

Along with a good night's sleep, staying hydrated is an important factor for staving off motion sickness. Take regular sips of water and avoid long periods of direct sunlight.

Dehydration can bring on or aggravate symptoms of seasickness. However, while keeping your liquid levels up make sure you don't upset your stomach by drinking too much all at once.

Don't let the risk of seasickness get in the way of a great day out on the water, either fishing with friends or having a family day. Stack the odds in your favour and make sure you and everyone else enjoys themselves!