Mudik or annual mass homebound exodus is a tradition that is often carried out by the Muslim population in Indonesia ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Preparation before mudik is very important to ensure safety and comfort during the trip, including modes of transportation, travel routes, supplies, security of the goods carried, health conditions, sufficient rest, vehicle maintenance, weather information, and communication tools during the trip.
For those of you who experience motion sickness, health conditions and other preparations must really be considered. Travel sickness can appear while traveling, be it land, air or sea travel. This occurs when the brain is unable to understand the information sent from the eyes, ears, and body. So that we will feel nauseous, vomiting, stomach ache to feel dizzy.
In order to have comfortable mudik and not hampered by nausea, here are 7 effective tips for dealing with motion sickness when mudik :
1. Set Sitting Position
Setting a comfortable sitting position while driving can help reduce the risk of motion sickness. A comfortable sitting position can be by sitting near the window and sitting facing the front to help maintain visual balance. Also make sure the sitting position is not too inclined or too upright and also adjust the position of the back and head backup, so that it can provide sufficient support. Using a neck pillow can also help maintain posture.
2. Avoid Reading Books or Playing on Cellphones
It is important to avoid activities that can disrupt visual balance while traveling, especially when using modes of transportation that generate shocks such as cars, buses or trains. Reading a book or playing on a cell phone while traveling can disturb the balance between the ears and eyes. When the eyes focus on one point, such as reading or staring at a cellphone screen, while the body feels shocks or changes in position during travel, it can affect balance and cause nausea or dizziness.
3. Try Ginger, Peppermint or Lemon
Ginger, peppermint, and lemon have been known as natural ingredients that can help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. The aroma of these three ingredients is also soothing, so it can make the body more relaxed. You can consume it in the form of candy, tea, or steeped water. Chewing gum can also relieve nausea because our focus becomes distracted while chewing gum.
4. A Breath of Fresh Air
When going home by car, opening the car windows or adjusting the air vents facing our face can help air circulate in the car and provide fresh air to breathe. Fresh air can help reduce odors and humidity in the car, which can be a factor in nausea while traveling. However, keep in mind that the weather conditions and the environment while traveling also need attention. In addition, make sure to avoid cigarette smoke or odors that can exacerbate nausea symptoms while traveling.
5. Distract with Music
Music can help reduce anxiety, calm the mind, and distract from motion sickness symptoms. Turning on the radio or playing our favorite music while traveling can help create a more comfortable atmosphere in the car. We can also choose the type of music that is relaxing or comforting, according to our preferences. Apart from listening to music, we can also sing or chat with other people.
6. Sleep or rest for a while
If we start to feel nauseous or dizzy, we can try to rest for a while. Take slow, deep breaths and try to close the eyes to relax the mind and body. It is best to rest at a rest area or stop when we feel tired. Use that time to walk around the rest area, do light stretching, or even take a short nap if possible. Walking and stretching can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can relieve aches and increase comfort during travel.
7. Take Antihistamines
Some over-the-counter antihistamines can be used to treat motion sickness because their side effects can make ones who take them drowsy. Antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (eg Dramamine) or meclizine (eg Bonine) can help relieve motion sickness symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. However, using antihistamines to treat motion sickness should be done with caution, and should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
Have you prepared everything for mudik arounf the time of Lebaran? What do you usually do when you feel motion sickness? Share what you think in the comment section below.
