How to Find Comfort When Nauseous: Techniques to try

Nausea. That queasy, unsettling feeling in your stomach can range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating. Whether it stems from anxiety, motion sickness, an illness, or another cause, nausea has a way of hijacking your well-being. While medication can be helpful, it’s not always suitable or enough on its own. Fortunately, there are self-soothing techniques that can offer relief and help you navigate those nauseous waves. Here some techniques to try to find comfort when nauseous:

The Importance of Self-Soothing

Relying solely on nausea medication can have drawbacks. Sometimes it might not be readily available, the side effects can be unpleasant, or you might simply want to explore additional tools for managing nausea. That’s where self-soothing techniques come in:

• Empowerment: Learning to manage nausea with natural methods gives you a sense of control, lessening the feelings of helplessness that often accompany this symptom.
• Complements Medication: These techniques work alongside medication, further enhancing your ability to cope.
• Reduced Anxiety: Self-soothing can ease the anxiety surrounding the nausea, preventing an escalation of your discomfort.

Techniques to Try to Find Comfortable When Nauseous

1. Breathe Deeply

Slow, focused diaphragmatic breathing activates your body’s “rest and digest” response. Here’s how:

• Sit or lie down comfortably.
• Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
• Inhale slowly through your nose and feel your belly rise while your chest stays relatively still.
• Exhale gently through pursed lips.
• Repeat for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath.

2. Seek Cool and Fresh Air

Stuffy, overly warm environments can worsen nausea. Try:

• Open a window for fresh air circulation.
• Sit near a fan or use a handheld fan directed at your face.
• Apply a cool, damp washcloth to your forehead or neck.

3. Soothe with Aromatherapy

Certain scents have relaxation and nausea-reducing properties:

• Peppermint: Invigorating and known to ease digestive discomfort. Use a diffuser, smell peppermint essential oil on a tissue, or sip peppermint tea.
• Ginger: A natural anti-nausea remedy. Diffuse ginger essential oil, enjoy a cup of ginger tea, or nibble on crystallized ginger.
• Lavender: Promotes relaxation and can help alleviate anxiety contributing to nausea. Try a lavender-scented lotion or a few drops of the oil on your pillow.

4. Find Acupressure Relief

Stimulating the P6 (Neiguan) acupressure point on your inner wrist is associated with relieving nausea:

• Locate the point by placing three fingers at the base of your wrist, with your ring finger on the wrist crease. The point is under your index finger, between the two tendons.
• Apply gentle, circular pressure for a few minutes. Repeat on the other wrist.

5. The Power of Distraction

Shifting your focus away from the nausea, even temporarily, can make a difference. Try:

• Engage Your Senses: Listen to calming music, look at a visually pleasing image, or savor a piece of hard candy.
• Gentle Movement: If possible, a short, slow walk can sometimes ease nausea.
• Mental Distraction: Do a simple puzzle, watch a lighthearted show, or read an engaging book.

Additional Tips

• Hydration is Key: Take small sips of water or clear fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
• Bland is Best: When nauseous, stick to easily digestible foods like crackers, rice, or broth.
• Listen to Your Body: Rest when needed. Sometimes, lying down quietly in a comfortable position can ease nausea.

Remember, self-soothing takes practice. Not all techniques work for everyone so experiment to find your go-to’s. Even a small reduction in nausea can make a huge difference to your comfort. By expanding your nausea-fighting toolkit, you empower yourself to face those queasy moments with greater ease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional guidance.