Imagine going to an interview for a job you’ve always wanted! Amazing, right? Not when you’re battling with nausea and vomiting! And having to take two taxis and still walk to your destination just makes it worse.

When this happened to me, I didn’t know if I was coming or going. My mouth tasted bitter, everything disgusted me, and I was dizzy. I did make it to the interview but before I could introduce myself, I had to rush out to the bathroom with my hand covering my mouth as I was about to vomit.

By the time I came back into the interview room, it was someone else’s turn and I just had to accept that it was over for me since “there was nothing they could do”.

Nausea is that uncomfortable, uneasy feeling you get in your stomach that makes you feel like you’re going to vomit. In most cases, it is triggered by a digestive condition, pregnancy, or even an unpleasant odour. There are also medications with side effects that cause nausea.

Ways of avoiding nausea

• Try to drink clear or ice-cold drinks.
• Eating bland and light foods.
• Don’t eat fried, greasy, or spicy food.
• Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoid activities after eating.
• Do not mix hot and cold foods.

How to get rid of nausea at home.

• Eat ginger or lemon (even just sniffing these helps).
• Control your breathing (taking slow, deep breaths).
• Relax your muscles.
• Exercise (aerobics and yoga helps).
• Apply a cool compress on the back of your neck.
• Drink chamomile tea or anything with peppermint.
• Take over-the-counter medication.

Nobody wants to have anything ruining their day. Leading a healthy lifestyle helps keep away illnesses that can be avoided. I was so sad about what had happened the day of my interview, I needed to find out what was the cause of the nausea. I went to the clinic the following day. After several tests, they found no irregularities in my system. I must just have been too anxious about the interview and made myself sick.

Life doesn’t have to stop because of nausea. You shouldn’t have to miss out on good opportunities all because your stomach was acting funny. Hopefully these tips will help you the next time you feel sick. Do understand that the amount of time before you get better varies depending on the cause and the individual’s digestive system. If your symptoms go on for too long, consult your doctor and get to the bottom of it.

Tell us: Have you ever felt nauseous? What was the cause and what did you do to relieve the symptoms?