Staying Calm Before & During Your Body Piercing

 Excitement, anxiety, or apprehension. Whatever the cause, it’s easy to get worked up before a piercing - especially your first piercing. So it’s common to have your nerves a little on edge.

Still, as easy as it is to work yourself up before a body piercing, it’s important to do your best to stay calm and relax.

Why It’s Important To Stay Calm During Piercings

Fear of needles is common. Doctors and nurses tell stories of people who get so anxious before a needle that they faint. The building anxiety and sudden blood pressure drop can cause nausea or fainting. It’s rare, but the same can happen with piercings.

Even though fainting is rare, the anxiety can have other effects. The change in blood pressure can result in excessive bleeding. If an anxious client reacts physically (ie. pulling away) it can cause piercing mistakes.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to help reduce your anxiety before, and during a body piercing. We lay out a few tips and exercises anyone can use.

Calming Tips & Exercises

Meditation

Years ago, meditation seemed like an almost mythical practice. It conjured images of monks taking years to achieve enlightenment. Today, meditation is seen in a much more accessible light.

While the more you practice the more benefits you receive, even a first-timer can benefit. Reducing stress and controlling anxiety are the easiest learned benefits of meditation. And they’re ideal for calming yourself before a piercing.

There are plenty of free meditation apps you can use to help you relax anywhere. Connect your headphones, close your eyes and use meditation to calm yourself before your next body piercing.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are another easy way to calm your nerves. If you’ve tried yoga you’re likely familiar with this practice. Yogic breathing offers a variety of techniques for relaxation. Here is a simple calming breathing exercise anyone can learn:

1. Stand or sit up straight.
2. Breathe in slowly through your nose, breathing deep into your lungs and filling them.
3. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
4. Exhale for a count of 8. Breathing out slowly through your mouth emptying your lungs while relaxing your face, shoulders, and chest.

Repeat this technique 8-12 times, focusing solely on your breathing. Pay attention to how the breathing affects your body. You can leave your eyes open or closed.

Preparing Aftercare in Advance

One of the best ways to mentally prepare yourself is to physically take action. You can take control and put yourself at ease by getting all your needs ready in advance.

Shop for your piercing aftercare products and needs and have them ready at home before going to the piercing shop.

Hydrate

Adult bodies are between 55-60% water, yet we tend to underestimate the impact of getting enough water. Drinking water is naturally soothing, helping to reduce the intensity of anxiety.

During periods of anxiety your body consumes more resources, so increasing your hydration helps to calm your body during stress. Make sure you drink enough water, and bring a water bottle to your piercing shop.

Stretch

Pre-piercing stress or anxiety affects your body, restricting blood flow and causing muscle tension. Taking a moment to stretch out your body can release tension and allow you to physically relax.

By removing the physical symptoms of piercing anxiety you can reduce your stress overall.

Avoid Caffeine/Stimulants

Most of us can’t get our day started without a cup of joe. While it’s a good way to kick off your day, it’s a bad idea for those with a case of pre-piercing jitters.

Caffeine and other stimulants are best avoided if you’re nervous or anxious. Stimulants increase your stress hormones amplifying anxiety. Drinking coffee doubles the cortisol (stress hormone) and epinephrine levels in your blood.

A cup of coffee is a comfort drink, but when your stress level is already elevated it’s best avoided. Instead, consider a caffeine-free tea for relaxation or a hot chocolate for comfort.

Find A Professional Piercing Shop Near You

One of the most effective ways to reduce piercing anxiety (as well as improving safety and quality) is to find the professional piercing shop near you. There is a big comfort in knowing that you’re trusting your body to experts. 

At Pierced, safety and sanitation are our top priority. Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit our Newmarket location and get Pierced today.