When it comes to getting pierced, one of the things people worry about most is how much the piercing is going to hurt when the big moment comes. It’s no secret that pain is subjective and different for everyone, but that doesn’t make it any easier if you’ve never had a piercing before or if you’ve gotten piercings and they’ve hurt.
If you’re thinking about getting a piercing but are worried that the pain might be too much, then keep reading for a few simple ways to minimize your anxiety and maybe even the pain of your piercing.
Breathing and Meditation to Calm Your Fears
If you’ve never used breathing techniques to calm down or tried meditation you may be surprised how much this method can help with anxiety and pain. Something as simple as focusing quietly and calmly on your breath can help to reduce the jittery, nervous feeling that can make a piercing worse.
If you have a piercing appointment coming up and you are anxious about the pain level, try practicing a simple meditation beforehand to reduce pre-piercing anxiety. Then, when it’s time for the piercing, you’ll be ready to try techniques that help to reduce the amount of pain you feel.
- Sit or lay in a comfortable position that works for your piercer
- Breathe in and out slowly while focusing on your breath. It may help to think the words “breathe in,” and “breathe out” as you breathe so that you aren’t distracted by other thoughts
- Listen to a calming playlist or soothing sounds to help you relax
- Close your eyes to eliminate distractions (don’t look at the needle!)
If you’re experienced with meditation, you may have your own method, and this will be easier but if you haven’t don’t worry. Even if you have never meditated or used controlled breathing to relax, it will help to calm your last-minute jitters and may reduce the pain.
Choose a Reputable Piercer
This might seem like a given, but the fact is that a reputable piercer is less likely to do something that will cause additional pain on top of the normal pain of your piercing. They have experience preparing people for their piercing and will talk you through the steps, so you know what to expect.
Besides that, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that you did your research and that you’re in good hands as you sit to get pierced. I won’t lie, your piercing will probably still hurt a little, but it will be over before you know it and that moment of pain will be minimal because you went to a skilled, practiced piercer.
Bring a Buddy for Distraction
If worrying about the pain of your next piercing is causing you anxiety, a great thing to do is to bring a friend to help you get through it. It’s important to call your piercer and make sure that this is allowed because many shops have had to change their policies due to the pandemic.
If your piercer is on board, bring a friend who can distract you without getting in the way. It’s helpful for them to be there but remember that this is about you! Before you know it, your piercing will be done and then you can celebrate together!
Think About the Jewelry
A great way to distract yourself from the pain of your piercing is to daydream about the cool body jewelry you’ll get to wear when your piercing is healed. While you’re waiting to get pierced, browse the jewelry in the shop, or even check out Bodycandy on your phone. Then, when it’s time to get pierced you can focus on how great it’s going to look when you’re done.
Before you know it, the piercing will be done, and you’ll be on your way to the look you’ve been dreaming of!
After Your Piercing
You did it! You made it through the pain and anxiety of getting your piercing and now it’s time to reward yourself. Grab a favorite snack like ice cream (be careful if you got an oral piercing, you may have to wait until it’s had time to heal) or your favorite coffee. Do a little comfort shopping for shoes or a cute new outfit, or even go online and buy new jewelry to wear from Bodycandy so you’re ready when your piercing is healed!
Whatever you decide, you get to do it knowing that you made it through the pain of your piercing! You were brave and now you have a cool new piercing to show for it. Plus, you’ll be more confident in the future when you decide to get pierced again. You rock!
