Blood Test Jitters? Try My Routine!

Living with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) means regular blood tests are just a part of my life. If you have FH or another chronic condition that requires frequent blood work, you probably understand how draining the experience can feel.

Over the years, I’ve had more blood tests than I can count, and I’ve developed a routine that makes the process much easier for me.

My video on blood work anxiety went viral

A couple of years ago, I decided to share my routine on TikTok, and to my surprise, it went viral! The video still gets comments daily, and I’m grateful that people find my tips helpful.

I’ve always been open about my experience with FH on social media because I want others with this condition to know they aren’t alone. Blood tests are an important part of managing FH, as they help me and my healthcare team monitor my cholesterol levels and ensure my treatment plan is working.

While blood work used to make me anxious, these simple steps have made the process far more manageable — and even something I’ve come to accept as part of my journey to better health.

My tips for reducing blood test stress

Two years ago, I posted a TikTok video sharing my personal routine for preparing for blood tests. At first, it was just meant to help others who might feel the same anxiety or frustration that I once did. But the video took off! People started sharing their own tips and commenting on how helpful mine were. It’s been amazing to connect with so many others who deal with the same routine of blood tests and health checkups.

Here are the tips I shared in that viral video. These are my go-to methods for making blood tests a lot less stressful.

1. Hydrating the day before

One of the easiest things I do is hydrate the day before my blood test. It makes a huge difference! Drinking plenty of water helps plump up my veins, making it easier for the phlebotomist to find a good spot to draw blood. I’ve learned that when I’m dehydrated, my veins are harder to find, the blood gets drawn more slowly, and the whole process can take longer. So, I make it a point to drink a lot of water the day before my appointment, and I keep hydrating until it’s time for the test.

2. Pumping up my veins

I like to give my veins a little boost before the test by doing some light exercises. Pumping up my veins with light weights or resistance bands helps get the blood flowing and makes my veins more visible. Even just clenching and unclenching my fists can make a big difference! I try to do this about 30 minutes before the test to make sure everything is ready to go. It’s a simple step, but I’ve found it makes the blood draw easier and faster.

3. Keeping my arms warm

Keeping my arms warm is another trick that helps with blood flow. Cold temperatures can make veins shrink, which makes it harder for the phlebotomist to find a good spot. So, I make sure to wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, and I keep my arms covered until the moment of the test. Sometimes I’ll even bring hand warmers to place over my arms if it’s especially chilly. This small step makes a big difference in how quickly and smoothly the blood draw goes.

4. Distracting myself during the blood draw

Even though I’m used to having blood work done by now, I still don’t like looking at the needle. I’ve found that distracting myself is the best way to get through the process without feeling too anxious. Whether it’s scrolling through my phone, chatting with the phlebotomist, or even counting in my head, I make sure to focus on anything other than the needle. Not watching the process makes it a lot less stressful for me, and before I know it, it’s over!

5. Treating myself afterward

Finally, my favorite part of the blood test routine: the treat afterward! I believe in rewarding myself for getting through something that used to make me anxious. My go-to treat after a blood test is always a bagel and some orange juice. It’s something I look forward to every time, and it makes the whole experience feel a little less medical and a little more manageable. Plus, who doesn’t love a good bagel?

Making blood tests a little easier

These tips may seem simple, but they’ve made a big difference in how I approach blood tests. Sharing my experience on TikTok has been such a rewarding experience, not just because the video went viral, but because it’s connected me with so many others who understand what it’s like to live with FH. Knowing that my tips have helped people feel more prepared and less anxious about their own blood tests is incredibly fulfilling.

If you’re managing a condition like FH that requires regular bloodwork, I hope these tips can help make your experience a little easier. At the end of the day, blood tests are a necessary part of taking care of our health, and finding ways to make them more manageable is key. And, hey, don’t forget to treat yourself afterward — you deserve it!