You've got a great plan with making sure you're fuelled and hydrated well when you go in. And, yes, looking away is a must.

One more thing - the fact that you're anxious about it, might actually make it easier for you. Yes, easier. The nature of your anxiety will probably mean a bit of an elevated heartrate, which means you'll pump the blood a bit faster than someone who is completely relaxes. A little faster means you'll be done sooner. That's a good thing!

Thank you for being a donor. And thank you for pushing through your fears, something we should all do as often as possible.

Not sure how much this would help - when my dog gives blood they give her a shot of a B vitamin - I think B12. That and rehydration really speeds up her recovery time. It might make sense maybe to take an extra B vitamin that day?

Sending butterflies for your blood donation tomorrow.

Hugs, too,
~T~