Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
Keep both feet flat on the floor
Rest your back against a chair
Support your arm at heart level
Avoid talking during the reading
Breathe slowly and deeply
Empty your bladder first
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and exercise for 30 minutes before
Loosen tight clothing
Use the same arm each time
Take the reading in a calm, quiet place
Wait a few minutes and repeat if the reading seems high