4 Ways to Stay Positive Before Your Surgery
In 1933, in the depths of the Great Depression in the U.S., Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said ‘The only thing to fear is fear itself.’ The sentiment also rings true when it comes to your health, and especially the prospect of having surgery. Idle worrying and stress gets you nowhere, and can actually hinder the body’s healing process, whereas maintaining a positive attitude and staying more relaxed can lead to better outcomes. Cultivating a positive mindset during this time is crucial for your recovery journey.
Negative emotions like stress and frustration can impede your recovery, so it's important to manage them effectively. Directing your emotional energy toward addressing challenges and embracing a new normal can be very beneficial. Additionally, surrounding yourself with positive energy from supportive people and uplifting activities can significantly influence your mindset and motivation. Thankfully, there are some simple ways you can help yourself:
Acknowledge this is a difficult time. Recognize that your upcoming surgery is causing a disruption in your regular day-to-day lifestyle. Your schedule must be changed, there will be everyday things you cannot do for a while, even weeks or months, and you and those around you will need to adapt. Carefully preparing for the time period right after surgery will help your life tremendously.
Make sleep a priority. If you’re tired, everything in life becomes more difficult and overwhelming. Not sleeping enough increases feelings of anxiety and irritability, and you’re more likely to be overwhelmed by the prospect of your surgery. Learn more about the connections between sleep and recovery.
Surround yourself with positive information. Most of us don’t realize we’re constantly bombarded with negative information through news and social media. Consciously surround yourself with positive messages and inspirational stories. Whether you choose to read or listen to podcasts or audiobooks, your mind and body absorb every image and word. Ensure most if not all of the information coming in during the days and weeks prior to surgery is positive and hopeful, rather than those which generate fear and upsetting feelings.
Enjoy the little things. There’s nothing like a major event, including surgery, to shift one’s mindset. Being present and appreciating small everyday events adds to our happiness and sense of well being. Breathe deeply and nourish yourself in the moment. Now is the time! When we live in the moment more fully we experience the positive in our lives.
Having a positive outlook on surgery and life in general can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall experience. Trust in the expertise of your surgical team to ease your mind. Remember, remaining positive before, during, and after the procedure can positively impact your recovery.
IT'S TIME TO FOCUS ON HOW TO HEAL
Ready Set Recover can give you the tools to easily incorporate these positive steps and so many more into your life before and after surgery to help you get better, faster! Learn more about how to best prepare for surgery and steps to have a smooth procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is maintaining a positive attitude important before surgery?
Maintaining a positive attitude can significantly improve your overall experience and recovery. A positive mindset helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can hinder the body's healing process. By staying relaxed and optimistic, you can foster a more conducive environment for recovery.
How can stress and negative emotions affect my recovery?
Negative emotions like stress and frustration can impede your recovery by increasing inflammation and slowing down the healing process. Managing these emotions effectively by focusing on positive aspects and surrounding yourself with supportive people can enhance your recovery journey.
How does sleep impact my recovery from surgery?
Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery as it helps reduce anxiety and improve overall mood. Lack of sleep can increase feelings of stress and overwhelm, making it harder to cope with the prospect of surgery. Prioritizing sleep can lead to a more relaxed and positive mindset.
What types of positive information should I focus on before surgery?
Focus on inspirational stories, positive messages, and uplifting content from books, podcasts, or audiobooks. Ensuring that most of the information you consume is positive and hopeful can help maintain a positive outlook and reduce fear.
How can I incorporate these positive steps into my life before and after surgery?
Ready Set Recover provides tools and resources to help you integrate positive habits into your daily routine. From preparing emotionally for surgery to maintaining a positive mindset during recovery, our platform offers comprehensive support to help you get better, faster.
