Did you know that 30-40% of adults suffer from preoperative stress? A month ago, I underwent laparoscopic & hysteroscopy surgery. This was my first ever major surgery, and I faced preoperative stress firsthand. As a Wellness Coach who specialises in stress management, I took this experience as a time of learning & trying out different techniques to help me conquer and better manage my stress. Below I will cover six tips that I used and found effective in minimizing my preoperative stress. I encourage you to pick and try a few techniques for yourself and let me know which ones worked best for you.
1) Know the benefits and risks
If you are like me and love knowledge, you will have undoubtedly Googled every detail of your procedure and the risks involved. I believe it is essential to know your risks, but you should also have a strong understanding of the benefits of your procedure. Some of the time, the pros can outweigh the cons. Try to find yourself at least 3 top benefits of your procedure and focus on those going into your surgery.
2) Talk to your surgeon
Talking to an expert can alleviate most of the preoperative stress. Gathering a list of questions and asking them is an excellent start. Your surgeon wants the best outcome for you, and by building that trust and understanding it can help give you the confidence and courage you need for your surgery.
3) Plan & prepare for your recovery
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, planning & preparing for your recovery is a great way to stay focused and detour your mind from the preoperative stress. I focused on how I would spend my time during my two-week recovery. I downloaded movies & shows I wanted to watch, splurged on new bedding, and stocked up on all the supplies I needed. I also wrote down a simple routine to follow, such as showering daily and drinking 2L of water. You will thank yourself for being prepared, which will make your recovery much smoother.
4) Journal your thoughts
Journaling is a great way to manage stress. Sometimes our brains need an outlet to stop thoughts from playing over & over like a broken record in our heads. Once you write it down, that thought can be laid to rest on paper, allowing you to move forward. A tip when journaling, write down at least three things you are grateful for and what you look forward to most after your recovery.
5) Talk to loved ones & friends
I may say this constantly in many of my blog posts but having trusted people around you to share your worries & fears with is important in times of stress. When we bottle things up, it only makes it that much worse. So, I encourage you to never be afraid to speak up.
6) Enjoy upbeat music on your way to the hospital
I did this on the way to my surgery, making me feel confident, ready, and excited to get it over and done with. Remember, only play upbeat, feel-good songs. It makes the car ride to the hospital much more enjoyable.
Conclusion
I used all the tips listed above and found them effective in managing my stress leading up to my surgery. Will you use any of these tips prior to your own surgery?
If you have an upcoming surgery or know a loved one who is about to have surgery, please share this blog post with them, and let’s conquer that preoperative stress.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Continued Wellness.
