Surgery is a stressful event no matter who you are. But we can’t let our fear keep us from getting the important medical attention we need. If you feel like you’re losing your nerve, and need to keep yourself calm try these easy tips to reduce stress before surgery. 

1. Create a “Feel Good” Playlist

Searching for the perfect tunes to help you relax is a great way to keep your mind off an upcoming procedure. Once you’ve created the the ultimate mood-boosting soundtrack, you can turn on those mellow jams whenever you feel the nerves kicking in.

2. Call a Loved One

When your pre-surgery nerves start to feel overwhelming, it can be a great idea to call up a loved one to talk it out. You’ll be able to vent out all of those pent-up feelings & they’ll be able to offer you an objective perspective. Most importantly, they’ll validate your emotions & remind you that everything will be okay.

3. Read a Beloved Book

There’s no better way to give your mind an escape than to get lost in a good book. If your pre-op jitters become too much, grab a novel & allow yourself to get caught up in the storyline.

4. Draw a Warm Bath

Self-care is a great way to reduce feelings of anxiety, & there’s no better way to practice self-care than with a warm bath. Light some candles, dim the lights and allow yourself to completely unwind while you enjoy some TLC.

5. Get Fresh Air and Sunshine

Getting outside into the sunshine & fresh air is a surefire way to lift your spirits if you are currently feeling dragged down by pre-surgery stress. Sometimes the best way to get out of our heads is to get outside, so go for a walk or simply pull up a chair in the open air & soak in that feel-good sunshine.

Check out the rest of MendWell for more great presurgery tips!