Sometimes, we are so busy with our daily lives and work duties that we tend to not take the best care of ourselves. However, there are some moments in life when it is essential to shift the focus back on what we need to do to look after our physical wellbeing, mental health, safety, and balance. The recovery period after surgery is exactly one of those moments!
Estimations tell us that over 48 million major surgeries are performed each year – and the number is much greater when looking at minor and minimally-invasive procedures!
No matter the extent of your surgery, it can have a drastic impact on your life, health, and mental balance. That is why taking care of yourself during this delicate time is essential – start with the tips below!
Get Plenty of Sleep and Rest
Nothing is as effective to speed up recovery as sleep and rest. In fact, when we are asleep, there are some biological processes that promote healing and recovery. For example, as we sleep, the demand on the heart is reduced. As the blood pressure drops, the heart gets given a break. In turn, this can relieve inflammation (one of the main obstacles to healing) and boost your mood.
Ease Back Into Activity
After surgery, you can’t expect to dive back into your life as it was before the operation and not notice a difference! While you might feel restless and ready to go back to work, join a new gym, and meet your friends for a night out, your body might want different things. While recovery periods vary from person to person, it is essential that you listen to your body’s demands!
Be Patient With Yourself
As we have mentioned, the recovery period and downtime can vary depending on many factors, including your health condition, personality, surgery extent, and how well the intervention was performed. Regardless of your expectations, your body might take a longer or shorter period of time to recover. It is essential to avoid stress and frustration, which can make recovery longer and inflammation worse!
Your Diet Can Make a Difference!
Your diet can be your best ally or greatest enemy during the recovery period. Failing to review your nutritional regime might mean that you won’t get enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your health and recovery. Make sure to speak to a dietician to understand what to eat to facilitate your recovery. Here’s a hint: you will need plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes in your fridge!
Find Medical Support
A surgery recovery process is something that most people go through once or twice during their entire lifetimes. So, even if you feel like you are fully prepared for this experience, there might still be questions and doubts swirling around your head.
Whether you want to know more about timeframes, to learn about checkups, and to find the best wound care supplies, it is essential that you can contact a doctor you can trust throughout the recovery period. While this might not be the surgeon, check the area for a physician who can be by your side throughout this experience.
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