Self-Care Suggestions

In addition to your physical wellness, there are many other ways to keep yourself healthy and motivated throughout your surgery journey. Consider some of the suggestions below as you prepare for surgery. You might find these strategies to be ones you adopt for life!

Physical Wellness

  • Eat healthy meals for energy and nutrition during recovery.
  • Do light activity when it feels comfortable for you.
  • Pamper yourself—sit in the sunshine or enjoy a facemask.

 

Emotional Wellness

  • Sit back and listen to music that you enjoy.
  • Share any anxieties or concerns with someone you confide in.
  • Try to get 8 hours of sleep or consider naps during the day so you have enough rest to heal.
  • Laugh—watch a movie, talk with a friend, or read something comedic.

 

Environmental Wellness

  • Explore ways to volunteer in your community when you are back to using your joint day-to-day.
  • Declutter your home in advance of your surgery.
  • Decorate your recovery area at home with things you enjoy.
  • Consider aromatherapy in your home as a calming agent.

 

Social Wellness

  • Stay connected to people who care about you. A simple phone call, text, or short visit could keep your spirits up during recovery.
  • Ask for advice or guidance from someone you trust.
  • Discuss your thoughts with someone else who has had a total joint surgery.
  • Communicate with your community about when you need rest.
  • Play a game! If you have company, a light game could be a great distraction.

 

Intellectual Wellness

  • Stay curious and engaged in learning new things while you prepare for surgery and recover.
  • Watch a documentary.
  • Read a new book (or an old one).
  • Discuss an interesting topic with your caregiver.

 

Spiritual

  • Try meditating for a few minutes each day to relax your mind.
  • Practice deep breathing at scheduled times during the day to maintain a sense of calm.
  • Pray or read a book.