The NHS describes mindfulness as being aware of what’s happening inside and outside of you, moment by moment. While they don’t directly talk about surgery, it’s clear that feeling anxious about an operation is pretty normal. You’re not alone if the thought of surgery feels like a big deal. And that’s where mindfulness can step in — not just for managing everyday stresses but for helping you through your surgery journey.
I’ve had two surgeries in my life, one before I even knew what mindfulness was, and one after I’d been practicing mindfulness for several years. The difference was significant to say the least. Using mindfulness techniques as a way to calm my overactive worrying mind and to ease my tense body before the operation made the biggest difference to that moment but also the outcome. Because I was less tense, my body had a less severe reaction to the anaesthetic so I had less bruising and pain. And when I was in recovery, I knew to trust my body to heal in the way it knew how. Mindfulness supported me through each step so I wanted to share this article with you so you have more information about what can help you through this potentially stressful event.
Why Surgery Can Make You Anxious
Undergoing surgery can stir up a lot of feelings, especially anxiety, both before and after the operation. It’s natural to feel this way, especially when facing the unknown or dealing with the aftermath, including any complications. However, there’s good news: managing your mindset makes a difference, not just in how you feel but in your recovery too. Mindfulness can play a big role here, reducing anxiety and even the need for painkillers after surgery.
How Mindfulness Helps Before and After Surgery
Before surgery, practicing mindfulness is very effective at lowering your stress levels, meaning you might need less medication to manage pain and anxiety. Studies have shown that patients who used mindfulness techniques reported less pain and a lower need for opioids, which are strong painkillers that can have side effects. Plus, being less anxious can also mean a smoother operation and recovery. For example, less anxiety can lead to more stable heart rates and blood pressure during surgery.
Mindfulness Isn’t Just for Your Mind
It can do more than just help with anxiety and pain. It can also lower the risk of complications like infections after surgery. By managing anxiety with mindfulness patients have shown better outcomes. But mindfulness offers a drug-free way to achieve these benefits, without the side effects that medications might bring.
Mindfulness After Surgery
Even after surgery, mindfulness is a great tool. It’s been used to help improve sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in patients recovering from operations like breast cancer surgery. These benefits are not just about feeling better mentally; they can also help with physical recovery.
Getting to Know Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness involves techniques like meditation, which helps you focus and reset, and breathing exercises, which calms your nervous system. It’s about being aware, accepting what is, and finding balance. Practicing mindfulness means learning to respond to stress in a healthy way, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
Bringing Mindfulness into Your Surgery Experience
Mindfulness can be learned in different ways, including in-person sessions or online. Starting early, especially before elective surgery, can give you time to practice and get comfortable with the techniques. And it’s not just for patients—family members who are supporting you might also find mindfulness helpful.
As you prepare for surgery, remember that mindfulness is like a friend that can help you navigate the experience with less anxiety and pain. It’s a tool that complements medical care, offering a drug-free way to improve your wellbeing. While it’s not a cure all, mindfulness can make a big difference in how you approach and recover from surgery, making your journey a bit smoother and more comfortable.
To find out more about Kate’s work as a certified mindfulness teacher and accredited coach, visit https://www.onlinemindfulnesscoach.com.