Bounce Back Stronger: 10 Ways to Take Control of Your Recovery
Six weeks ago I had a surgery that handed my beautifully busy life an unexpected pause button. Focusing on healing became my full time job. Accepting this self care prescription was not just for me, but for those who rely on me. For my family, my coworkers, my clients, and even my dog…
They all deserve the strongest version of me. I deserve the strongest version of me.
At first, I could have looked at this recovery time as an inconvenience. But instead, I decided to see it as a rare opportunity to slow down, listen to my body, and be intentional about my healing.
My medical team advised that I allow 4-6 weeks for my initial recovery. I was told that, although every patient is different, I should feel close to 100% around 12 weeks post surgery.
I’m sharing what I’ve learned over these first weeks both as a reminder to myself and as an invitation for you to share what action items have helped you to take control of your healing. Please let me know your tips!
I’m NOT a medical professional. I’m just someone navigating her own recovery and eager to take an active role in it. If you’d like to follow along as I dive deeper into each of these healing tips, you can subscribe to The Positivity Jar newsletter or find me on social media.
I was fortunate to have a few weeks to prepare before my surgery. I had time to organize my house, delegate work, arrange my children’s schedules, and mentally process what was ahead. I know not everyone gets the gift of preparation. For those facing an emergency or a difficult diagnosis, the overwhelm may be different. Still, I hope that some of the reminders and routines that are helping me might also help you feel more in control and closer to whole again.
Here are 10 actions that are keeping me steady and optimistic right now:
Be patient with yourself. Healing has its own timeline. Follow your care team’s guidance, take it one day at a time, and resist the urge to rush back into your old pace.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is always essential, but even more so when your body is working overtime to repair itself.
Nourish your body. Choose foods rich in vitamins and nutrients to give your body the building blocks it needs.
Prioritize sleep. This is when your body does its deepest repair work—let it happen.
Look good, feel good. A shower, brushed hair, clean clothes—it’s amazing how these small acts can lift your mindset.
Start your day with purpose. A simple morning routine creates structure and motivation.
Take quiet moments. Even 15 minutes to journal, meditate, read, or just sit in stillness can be grounding.
Move your body. Start small—gentle stretches or short walks—and build up only when you’re ready and medically cleared to do so.
Get outside. Fresh air and sunshine can lower stress, lift your mood, and even boost your immune system.
Set a realistic goal. Write it down, break it into weekly steps, and track your progress.
For me, that goal is completing a 5K for my birthday, which is three months from now. My family is joining me, so it’s a shared adventure. I’m not aiming for a record, just the satisfaction of crossing the finish line.
A few weeks back, I started with short, slow walks with my family. As I got stronger, we walked farther. The other day, my daughter and I tried a light 1.25-mile jog just to see how it felt. Now, I’ve mapped out a realistic training plan on my calendar, and each small win will be celebrated.
So, what about you? Where do you want to be three months from now? How do you want to feel? Write it down, make a plan, and tell someone who will cheer you on. Healing might not always be easy, but it can be purposeful when we approach it with intention.
Life is hard sometimes… we can either give up, or accept each challenge as an opportunity to become stronger.