Surgery can be stressful.
Healing shouldn’t be.
We want to help you heal better.
You have control over your healing
When you’re preparing for or recovering from a surgery, it can feel like a lot of things are out of your control.
But decades of research show that your choices play a major role in how well and how quickly you heal. We’re here to give you the tools and support you need to take control of your recovery and heal better.
Focus on these
four essentials for healthy healing.
Healing is about more than just how easy your surgery was or the wound care steps you left the hospital with. It’s about how you care for your body before and after.
Four everyday essentials play a powerful role in helping you heal better: nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. Small, manageable changes in each of these areas can support your body’s natural healing process, reduce complications, and help you feel stronger as you recover.
Explore each of the essentials and other lifestyle changes that can improve your healing.
Focus on protein
Make sure to add lots of protein-rich foods to your diet such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beans.
Get enough vitamin C
Boost your immune system, reduce the chance of infection, and help build collagen with foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water helps your body replace fluid losses, bounce back after surgery and prevents complications.
Manage blood sugar
Keep your blood sugar “in range” to help you feel better, have more energy, and even prevent infection.
Aerobic Activity
Add 10-20 minutes per day of moderate aerobic activity into your routine, like taking a walk after meals.
Strength Training
Just 10 minutes, 2 days a week of gentle strength exercises can have a big impact on how you heal.
Deep Breaths
Practice breathing exercises that help strengthen lungs and increase oxygen.
Start Walking
If your care team says it's ok, walk the night before and as soon after your surgery as possible.
Listen to Music
Listening to music you like during your recovery can ease anxiety and even reduce pain.
Take a Nature Break
Being out in nature can lower stress and boost your immune system.
Journal
Write down your experiences and feelings about your surgery to help you process stress or negative emotions.
Connect with Loved Ones
Reach out to your social network for support.
Get enough sleep
Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
Improve sleep hygiene
Keep a consistent schedule, remove screens, and keep your room cool and dark.
Prepare your space
Make sure your bedroom is set up to help you sleep while you are recovering.
Pack a "Sleep Kit"
Pack what you need to get rest while in the hospital.
Quit using Tobacco
One of the most powerful tools you have to improve your healing is quitting tobacco. Click to find resources and support to help you quit.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking alcohol slows your healing and puts you at risk for complications. Click to learn more about how even a few weeks of not drinking can improve your surgical healing.
Heal Better Handout
This print-ready handout covers the 4 essentials of healthy healing with helpful tips and recommendations. It includes a Heal Better planning page with prompts and spaces for key information that will help set you up for a smooth recovery.
Partner on Heal Better, Feel Better
If you are interested in helping to ensure all patients get the information and support they need to heal better, reach out!
CREATED BY HBOM
Healthy Behavior Optimization for Michigan is transforming healthcare through design. Learn more at HBOMich.org.
HEAL BETTER
FEEL BETTER