Self-Care When Life Gets Hard: What Open-Heart Surgery Taught Me About Recovery and Resilience

Life doesn’t always slow down when we’re facing difficult seasons.

As I write this, I’m preparing for cervical disc replacement surgery at the C5-C7 level. Over the past several years, I’ve dealt with chronic neck pain, stiffness, and symptoms that gradually became impossible to ignore.

Ironically, many of those symptoms began after my emergency open-heart surgery to remove a tumor while living in Germany. During that surgery, I was positioned for 5 plus hours, and both my surgeon and spine specialist believe that prolonged positioning may have contributed to damage and degeneration in my cervical spine.

More recently, I started experiencing tingling in my hands, feet and lower legs, which led to additional testing, an upper EMG, MRIs, and consultations. After exploring conservative treatments, we ultimately decided that cervical disc replacement was the best option to relieve pressure on the nerve while preserving motion in my neck.

Needless to say, preparing for another major surgery has brought up a lot of emotions.

But if open-heart surgery taught me anything, it’s that healing involves more than medical procedures. The habits we practice before and after surgery often have a tremendous impact on how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that self-care isn’t always about spa days or elaborate routines. Sometimes it’s simply drinking enough water, taking a walk, applying sunscreen, getting enough sleep, or putting on a favorite outfit when you don’t particularly feel like it.

These are the simple beauty, wellness, and self-care habits I’m prioritizing during a challenging week—and the products that help me feel a little more like myself when life feels uncertain.

What Open-Heart Surgery Taught Me About Recovery

Several years ago, I underwent emergency open-heart surgery after doctors discovered a rare 5-centimeter benign heart tumor called an atrial myxoma, which you can read more about here. There was no time to prepare. One day I was living life normally, and the next I was being transported by ambulance for emergency surgery. Recovery became my full-time job. That experience taught me that healing isn’t only physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s deeply personal.

The habits that helped me recover then are many of the same habits I’m carrying into this next chapter.

What I’m Taking Into Neck Surgery From My Previous Recovery

After open-heart surgery, I learned that recovery isn’t linear. Some days you feel strong. Some days you don’t. The wellness habits that helped me most included:

• Staying hydrated
• Walking every day
• Prioritizing sleep
• Fueling my body with nutritious foods
• Accepting help from others
• Simplifying my routine
• Focusing on progress instead of perfection
• Having patience

Those same habits are guiding me as I prepare for cervical disc replacement surgery. While I can’t control every aspect of recovery, I can control how I care for myself before and after the procedure.

Prioritizing Sleep Over Productivity

When life gets stressful, sleep is often the first thing many of us sacrifice. I’ve learned the hard way that recovery and healing require rest. Right now, I’m focusing on:

• Going to bed earlier
• Limiting screen time
• Creating a calming evening routine
• Prioritizing rest without guilt

Sleep may not feel productive, but it’s one of the most powerful wellness tools we have.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration sounds simple, but it’s one of the habits that makes the biggest difference in how I feel. When I’m hydrated, I notice:

• More energy
• Better skin
• Improved focus
• Fewer headaches

My large insulated tumbler has become one of my everyday essentials because it encourages me to drink water consistently throughout the day.

Moving My Body in Ways That Feel Good

Before surgery, I’m continuing to move as much as my body comfortably allows. For me, that looks like:

• Walking
• Strength training
• Pilates
• Stretching

Movement improves my mood, reduces stress, and helps me feel stronger both physically and mentally.

Keeping My Skincare Routine Simple

When life feels overwhelming, I simplify. My daily skincare routine includes:

• Gentle cleanser both day and night
• Vitamin C serum in the mornings
• Niacinamide / Alpha arbutin in the evenings
• Moisturizer both day and night
• SPF 50 – during the daytime

I’ve learned that consistency matters far more than complicated routines. You can find a list of my favorite products here.

Beauty Products That Help Me Feel Put Together

Let’s be honest.

There are days when we don’t feel our best. On those days, a few simple products help me feel more confident. My quick routine includes:

• Tinted sunscreen or lightweight foundation
• Lip balm
• Dry shampoo

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s simply feeling like myself. To find these products and more favorites click here.

Getting Dressed Anyway

One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that what I wear affects how I feel. When I’m having a difficult week, it’s tempting to stay in pajamas all day. Instead, I reach for comfortable pieces that still feel put together.

My favorites include:

• Button-front shirts
• Lightweight cardigans
• Athletic dresses
• Comfortable jeans or shorts
• White sneakers

Getting dressed doesn’t solve problems, but it often improves my mindset.

Reading Instead of Doom Scrolling

When life feels uncertain, it’s easy to spend too much time scrolling. Instead, I’ve been reaching for books. Reading helps me:

• Slow down
• Reduce stress
• Learn something new
• Escape into another world

Historical fiction remains one of my favorite genres because it combines learning and storytelling. You can find many of my favorite books in my Reading Room.

Creating a Home That Supports Healing

One thing that I learned after open-heart surgery—and that I’m focusing on again before neck surgery—is creating an environment that supports recovery. Simple things that can make a difficult season feel much more manageable:

• Comfortable bedding
• Cozy blankets
• Soft lighting
• Books nearby
• Water within reach

If you’re preparing for surgery, you may also enjoy: My Neck Surgery Preparation Checklist: What I’m Doing Before Surgery and How I’m Creating a Cozy Recovery Space at Home After Neck Surgery where I share exactly how I’m preparing for recovery.

Final Thoughts

Life isn’t always easy. There are seasons filled with celebrations, travel, and exciting adventures. And then there are seasons that ask us to slow down, heal, and take care of ourselves. As I prepare for neck surgery, I’m focusing on the habits that have served me well before:

• Prioritizing sleep
• Staying hydrated
• Moving my body
• Caring for my skin
• Reading good books
• Accepting help
• Creating a peaceful home environment

None of these habits are complicated. But together, they help me feel stronger, calmer, and more prepared for whatever comes next. Sometimes self-care isn’t about adding more. Sometimes it’s about returning to the basics and remembering that taking care of ourselves is never time wasted.