What can I do to support healing and recovery after surgery?

Recovery is not passive. Your body is doing profound work, and your job is to create the conditions for that work to happen. First: rest is not laziness. It's active. When you sleep, your body rebuilds. When you're still, your nervous system resets. Don't rush this phase. The itch to "get back to normal" is natural, but normal will still be there. Movement matters, but gently. Start with what your surgeon clears. I've seen people heal faster when they practice gentle, conscious movement—walking slowly, noticing sensation, not pushing through pain but moving within ease. Your body will tell you when it's ready for more. Touching the scar—when it's safe—reconnects you to the area that was wounded. Not obsessively, but with kindness. Your hand communicates to your body: "I'm still here with you. This is still part of you." Breathe into the areas that feel tight or uncomfortable. Breath carries attention and resources. Eat food that feels nourishing, not just "healthy." Sleep when you're tired without guilt. Ask for help without performing gratitude. The timeline varies. Some days you'll feel strong; others you'll need rest again. This is normal, not failure. Your body is remembering wholeness. Stay patient with the pace of healing.