Bariatric surgery is an amazing tool that is very helpful with weight loss, especially after years of yo-yo dieting and struggling to lose weight on your own.

One topic that isn’t focused on enough includes how to manage your stress and practice self care after your surgery. Emotional health, including managing your stress levels, is another important aspect of your health that shouldn’t be overlooked.

When we are stressed, or life becomes very overwhelming, it can feel near impossible to stay on track with living a healthier lifestyle. It is in these moments that focusing on yourself and your health are even more important. 

Below are a few tips to help you take a moment to destress and unwind from a chaotic, stressful, or emotional day.

10 Tips for Practicing Self Care 

1. Get in touch with your creative side: purchase some adult coloring books, paint, or learn to knit, sew, or crochet.
2. Focus on going to bed early, and getting a good night of sleep. It does help to put away your phone and turn off electronics earlier in the night. The blue light keeps you alert and awake, which will not help you fall asleep easier.
3. Drink a hot cup of herbal tea like Chamomile to help you relax.
4. Read an encouraging or self-help book or listen to an uplifting podcast. This can be a welcomed distraction and provide a brief escape and stress relief.
5. Don’t forget about your friends and family! Sometimes, we just need to talk to someone to help process the stress of the day. Typically, this won’t result in a solution, but does help with feeling heard and getting a few stressors off your mind.
6. Alternatively, if you are more of a private person, I would encourage journaling. Writing out your emotions, what happened that day or expressing your feelings through writing can be very therapeutic.
7. Listen to calming or soothing music, even if you only have 5 minutes. This has been shown to help lower your blood pressure and heart rate, reduce stress and anxiety, release tension, and improve sleep.
8. Incorporate exercise in the day. This might include going for a short walk, lifting weights, practicing yoga, stretching, or simply getting some fresh air on your front porch. 
9. Write your to-do list for the next day. While this may not relieve stress from the day you just had, it may help tomorrow be a better day that feels more organized and productive. 
10. Stay hydrated and don’t forget to eat your 3 meals! When we are feeling overwhelmed, it may feel easier to skip a meal to get that project finished at work, but this will not help improve your day or your health. Remember, those breaks are there for a reason, and food is an important fuel for your body! We are our best self when we are fed and hydrated.

It's equally important to be realistic about your stress levels. Make sure to set small and achievable goals for yourself and take one day at a time.