The day before my surgery, I always do something that makes me feel that sense of "Ahhhhh". Surgery is stressful enough, so everything and anything you can do to balance your nervous system will help you help yourself.

When you are calmer, your blood pressure is lower and your heart rate slows down. Your system works more efficiently, which means you may recover faster, decrease your risk of infections and have better pain management skills.

One of my "day before" activities is to go for a drive to sit by some water - be it a river, lake or ocean.

Tip: If possible, the day before your surgery, do something you love, something special. It may be listening to music, visiting with a friend, watching some favourite movies or going for a massage.