In the hectic days leading up to my second mastectomy, I often fantasized about the post-op period—hours of lounging, binging Netflix, diving into a book, or listening to Audible for hours on end. When surgery day came, I fully embraced the first 2-3 days of genuine rest and relaxation. But then, as the post-op pain quickly subsided (thanks to having my nerve endings cut twice), I was left with just my postoperative restrictions...and boredom set in quickly. Idle hands lead to busy minds, or so they say, and before long I was hit with cabin fever. This happened after my first mastectomy, but it came on faster this time.

Two things inevitably happened: frustration and boredom. I became frustrated that my recovery felt like it was dragging on and took it out on everyone in the house. Kids left their shoes in the hallway? “I could have tripped and broken my neck!” I became the queen of exaggeration. And then came the boredom—this deep, bone-aching boredom that made even enjoyable tasks seem dull and uninteresting. Nothing—no Netflix series, book, or podcast—could snap me out of it.

Here’s What Helped Me Overcome Boredom and Frustration:

Meditation:
If you can get into meditation, it can be a lifesaver for managing the overwhelming feelings that bubble up during recovery. And trust me, there are plenty of feelings! Anxiety from waiting for pathology results, impatience over how long it’s taking to feel "normal" again, and the emotional rollercoaster of assessing changes in your body. While I’m no expert, when I commit to meditating, I notice fewer mood swings and find I can process my emotions more rationally. I’ve had great success with Headspace, but there are plenty of tools like Calm, or even this cute breathing Buddha that can guide your meditation! 

Journaling:
Putting your thoughts on paper can really help put things in perspective. I use two types of journaling. The first is a simple diary where I jot down my frustrations and wins. The second, which has been a huge mood booster, is gratitude journaling. If you've been through cancer treatment, you’ve probably heard of this, but it’s worth repeating: just write down 5 things you’re grateful for each day. Your list will change based on your mood, but the effect of practicing gratitude is real, and soon enough, you’ll feel hooked! I love the Gratitude Journal App, but you can use any notebook or even the notes section on your phone to get started.

Organizing:
If you’re like me, there’s always some corner of the house that could be more organized—junk drawers, tupperware cabinets, holiday supplies, you name it. During recovery, I finally had time to tackle these projects. While I couldn’t lift heavy things due to post-op restrictions, I could still sort through items and purge what I no longer needed. For me, this is therapeutic and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll have a more organized home once you’re back to full strength! I love using these clear bins for drawer and closets organization. After my most recent surgery, I also tackled my jewelry collection, and this necklace holder and jewelry organizer now greet me when I need to find an accessory!

Recovery may bring its challenges, but with a few simple strategies, you can turn frustration and boredom into productive and peaceful moments.

‍