I have found that trying to cultivate an 'attitude of gratitude' is a real antidote to stress and anxiety. Pre op when I was worried (more like petrified!) I realised I was focusing all my thoughts on myself and all of it was negative, but when I turned my thoughts towards my surgeon, medical team and everyone who would be looking after me with feelings of gratitude towards them, I found that it made a huge difference. I sent a thank you card back to the ward after my surgery and tried to include the names of everyone I came into contact with, I wanted them to know that I appreciated every one of them and didn't take the wonderful care I received for granted.