If you’re disabled and no longer able to work, you have likely started exploring the disability benefits process. Perhaps you have even applied for and maybe begun receiving your monthly payments. This is a significant accomplishment because winning Social Security disability is not an easy task.
However, receiving these benefits is only the start of what you need to do to take care of yourself. This is where adopting a health and wellness plan for disability can help you get the most out of your monthly support.
The Louisiana disability benefits attorneys of Ascend Disability Lawyers, LLC share tips for how people with disabilities can create a health and wellness plan.
Establish a Daily Routine
Establishing a daily routine can mitigate some of the effects of your disability. In time, it can even allow you to return to gainful employment, depending on your condition. But a daily routine can do more to make life easier in the long term. It can reduce stress, create a sense of comfort and reliability, and help you manage your life.
Your daily routine should cover just about everything from the time you wake up until you go to sleep. This includes meals, exercise, medical appointments, and personal time for relaxation and enjoyment. Adopting a consistent schedule will take time and discipline but you will be glad you did so.
Do Not Neglect Your Physical Health
Your goal should be, as much as possible, to improve the symptoms of your disability. This can be done by working with your primary care physician and other medical professionals. It begins with a dedication to your physical health.
Talk with your doctor for guidance on your disability health and wellness plan. You may wish to focus on the following:
- Exercise: Includes low-impact exercises (e.g. swimming), strength training, and flexibility exercises like stretching.
- Diet: A proper diet can make the effects of your disability much less severe, so speak with your doctor about changes to make.
- Sleep and rest: You do not want to deny yourself the sleep and rest that could facilitate an improvement in your condition.
Commit Yourself to Mental Health
A disability can seriously impact one’s mental health. Depression, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and a decreased sense of self-worth are commonly associated with disabilities. A CDC study found that adults with disabilities report experiencing more mental distress than those without disabilities.
If your mental health does not get the attention it needs, your disability could worsen. We suggest that you explore:
- Therapy and counseling: A mental health professional can guide you in positive coping mechanisms and provide support.
- Social support systems: Maintaining a sense of community with friends, family, and others is essential to your overall well-being.
- Prescription medications: Some mental health conditions are severe enough that medication might be necessary.
Plan Your Finances
Disability benefits are critical to supporting yourself. But even if you win the highest amount of compensation possible, you might still struggle with your finances. To ensure your benefits do the most for you, take these steps:
- Develop a budget: Create – and stick to – a monthly budget so you know exactly where your money is going.
- Cut unnecessary expenses: A budget can help you figure out if your money is being wasted on unnecessary items.
- Savings and investments: You should contribute to a savings account and be mindful of your investments.
- Community resources: In trying times you may need to rely on community resources like food banks and housing support.
Stay on Top of Your Medical Care
Lastly, and perhaps most relevant to your disability, you need to devote attention to your medical care. This includes:
- Scheduling and keeping appointments with your doctors
- Updating your medications and keeping prescriptions filled
- Seeing your doctor for regular checkups
- Seeing your doctor if your disabling condition worsens
- Working with a Louisiana disability benefits lawyer to request an increase in benefits if needed
Let Our Team Help With All Aspects of Your Disability
At Ascend Disability Lawyers, LLC, we strive to provide comprehensive support to our clients. Our law firm is here to assist with all aspects of your disability, especially on the legal side. Whether you are just now applying for benefits or you want to learn more about increasing your monthly payments, connect with us.
Give us a call today at (855) 445-9787 for a free consultation.
