3 HABITS THAT LEAD TO A MORE FULFILLING LIFE Small Changes, Big Impact
We all want to live long, happy, and fulfilling lives, but doing so can be challenging. We must intentionally reduce stress and bring more balance to our lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean we must overhaul our lives and find new jobs and friends while removing anything that doesn’t bring us joy. Instead, we can make simple changes to our day-to-day routine that can significantly impact our perspective, happiness, and overall well-being. Want to improve your outlook and get more enjoyment from life? Try incorporating the following behaviors into your routine! Spend more time in nature. You’ve probably heard countless times how beneficial spending time in the great outdoors can be for your mental health and overall well-being, but that just shows how valuable it is. You don’t have to take up hiking or visit a national park to get your fill of nature. Simply taking a walk through your neighborhood or
enjoying some time in the backyard will help you boost your health and connect with the world around you.
Practice gratitude. Stress and difficult situations can overshadow so much good in our lives. Take some time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and show your appreciation for those who matter most to you. If you have a hard time finding things to focus on, consider picking up journaling. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to boost your mental well-being and gain more appreciation for life. Don’t be afraid to say no. One of the most difficult things in life is telling others “No,” especially to your friends and family. However, failing to say no can negatively affect your mood and perspective. Make time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to turn down invites or requests if they impede your personal time or ask you to do something overwhelming or stressful.
THERE’S HOPE AFTER A DENIAL HOW THE SSDI APPEALS PROCESS HAS CHANGED (AND WHY THAT’S GREAT FOR YOU)
Faster Results and New Reasons for Optimism The SSA has made great strides in reducing delays. In 2024, average wait times for hearing decisions dropped to 342 days, down from 450 in 2023. For those facing urgent medical or financial issues, critical cases are now being resolved in about 201 days. With the hearing caseload at its lowest in 30 years and new technologies in place to process files faster, the SSA aims to reduce average wait times even further in 2025. Updated Medical Listings and Easier Documentation The SSA has also revised medical criteria for several conditions, including cardiovascular, digestive, neurological, and skin disorders. They’ve also made it easier to submit financial hardship claims and adopted new software that speeds up the evaluation of medical opinions. These improvements can help ensure your documentation is not only accurate but also quickly and properly assessed. Facing a denial isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of a second chance. With the right support and a team that understands these updated rules inside and out, your appeal has a strong shot at success. Let our dedicated team help you take full advantage of the post-pandemic improvements to the SSDI process.
If your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits was denied, you may feel discouraged, but don’t lose hope. In fact, the process of appealing that decision has become more efficient and claimant-friendly in the years since the pandemic began. Significant updates to Social Security Administration (SSA) policies, procedures, and technologies have made appealing a denial more manageable than ever before. New Rules That Could Work in Your Favor The SSA has introduced several changes that aim to streamline the appeals process. For example, they’ve shortened the work history period considered relevant to five years ( down from 15 ), and they’ve stopped counting jobs that lasted fewer than 30 days. This means your most recent positions, not distant or short-lived jobs, carry the most weight when assessing your case. Attending a disability hearing is no longer a one-size-fits-all process. You now have four options: in-person, by phone, by secure online video, or at an SSA office via video using their equipment. Each format is equally valid, giving you more freedom and comfort in how you appear for your hearing. Whether you’re homebound or prefer face-to-face discussion, there’s a way to make it work for you.
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