Living Well with a Disability: 7 Top Tips for a Healthier, Happier You in 2025!

Living well with a disability isn’t about keeping up with anyone else’s definition of "healthy." It’s about finding your balance, embracing joy, and prioritising the things that make you feel great.

Living a healthy, balanced life looks different for everyone, and for people living with disabilities, wellness is all about tailoring routines to suit your unique abilities, needs, and preferences.  

The key is to build a lifestyle that fits you like a glove. Do you love being in the water? Dive into aquatic therapy. Prefer a quiet afternoon with a book? That can nourish your mind as much as a workout nourishes your body. The beauty of wellness is that it’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about finding what works for you.

Below is a pick-and-choose menu of tips. You don’t have to do it all—just take what speaks to you and make it yours. The New Year is the perfect opportunity to create a new lifestyle. So, let’s break down 7 simple tips that will keep your mind, body, and soul in top shape—no labels, no limits in 2025!

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1. Move It or Groove It: Accessible Ways to Stay Active

You don’t need a state-of-the-art gym to get moving—wellness starts with small, fun activities that make you feel good.

• Water-based Workouts: Swimming and aqua aerobics are brilliant low-impact options that improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce joint strain.  

• Adaptive Sports: Ever wanted to try wheelchair basketball, boccia, or goalball? Organisations like Disability Sports Australia make inclusive sport accessible nationwide.

• Strength Training: Use resistance bands or light weights to work your muscles without needing to stand. To take things up a level, a physiotherapist or professional trainer can plan an adaptive fitness program tailored to your abilities and goals.

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2. Food That Feels Good: Eat to Thrive

Healthy eating doesn’t need to be bland or boring—think vibrant, balanced, and yummy.

• Focus on colourful meals: Add more fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins to your plate.

• Make It Accessible: If needed, use kitchen tools like jar openers, vegetable choppers, or adaptive utensils to make meal prep easier.

• Get professional support: CARED’s dietitians can create nutrition plans tailored to your lifestyle through convenient telehealth appointments.

Simple Tip: Start small! Add one new veggie or swap out one sugary drink a day—you’ll quickly feel the difference.

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3. Mental Wellness: Your Mind Matters

Your mind is just as important as your body, so let’s keep it refreshed and resilient.

• Stay Connected: Loneliness? Not here. Look for peer support groups, online communities, or fun activities like gaming nights or community events.

• Daily Gratitude: Write down three small wins each day—even if it’s “I made a really tasty dinner tonight.” Little moments count!

• Professional Help: Therapy and counselling aren’t “extras”—they’re essential. United for Care’s partners at CARED make accessing mental health professionals simple and flexible.

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4. Rise Up and Join the Fun: Community Is Key

One of the secrets to living well? Being part of something bigger. United for Care’s RiseUp service is designed to keep you engaged and stimulated with fun, tailored activities. Whether it’s learning something new, getting social, or exploring exciting new places, RiseUp ensures you never have a dull day.

Simple Tip: Staying active in your community is great for emotional and mental well-being. Community participation is all about building those connections, helping you make memories and new friends along the way.

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5. Tech That Empowers: Wellness at Your Fingertips

We’re living in the golden age of assistive tech—why not take advantage?!

• Fitness Trackers: Devices like Fitbit and Apple Health can track movement, sleep, and heart rate with accessibility features.

• Telehealth for Ease: CARED’s telehealth service connects you with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and more—ensuring your physical health needs are always met, no matter where you are.

• Health Apps: Calm for meditation, MyFitnessPal for nutrition and exercise, or WheelMate to locate accessible toilets and parking. Tech has your back!

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6. Celebrate the Small Wins: A Playful Approach to Life

Life’s too short not to have fun. Whether it’s creative hobbies, adaptive sports, or games you love, carve out time to simply enjoy.

• Trying new activities works wonders for your self-esteem. You could take up gardening, gaming, or even horse riding.

• Join inclusive programs like Disability Sports Australia’s Get Active directory, which connects you to local adaptive sports and activities.

• Try something creative like photography, cooking, or crafts. Creative outlets are fantastic for mental health.

• Whether it’s learning a new skill or completing a workout, take time to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your wins.

Simple Tip: Remember, wellness isn’t just about “working hard”—it’s about feeling alive. Make sure you set aside some time every day to do something you’re passionate about.  

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7. Sleep Like a Pro: Recharge Your Batteries

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. You should aim for roughly 8 hours of sleep each night. Some tips to rest easy:

• Set a bedtime routine: Wind down with music, a book, or meditation.

• Create a comfortable environment: Use sleep aids, like supportive pillows and cooling mattress toppers.

• Stretch Before Bed: Gentle stretching or yoga can relax your muscles and prepare your body for rest.

• Block Out Blue Light: Use apps or glasses to reduce blue light exposure, which can interfere with sleep cycles.

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The Wrap-Up: Look After Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Living well with a disability is about choosing you. Move in a way that feels good, nourish your body, look after your mind, and don’t forget to have fun.  

At United for Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way—through our RiseUp service for community participation and our CARED partnership for easy access to expert Allied Health care. We’ve got all the supports you need to feel healthier and happier than ever before.  

Ready to join a NDIS provider that always puts your well-being first? Reach out to a friendly member of our team today to discover how we can help you keep moving, connecting, and smiling every single day in 2025 and beyond:

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