Travel Stress Relief and Benefit Accounts
The food on my flight wasn’t good. It was a little plane. Get it? Plain? Plane? No? Ah, never mind. But, if you’re heading out of town on a plane this summer, plain food may be the least of your stressors. As always, I’m here to help with travel stress relief tips. And you can even use your benefit accounts to pay for some eligible products and services. Read on, and I’ll tell you all about it!
Do you have your medications?
Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) benefits to refill your prescriptions or stock up on OTC medications before leaving for your trip. That way, you’ll have plenty on hand in case of unexpected delays or inconvenient locations. And keep your prescription information on hand in case of an emergency.
Do you have a first aid kit?
Bringing a small first aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic ointment, and pain relievers, is a great idea. It’s also a good idea to keep some digestive relief on hand, especially if you will be around unfamiliar food. You can buy first-aid kits, digestive aids, and similar products with your FSA and HSA benefit accounts.
Can you stay active?
Even on a relaxing vacation, staying active with gentle exercises like morning or evening walks will help you feel your best. If your employer sponsors a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) or wellness benefits, ask if it covers fitness wear, like a good pair of walking shoes.
Are you ready for jet lag?
Are you traveling outside your home time zone? Your body will try to adjust to the new time, and your sleep patterns may need help adjusting, too. To help get your sleep back on track, use your FSA or HSA benefit accounts for sleep aids such as eye masks, ear plugs, and OTC medications. Some LSAs cover sleep apps, too.
Do you have sun protection?
As strong as the summer sun can be, protecting your skin and eyes is vital. Use your FSA or HSA benefit accounts for sunscreen and prescription sunglasses.
Stay Calm and Relaxed
Travel problems like flight cancellations or getting lost in an unfamiliar location can be stressful. Some folks benefit from meditation apps or visiting a yoga or meditation studio in such cases. Ask your employer if these expenses are eligible with your LSA account or wellness benefit.
Travel is terrific, but stress is no joke. I hope I’ve given you some good food for thought! Put your benefit accounts to work for you by purchasing eligible travel stress relief products and services.