You probably feel like you’ve done everything you know to reduce stress from COVID-19. But have you considered using your benefits from work? If you have a tax-free account like a health savings account, it might come in handy.
While an HSA might not be the first thing to come to mind, this benefit account can actually help you fight stress from COVID-19 in a few ways. Also, you don’t have to worry about it adding more stress. Every eligible purchase made through your account is tax free, which can lead to up to 30% savings on purchases.
Here are five ways your health savings account can help you reduce COVID stress.
Get a full night’s sleep
Unrest– both emotionally and physically, can have damaging side effects. Some of the negative effects of a loss of sleep include impaired memory, relationship stress, and a reduction in your overall quality of life.
However, a full night’s sleep can help remove toxins from the mind and improve weight loss efforts, promoting energy and longevity.
A quick search on sites like FSA Store and HSA Store will reveal that sleep aids that are eligible with a little bit of paperwork or a prescription.
Save twice on eligible Amazon items
Add your benefits card as a payment method in Amazon and select it at check out when you’re purchasing eligible items. The online giant has an entire section devoted entirely to eligible products. Your shipping and handling fees are also considered eligible, so you get to experience the pre-tax savings on those, too.
Reduce contact risk with digital wallets
If you’re tech savvy, there’s a chance you already use a digital wallet to make payments. A digital wallet just gives you the option to pay with your phone by loading a card’s information into your phone and then holding your phone over a contactless payment system at checkout. (The store you’re shopping out needs to have contactless payments set up).
When it comes to staying safe and reducing stress from COVID-19, you can take a step toward less touching with contactless payments. If you have a benefits card and Samsung Pay®, Google Pay® or Apple Pay®, you can add your card as a payment method in your phone. Then the next time you have to run out to the store to pick up eligible items, switch your payment method to your benefits card.
Avoid the end of year scramble
You can add a little extra holiday cheer by turning eligible items into stocking stuffers. For the kids, you could invest in a set of themed bandaids for the kids and replace items that might be ace bandage that is wearing thin. (Just in case someone takes a tumble while sledding or ice skating).
And of course with cold and flu season around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your seasonal basics are covered, like cough syrup and a thermometer. Even thermometer probe covers are eligible. That’s one less thing to stress about.
Bonus Tip: Spend time on mental health every day
Many health experts tout the benefits of yoga, mindfulness and breathing exercises. These help lower blood pressure and manage your response to stress.
In addition to an HSA, If your employer is offering a Specialty Account or Wellness Account this year, consider signing up to reap the benefits. These accounts often give you the ability to pay for gym memberships, yoga or other wellness activities.
If you’re an employer interested in offering a Specialty Account, see how this account can dovetail with your other offerings.
Other options to fight COVID stress
Promote your wellness with these free things you can do every day:
- Meditate for 5 minutes
- Walk outside for 5-10 minutes without your phone
- Take 10 deep breaths
- Give yourself a hand massage — all that typing can get to you
- Set a timer for 5 minutes and read a book
Don’t let COVID-19 have the last word on stress in your life. See how these other health benefits can help you keep your stress from COVID-19 low.
