Seasons greetings from GeoBlue®   A Holiday Message... As the year draws to a close, we send our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and countless moments to cherish.   Managing Your Mental Health During the Holidays The holidays can bring up all sorts of emotions. For some people, it’s a time of joy and celebration, but for others, it can also bring stress, anxiety, sadness and other tough feelings. If you’re struggling with mental health during the holidays, you’re not alone. Here are some strategies to try if you start feeling emotionally drained: Set realistic expectations: Not everything has to be perfect, and you don’t have to make the holidays perfect for everyone else. Trying to do too much can just add stress. Focus on what you can control and don’t worry about everything else. Create boundaries: It’s okay to say no when you need time for yourself. Make sure to set aside time to relax and take care of your own needs. Allow yourself to grieve: Losing someone you care about can make the holidays feel extra hard. It’s okay to feel sad, and it’s important to recognize those feelings instead of ignoring them. Stick to a budget: Money problems can add stress during the holidays. Try to set a budget for gifts and spending and do your best to stick to it. Reduce stress: Try to find ways to relax and lower stress every day, like meditating or going for a walk. Ask for help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. Talking to a friend, family member or even a professional can really make a difference.   If you need professional help during the holidays, you can use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This can be found in the GeoBlue mobile app or wellness portal on the Member Hub. This service is free and private, so only your counselor will know you reached out. Remember, it’s normal to feel different emotions during the holidays. Taking care of your mental health is important. Member Tools: Health Assessment & Wellness Coaching Give your health a fresh start for the New Year! One of the benefits of your EAP is the chance to work with a wellness coach to help you reach your health goals. To begin, you can take a health assessment to see where you’re starting. Based on your results, you can work with a wellness coach to create a plan and reach your goals, like losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more or adopting a healthier lifestyle. Here’s how to contact a wellness coach: GeoBlue mobile app Click “Telehealth” Click “Talk to a Counselor” Request to speak with a wellness coach Wellness portal Found on the Member Hub Select “Wellness” Click the link for the portal and select “Connect With Us” to schedule an appointment, live chat or request a wellness coach to contact you Phone Inside the U.S.: 1-877-249-4765 Outside the U.S.: +44-208-987-6228 “I had a problem with my provider verifying my insurance, I called the GeoBlue rep, and he was able to help me verify my coverage with the provider. Very happy with the excellent service. I also got my ID card online fast. It’s great!” – MEMBER Missed last month's newsletter? Want to refer to a previous issue? You can access previous issues online. Visit our Re:Member Archive for the latest on staying healthy, happy and safe while living abroad.   Access important plan information Find doctors and hospitals outside the U.S. Find doctors and hospitals inside the U.S. File a claim or check your claim status Emergency? Please seek help and then contact us +1-610-254-8771 You can also access the above services through the mobile app. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® is a Brand owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association: made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in select service areas. Coverage is provided under insurance policies underwritten by 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, NAIC #80985 under policy form series 54.1201/54.1205/54.1215. 4 Ever Life Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Services are provided by WorkPlace Options, an independent company that is not affiliated with GeoBlue and does not provide Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. WorkPlace Options is solely responsible for referring participants for counseling, coaching and work-life services and health assessments by providers who are appropriately licensed by local authorities. The evaluation and efficacy of any service delivered by a provider lies solely with the employee, spouse, dependent or other authorized party who inquires on behalf of those or other participants. GeoBlue shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any aspect of the provider counseling, coaching, work-life services and health assessments or other similar services, or the counselor/participant relationship. CORP197253-MEM-12/24