I won't sugarcoat it: I've been struggling during the pandemic. A lot. I've been traumatized by the news coverage and dealing with burnout in a way I never imagined. I know many other people feel the same.

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That's why we launched Bent Not Broken this week, which honors the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic. It's a series on how the past year has disrupted our mental health and what it'll take to heal. To kick it off, I wrote a piece on all the ways the pandemic has shaken our emotional well-being.

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We're currently navigating a unique mental health crisis. If you're struggling too, I hope you know you're not alone and that there are coping methods that will help. (And if you need to speak to someone immediately, call or text a crisis helpline.)

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Keep reading for more from the series, along with the latest CDC info on what's safe to do once you get your COVID-19 vaccine. Sending you all lots of good thoughts.

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❤️,

Lindsay

You Oughta Know

Can grandparents hug grandkids after they're vaccinated? Is it OK to travel? Can those who are vaccinated hang out indoors with people who are not? The CDC just released guidelines for those who got their COVID-19 shots, and we broke down all the info for you.

WHAT'S SAFE TO DO ONCE YOU'RE FULLY VACCINATED

A Minute And Change

Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our "A Minute And Change" series will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week's tip comes from productivity expert Graham Allcott on how to start your morning in order to set yourself up for success:

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A more proactive start to the morning would involve spending some time thinking about your priorities for the day, running through your calendar and to-do list, and making a plan. An email inbox is not a to-do list. In fact, it’s a list of everybody else’s priorities, not yours.

Crushing On This 'Gram

Before You Go...

Read this piece on why you shouldn't feel guilty for getting your COVID vaccine over other high-risk people. A lot of folks have been feeling uneasy about being qualified for the vaccine (for example, those with a specific BMI) when they otherwise feel healthy. Bottom line: If you're eligible to get the shot, you should do it.

Bent Not Broken is a comprehensive look back on the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has disrupted our mental health. We're all going through it: The loneliness, the burnout, the uncertainty, the trauma. You'll find advice and insight from experts on how to manage your mental health as we move into year two.

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