 Last year we saw a pretty tame flu season, thanks to public health measures many of us took to prevent COVID. Are we in for a similar outcome or has our not-so-normal “new normal” put us back on track for more flu cases? Reporter Colleen Travers broke down everything you need to know about the upcoming flu season, from how bad it might be with COVID to the best time to get your shot. And speaking of shots, we’ve got some info below on the COVID vaccine you’ll want to read. (Here’s a teaser: It has to do with Nicki Minaj and erectile issues. You’re welcome.) Plus, is there a limit on how much free time makes us happy? Keep scrolling to find out.
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You Oughta Know  The idea of doing nothing for an entire day always sounds great to me until I actually try to do it. Turns out there might be a reason for this. Senior reporter Catherine Pearson examined a new study that found there’s a free time “sweet spot,” and she broke down what we need to do with that time in order to experience a boost in our well-being.
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 Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, on the five-minute activity that helps her practice a little self-care:
Spend five minutes thinking about what you can take off your brain’s plate today, or even this week. Can you postpone thinking about a decision on school plans for a few days? Can you hold off on mentally planning this weekend until tomorrow? The more you can lighten your mental load, the more freedom you will feel to be present in the here and now without extra thoughts weighing you down.
Crushing On This 'Gram 
Before You Go... Read this harrowing piece on healthcare worker burnout by senior reporter Brittany Wong. Medical professionals have been pushed to their limits with the pandemic, and now vaccine deniers are making it worse. These personal stories from nurses, therapists, pharmacists and others working the frontlines will really put everything into perspective. Make sure to also read Catherine Pearson’s excellent deep dive on what it’s like for ICU nurses in hospitals right now, too.
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