After observing Dry January to reset drinking habits post-holiday season, February brings new wellness trends aimed at self-care and mental well-being. Two emerging concepts—Feel Good February and Phone Free February—are inspiring people to take charge of their happiness.

Feel Good February emphasizes self-care, love, and well-being, while Phone Free February is a campaign advocating for a digital detox to break free from excessive screen time. Both movements highlight the need to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with ourselves. But one key benefit of reducing screen time is its direct impact on serotonin production—the neurotransmitter often referred to as the "feel-good hormone."

A digital detox can naturally boost serotonin levels, enhancing mood, reducing stress, and improving overall mental health. Here’s why stepping away from your phone this February could be the best thing for your brain and body.

What is Phone Free February?

Phone Free February is a global initiative that encourages individuals to either drastically reduce their phone usage or completely refrain from it for the month. With smartphones designed to be addictive—studies show that the average person checks their phone 221 times a day—taking a break can be transformative.

Excessive screen time, particularly social media use, stimulates dopamine—a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. This constant cycle can lead to digital dependency, increased anxiety, and even symptoms of withdrawal. Phone Free February aims to break this cycle and foster healthier habits, promoting mindfulness, presence, and real-life connections.

Why February is the Best Time for a Digital Detox?

February, often associated with self-love and care, is the perfect time to reassess our digital habits. With winter still lingering, many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and excessive screen time can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

By reducing phone usage, individuals can prioritize mental and emotional well-being, leading to better sleep, improved relationships, and increased productivity. Plus, with only 28 days in the month, it’s a manageable commitment.

7 Reasons Digital Detox Can Help Boost Serotonin Naturally

1. Breaking the Dopamine Addiction Loop

Every social media notification or text triggers a small dopamine release, similar to addictive substances. While dopamine provides short-term pleasure, it can deplete serotonin over time, leading to mood instability. A phone detox allows the brain to rebalance, reducing anxiety and promoting stable serotonin levels.

2. More Time for Movement and Exercise

Physical activity is one of the best natural ways to boost serotonin. Exercise releases endorphins and promotes serotonin production, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. By cutting back on screen time, individuals can engage in activities like jogging, swimming, yoga, or even dancing—boosting both mood and energy levels.

3. Improved Sleep Quality

Screen exposure, especially before bedtime, disrupts melatonin production, affecting sleep quality. Since serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, poor sleep can lead to serotonin imbalances. Reducing phone use in the evenings—particularly by following the 10-3-2-1 sleep method (cutting caffeine, food, beverages, and screens at strategic times before bed)—can significantly improve rest and overall mood.

4. Enhanced Social Connections

Face-to-face interactions trigger serotonin release, strengthening emotional bonds and fostering genuine happiness. Excessive phone use often leads to social isolation and weaker real-world relationships. Putting the phone aside allows for more meaningful connections with loved ones, ultimately improving mental health.

5. Increased Exposure to Natural Light

Sunlight exposure is crucial for serotonin production. Spending time outdoors without the distraction of a phone encourages natural light absorption, which can combat seasonal depression and enhance overall mood. Just 15-20 minutes of sunlight exposure daily can significantly improve serotonin levels.

Also Read: Why Is Exposure To Morning Light Important For Health?

6. Healthier Diet Choices

Mindless scrolling is often accompanied by mindless eating, leading to poor dietary habits. A phone detox encourages mindful eating, allowing individuals to focus on nutrient-rich foods that support serotonin production. Foods high in tryptophan—such as salmon, eggs, nuts, and leafy greens—help the body naturally produce serotonin, boosting overall well-being.

7. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Constant connectivity can be overwhelming, increasing stress and reducing emotional resilience. Studies show that taking regular breaks from technology can significantly lower cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and improving mood. By participating in Phone Free February, individuals can cultivate mindfulness, practice relaxation techniques, and enjoy a greater sense of calm.

Both Feel Good February and Phone Free February promote habits that enhance mental well-being. Whether by reducing screen time, engaging in self-care practices, or prioritizing relationships, February is the perfect month to reset and refocus on happiness.

When talking about fertility in routine practice, we usually refer to the World Health Organization’s guideline of roughly 15 million sperm per millilitre (and around 39–40 million total per ejaculate) as the lower boundary of “normal.”

But the count alone doesn’t tell the full story. The quality of sperm, their motility, shape, and the couple’s overall reproductive health are equally important. We got in touch with Dr. Meenakshi Priya, Clinical Director & Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Coimbatore, who told us more about the same.

What Is The Normal Sperm Count To Get Pregnant?

Dr Meenakshi said, “Think of sperm count like lottery tickets. More tickets (higher count) give you better odds, fewer tickets lower your chances — but even one well-functioning ticket (a motile, properly shaped sperm) can win.”

That’s why fertility clinics look at several factors: concentration, total number, progressive motility (whether sperm swim forward), and morphology (shape). The WHO manual provides the standard method and cut-offs used worldwide in labs, serving as the referee for semen analysis.

However, numbers matter clinically. Research over decades shows fertility starts to drop gradually below about 40 million/ml (or in older studies, 40 million total per ejaculate was a useful marker). The WHO threshold of 15 million/ml marks the lower edge of normal — values between 15 and 40 are a “grey zone,” where conception is possible but may take longer. So a man with 12 million/ml isn’t infertile, but the couple might need help like IUI or IVF depending on other factors.

But don’t get fixated on one number. A “normal” semen report is a combination of factors:

• Concentration ≥15 million/ml

• Total sperm count ≥39–40 million per ejaculate

• Progressive motility roughly >30%

• Normal morphology about 4% (Kruger criteria)

What Changes A Sperm Count?

Lifestyle and health have a big impact on sperm. Smoking, heavy drinking, extra weight, prolonged heat exposure (saunas, hot tubs, tight underwear), certain medications, recent fevers, and conditions like varicocele or hormonal imbalances can all lower the numbers.

The good news? Most of these are reversible. Dr Meenakshi said, “Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, losing a bit of weight, avoiding hot tubs for a few months, and treating infections can improve sperm.” Remember, sperm take time to renew but it usually takes 2–3 months of healthier habits for improvements to appear in a report. Be patient; your body is making changes even if you don’t see results immediately.

When To Be Concerned And Consult A Doctor?

If semen analysis repeatedly shows very low sperm (oligozoospermia), no sperm (azoospermia), poor motility, or if a couple has been trying for a year (or six months if the woman is over 35) without success, it’s time to consult a specialist. One abnormal test isn’t the final word — tests are usually repeated, and a more thorough assessment may include hormone checks, ultrasounds, or genetic tests if needed.

Dr Meenakshi said, “Sperm count gives a headline, not the full story. It’s a useful screening tool, but fertility decisions are personal. If you’re concerned, get a proper semen analysis and speak with a fertility specialist — many fertility issues are treatable, and acting early makes a real difference.”

Norovirus, often called the stomach bug, has returned. Between August 1 and December 11, health officials recorded 268 norovirus outbreaks, with numbers climbing steadily as winter travel increases and more people spend time indoors. The virus triggers stomach-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or cramping.

Some people also develop fever, headaches, and body aches. Although case numbers are not rising as sharply as flu, doctors remain concerned because norovirus spreads extremely easily. Making matters worse, norovirus is difficult to kill. Many of the common precautions used against flu and COVID offer little protection against this so-called winter vomiting bug.

How Contagious Is the Norovirus?

Norovirus is among the most infectious viruses doctors deal with. “It can tear through a household and then circle back, with people repeatedly passing it to each other,” says Amy Edwards, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, who specializes in infectious diseases. “It also spreads very quickly in crowded, closed settings like cruise ships.”

While contaminated surfaces can transmit norovirus, doctors say person-to-person spread is most common. An infected person can pass on the virus even before symptoms appear, throughout the illness, and after they start to feel better, Jennings warns.

What to Do If You Get Norovirus?

For most people, norovirus symptoms ease within a few days, according to Jennings. However, the illness can be more serious for those with weaker immune systems, including young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

If you think you have norovirus, focus on staying well hydrated. Ongoing vomiting can quickly lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance. To prevent nausea from getting worse, Jennings recommends taking small sips of clear fluids like water, ginger ale, or coconut water.

Most importantly, seek medical care right away if you become dehydrated or if diarrhea lasts for weeks. Fischer explains that dehydration may cause sunken eyes, less frequent urination, dry skin and mouth, and extreme tiredness.

Common Norovirus Symptoms That You Should Be Aware Of

Norovirus symptoms often come on suddenly and may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Watery or loose diarrhea
• General feeling of illness
• Mild fever
• Muscle aches

Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last for one to three days. Even after recovery, people can continue shedding the virus in their stool for weeks. In some cases, especially among those with other medical conditions, shedding can continue for months. Some people infected with norovirus never develop symptoms at all. Even so, they can still spread the virus to others.

Norovirus Causes

Norovirus spreads very easily from one person to another. Because it is highly contagious, an infection can pass quickly through homes, schools, or other shared spaces. The virus is released through stool and vomit, and a person can spread it from the moment symptoms begin until several days after they feel better. Norovirus can also survive on surfaces and objects for days or even weeks.

You can catch norovirus by:

1. Eating food that has been contaminated
2. Drinking unsafe or contaminated water
3. Touching your mouth after your hands have come into contact with a contaminated surface or object
4. Having close contact with someone who is infected with norovirus

Norovirus is especially hard to get rid of because it can survive extreme hot and cold temperatures and is resistant to many common disinfectants.

The NHS has issued fresh advice for people taking a widely prescribed medicine used to manage heart and circulation conditions. Across the UK, millions rely on beta-blockers to treat heart and blood vessel problems. Each year, more than 50 million prescriptions are written for these drugs, which help manage issues ranging from high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate to certain conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. Doctors most commonly prescribe bisoprolol, which NHS England lists as the seventh most prescribed medicine in the country.

What Is Bisoprolol Used For?

Bisoprolol, sold under brand names such as Zebeta, Bisotab, and Concor, belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. It is mainly used to treat various heart-related conditions by slowing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it pump blood more efficiently, according to the CDC. The NHS also explains that bisoprolol is used to prevent chest pain caused by angina and to manage atrial fibrillation and other irregular heart rhythms. By slowing the heart, it allows the heart muscle to work more effectively.

Data from 2024–25 shows that bisoprolol was dispensed around 32 million times in England alone. The NHS notes that for people with high blood pressure, taking bisoprolol can help lower the risk of future heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Bisoprolol Side Effects: Why Is NHS Warning Against Bisoprolol?

Like most medicines, bisoprolol can cause side effects, and patients are advised to stay alert to them. People starting the medication are often told to take their first dose at night, as it can make some feel dizzy. There are several common side effects that affect more than one in 100 people. According to the NHS, these are usually mild and tend to settle over time. They include:

• feeling dizzy or sick
• headaches
• cold hands or feet
• constipation
• diarrhoea

However, there are less common but more serious side effects that should not be ignored, as they may require urgent medical attention. The NHS advises contacting a doctor or calling 111 if:

• you experience shortness of breath with a cough that worsens during physical activity, swelling in the ankles or legs, or an irregular heartbeat, as these can point to heart problems
• the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, which may be harder to notice on darker skin tones, as this can signal liver issues

Bisoprolol Warning: When Should You See Medical Emergency

The NHS also urges people to seek immediate help if certain symptoms appear. These include:

• chest pain, which could indicate heart trouble
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest, which may suggest lung-related problems

Emergency services should be contacted straight away if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The NHS says to call 999 immediately if:

• your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell
• you are breathing very fast or struggling to breathe, with wheezing or a choking sensation
• your throat feels tight or you have difficulty swallowing
• your skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, grey, or pale, which may be more visible on the palms or soles in people with darker skin
• you suddenly feel very confused, extremely drowsy, or dizzy
• someone collapses and cannot be woken
• a child becomes limp, floppy, or unusually unresponsive, with difficulty holding their head up or focusing

The NHS stresses that while bisoprolol is effective and widely used, knowing when side effects are harmless and when they signal an emergency is key to staying safe.