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.

Flu season has arrived, and while the summer wave of COVID-19 has subsided, a winter increase is expected. Vaccines are available for both viruses, prompting many to ask about timing, especially if they haven’t received their shots yet. With the CDC updating guidelines, rules around vaccination are constantly evolving, so the most common question is: can you get your COVID and flu shots at the same time?

Can You Get Your Covid And Flu Shots At The Same Time?

The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered alongside a seasonal flu shot for those who prefer to get both at once. It is considered completely safe. “There are no recommendations against it; it mainly comes down to personal preference,” Dr. Mike Ren, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine explained. He added that some people may experience mild fatigue with vaccines, and getting multiple shots at the same time could slightly increase that effect.

Many people are already familiar with how their bodies react to flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID shot can sometimes cause soreness in the arm, so it’s recommended to avoid getting both vaccines in the same arm if that happens. For those who experience minimal side effects, there’s no disadvantage to receiving both shots at the same visit. Some choose to space them out simply based on convenience.

Which Covid Shot To Get?

For individuals who have experienced strong reactions to the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID vaccines, the Novavax shot, which uses a more traditional protein-based method may offer an alternative with fewer temporary side effects, according to Caitlin Rivers, an infectious-disease epidemiologist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Males aged 12 to 29 may particularly consider Novavax, as it carries no known risk of myocarditis, a rare heart inflammation sometimes associated with mRNA vaccines. Andrew Pavia, a pediatrics infectious-disease physician at the University of Utah, noted that myocarditis cases linked to mRNA vaccines are generally mild, and COVID-19 itself poses a higher risk of heart complications.

Pavia also explained that there are no major differences between the current Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, so people can choose whichever is more convenient or available.

When Should You Get A Flu Vaccine?

The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is generally from late September through October. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, recommends aiming to be vaccinated before Halloween, in line with CDC guidance.

While many pharmacies begin offering flu shots as early as July or August, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, advises waiting a bit longer. This is because vaccine protection can wane after a few months, and flu cases often peak between December and February.

Even if you miss the early window, it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated. “Some protection is better than none,” Dr. Chin-Hong emphasizes.

Staying up to date with both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations is an important step in protecting your health during the respiratory virus season. Getting the shots at the same time is safe and convenient for most people, though minor side effects like fatigue or soreness may be slightly increased.

Nearly five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, new variants of the virus are spreading again, bringing with them some unusual symptoms. The main strains currently circulating are called Stratus and Nimbus. According to the NHS, Stratus, which includes the XFG and XFG.3 variants, has caused a 60 percent rise in Covid hospitalisations.

As cases increase worldwide, one woman who recently tested positive described this infection as the “worst it’s ever been.” With more people falling sick, the NHS continues to update its warnings and guidance.

Could That Toothache Be ‘Frankenstein’ Variant?

A woman from the US, Nev, shared on TikTok that she began feeling slightly unwell on August 30, with mild congestion and one blocked nostril. The next day, she noticed a scratchy throat and continued congestion, but later that night, her symptoms worsened as she experienced pain in her teeth, jaw, and head. Her post quickly drew comments from others who said they had also suffered similar symptoms while infected with Covid.

The Stratus strain has been linked to a sudden hoarse voice, while the Nimbus strain often causes severe throat pain described by some as feeling like “swallowing razor blades.” Health officials in the UK have warned that Covid is still leading to serious illness and deaths and have urged people to stay alert to new and unusual symptoms.

Frankenstein Variant Symptoms

The “Frankenstein” variant, officially known as Stratus (XFG), is a recombinant form of the Omicron strain of COVID-19. Its symptoms often resemble those of a seasonal cold or flu. While most infections are mild, some patients have reported unusual signs such as sudden hoarseness or a raspy voice.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or blocked nose
• Fatigue and body aches
• Headache
• Digestive issues

Are Frankenstein And Stratus Variant Same?

The Frankenstein variant and the Stratus variant refer to the same strain of COVID-19, officially known as XFG. The nickname “Frankenstein” emerged because the variant is a recombinant of multiple Omicron sublineages, essentially a genetic mix that combines traits from different versions of the virus. The scientific name Stratus (XFG) is the formal term used by health authorities such as the UKHSA.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory infection such as COVID-19, especially if they have a fever or feel too unwell to continue daily activities should try to stay home and avoid contact with vulnerable people.

If staying home isn’t possible, the agency advises taking extra precautions to reduce the risk of spreading infection. This includes wearing a well-fitted mask with multiple layers or a surgical mask, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and opting for outdoor exercise where there is minimal contact with others. People are also urged to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands often with soap and water or use sanitizer, and avoid touching their face.

The simplest way to confirm if you have COVID-19 is by taking a test, which can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) have found that quitting smoking may help slow age-related memory decline and protect brain health as we age. According to new research, people who quit smoking in middle age can significantly slow their cognitive decline, so much so that within a decade, their risk of developing dementia becomes nearly identical to those who have never smoked. The study adds to growing evidence that giving up cigarettes can protect brain health and delay age-related mental decline.

This One Step Can Lower Your Dementia Risk, Doctors Say

Published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the study examined data from more than 9,400 adults aged 40 and older across 12 countries. The findings strengthen existing evidence that giving up cigarettes could reduce the risk of dementia, though experts note that further research is needed to understand the full impact of smoking cessation on cognitive health.

Researchers noted that while the link between smoking and poor cognitive health is well known, the long-term effects of quitting have been less certain. In this study, memory and verbal fluency tests showed that people who stopped smoking experienced a slower rate of decline in the six years following cessation.

Experts said the findings are especially important because middle-aged and older adults are often less inclined to quit, despite facing greater health risks. Demonstrating that quitting can also help preserve brain function, they added, could serve as a strong new reason for this group to give up smoking.

Data shows that smoking is most common among adults aged 25 to 34, with about 14 percent identifying as smokers, while only 8.2 percent of those over 65 reported smoking. Responding to the UCL study, Dr. Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said smoking is tied to several major health risks, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia—particularly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. She emphasized that quitting can greatly lower the likelihood of developing these conditions.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect a person's ability to think, remember, and reason to the point that it interferes with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging, but is caused by damage to brain cells, which can result from conditions like Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementias. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and problem-solving, and changes in mood or behavior, and the condition worsens over time.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia develops when diseases damage brain cells, disrupting how they communicate with one another. This breakdown in communication affects memory, thinking, behavior, and emotions. The brain is made up of different regions, each responsible for specific functions such as judgment, movement, and memory. When cells in a certain area are harmed, that part of the brain can no longer perform normally.

Each type of dementia is linked to damage in particular brain regions. In Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, an abnormal buildup of proteins inside and around brain cells prevents them from staying healthy and transmitting signals effectively. The hippocampus, responsible for learning and memory, is usually the first area affected, which is why memory loss tends to be one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s.