As we step into 2026, a leading neurologist has pinpointed three critical New Year's resolutions that could safeguard your cognitive future. Doctor Baibing Chen, sharing his expertise on social media platform TikTok, insists these habits are vital for maintaining a healthy brain and potentially staving off conditions like dementia.
Priority One: Reclaim Your Sleep
Dr Chen's foremost recommendation is to prioritise and fix your sleep. He challenges modern society's tendency to glorify overwork, arguing that quality sleep is arguably the single most important factor for brain health. Many blame poor sleep on stress, pain, or anxiety, but Dr Chen warns this creates a vicious cycle where sleep deprivation exacerbates those very problems.
His solution is not more medication, but establishing consistent sleep hygiene. This means setting a regular schedule for waking up, eating meals, and incorporating daily exercise. "Fixing your sleep should be your number one priority in the New Year," he asserted.
The Power of a Predictable Daily Routine
The second pillar for a healthier brain is building a consistent daily routine. Dr Chen explains that the brain thrives on predictability, and structured routines are linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
From a neurological perspective, he observes that such routines can reduce the frequency of migraines and help manage chronic pain. The key components include regular wake times, consistent meal patterns, daily movement, and establishing calming wind-down signals each evening to soothe the nervous system.
The Surprising Brain Benefits of Dancing
The third, and perhaps most engaging, resolution is to dance more often. Dr Chen enthusiastically recommends dancing as a premier activity for both body and mind, as it uniquely combines physical movement, balance, coordination, memory, rhythm, and social connection.
He cites a landmark 2003 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which found that, among all physical activities studied, dancing was the only one associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
While dancing alone at home is beneficial, Dr Chen suggests learning new choreographies to challenge more areas of the brain. He encourages people to sign up for a community dance class or, if time-pressed, to utilise online tutorials, calling this "one of the best things that the internet has to offer."
By focusing on these three areas—sleep, routine, and dance—individuals can take proactive, evidence-based steps towards protecting their cognitive health throughout 2026 and beyond.
