[ad_1]
Are you looking for a New Year’s resolution that’s fun, healthy, and good for your brain? Dr. Trisha Pasricha, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and columnist for The Washington Post, suggests incorporating dance into your daily routine. In addition to being a recreational activity, dancing offers amazing benefits for both physical fitness and mental well-being, making it the perfect way to start 2026 on a positive note. (Also read: Yami Gautam swears by this age-old ‘Indian spice’ that works like magic on her sensitive skin; Shares how she uses it ,
Why is dancing effective for brain health?
“76%! That’s how much you can reduce your risk of dementia with this one fun hobby. And no, I’m not talking about reading a book, meditating, or something as tedious as Sudoku. No offense. It’s dancing,” Dr. Pasricha explained in a Dec. 27 Instagram post.
Explaining why dancing is so beneficial, she said, “Since the 1980s, researchers have followed hundreds of older adults living in the Bronx and tracked how often they performed physically or cognitively challenging activities. Hobbies such as board games or playing an instrument were linked to a lower risk of dementia. But among the physical activities, one thing really stood out… dancing!”
How dance challenges your brain and body at the same time
According to the study, “People who dance more than once a week have a 76% lower risk of developing dementia than people who dance less or not at all,” said Dr. Pasricha.
She explained the science behind it: “Dancing challenges your brain on multiple levels at once. You’re maintaining rhythm, memorizing all those dance moves, maybe inventing a few new ones, navigating your space, and even responding to your partner’s cues. It’s exercise, balance, creativity, and social connection all going at once.”
Dr. Pasricha’s advice for 2026? ,If you’re choosing between a walk or a dance break, choose the one that makes you smile, and tag the friend you’re going to drag out to do it with you.,
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
[ad_2]
