As the clock ticks towards 2026, I’m amazed at how swiftly another year’s worth of 365 days has slipped by, following my previous New Year’s resolutions.
We begin each year with high hopes, yet often find ourselves limping through the last months with those ambitious resolutions all but forgotten.
After a challenging 2025, many social media users are wary of declaring 2026 as ‘their year’.
And that’s understandable; it’s often wise to exercise caution…
Despite this, most of us will once again create New Year’s resolutions.
These resolutions can vary widely from person to person.
Some plan to eliminate junk food or alcohol post-holiday season, while others aim for larger goals like traveling or changing careers.
However, if there’s one key habit to prioritize in 2026, it’s one that is frequently overlooked yet crucial.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, suggests the New Year is ‘an excellent opportunity to cultivate a healthy lifestyle’, which can help prolong life and lower the risk of health issues.
One effective approach is to focus on a habit many of us neglect.
From endless scrolling on social media to late-night conversations, technology has greatly impacted our sleep quality.
According to 2020 CDC data, about one-third of US adults consistently sleep less than the recommended seven hours.
Nonetheless, NBA star LeBron James attributes his top-tier performance to getting enough rest – so don’t underestimate its importance!
“Often, we overlook the value of sleep, but insufficient rest can heighten the risk of serious health conditions,” Dr Grant points out.
Lack of sleep can lead to problems like high blood pressure and diabetes, elevate stress, and hinder concentration.
“Considering the numerous effects sleep has on both physical and mental health, ensuring at least seven to nine hours each night is crucial for maintaining health and potentially extending life,” Dr Grant emphasizes.
“For improved sleep hygiene, I suggest keeping a consistent nightly routine, avoiding blue light exposure an hour prior to bedtime, and limiting caffeine intake in the evening,” Dr Grant recommends.
“These simple strategies can enhance sleep quality, ensuring you wake up refreshed.”