The best ways to boost your health in 2026 with Dr. Neela

As a Doctor for over 20 years, I have made it my personal mission to make sure that you are living your best life- both physically and mentally. With the new year here, it’s a great time to start prioritizing your own health. Investing in you is the key to showing up for others, and I want to share some of the most important things I believe will lead to your success.

1. Nutrition- It is an age-old saying that you are what you eat, but this is still true today. Start with prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats/fish, and whole grains. Sugar is not your friend when it comes to maximizing your health, and pre-packaged foods with a ton of preservatives should be avoided as well.  Of course, I understand that life is life and this isn’t always possible; however, limiting fast food and watching your caffeine intake is always a good idea.

2. Sleep- Having a solid sleep schedule and routine is the best underrated secret to healthy living. While 8 hours is still recommended, I know that is not possible every night. The more consistent you are, the more you make your sleep a priority, and the more you play catch-up when you can, the healthier you become. Sleep is when you repair and reset, and it is essential for maximum wellness. Remember to limit your screen time as much as you can at bedtime to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

3. Stress- Chronic stress is one of the most harmful states for the human body. It triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, which releases stress hormones. These hormones are tied to high blood pressure, weight gain, heart attacks, mood swings, and even cancer. Are you over-committed? Are you fighting battles you don’t need to? Are you taking on more than you can handle? 2026 is your year to decrease stress, get out of fight or flight, and get your body into a state of rest and digest.

4. Exercise- January is always when the gyms are the most packed with all the people making new resolutions, but the key is to move your body year-round. I have found that the key to fitness success is finding ways to move your body that YOU love. That is the only way your resolution will become a habit. Your exercise routine can vary day to day, but the key is to move your body in some way every day. The healthiest patients I see are the ones who have a healthy relationship with fitness and truly enjoy it.

5. Being of service- Did you know that helping others is the quickest way to feel joy? Giving to others immediately releases happiness hormones and fills us with a sense of gratitude. Numerous studies have shown that being grateful in your life leads to healthier choices overall. So show up for your loved ones, your community, your colleagues, and your friends. Volunteer at a local place in need, and you will be surprised how quickly it will change your mindset and lead to overall improved health.

6. Find your people- Your village, your tribe, the people that you surround yourself with are one of the best indicators of a healthy life. Do you feel unseen and unheard? Are you giving more than you are receiving? Are you dimming your own light to make others more comfortable? Do you leave social gatherings feeling drained instead of rejuvenated? If the answer is yes, it’s time for a change. The people that you choose to spend your time with are one of the most important choices you can make in your life. You deserve to feel unconditional love, to be exactly who you are, to ask for help when needed, and to leave a gathering feeling better than when you arrived. A healthy village equals a healthy mindset, which leads to a healthier overall life.

7. Try something new. We are never too old to learn and grow. Starting a new hobby, joining a new friend circle, seeking out a new adventure, or even just creating something new in your home are excellent predictors of overall health. It trains the brain to get out of a cycle of sameness, and it boosts endorphins, which is always helpful. Put yourself out there-you never know what amazing things are on the other side.

8. Communication- Stop holding your feelings in all the time. It increases stress and decreases your feelings of self-love and authenticity. Studies suggest that the more you communicate what you are feeling, the quicker your negative thoughts dissipate and the lighter you feel. So call that friend, meet for dinner, schedule that phone date, or go for that friend walk. It can be a key factor in your overall health journey, and I promise you, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

While I understand that all these suggestions can’t be done at once, can you choose one or two to start 2026? Making yourself your most important priority is the best investment you can make this year. Sending you endless self-love and joy this year and always.

Dr. Neela

IG @doctorneela