‘Pinky time’: The couch-friendly wellness trick everyone’s talking about
A viral TikTok trend called "pinky time" involves wiggling the pinky finger in a specific hand position, claimed to support brain health and prevent cognitive decline. Experts acknowledge that novel motor tasks like this can stimulate brain activity, though they caution against using it as a diagnostic tool. Activities that challenge coordination and cognition, such as juggling or learning new skills, are supported by research for maintaining long-term cognitive function.
- ▪TikTok creator Daniela Paez-Pumar popularized "pinky time" with a viral video showing a hand exercise performed nightly at 7:45 p.m.
- ▪Dr. Kelly Gonderman, a clinical psychologist, explains that novel motor tasks activate brain regions like the motor cortex and cerebellum.
- ▪While fine motor exercises support cognitive health, struggling with the movement is not a reliable indicator of cognitive decline.
- ▪Juggling and learning new skills are evidence-backed activities that promote neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.
- ▪Experts recommend engaging in moderately challenging activities regularly to support long-term brain health.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Wellness ‘Pinky time’: The couch-friendly wellness trick everyone’s talking about By Reda Wigle Published May 1, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET Pinkies up for brain health! A TikTok demonstrating “pinky time” has gone viral with the promise that this simple daily digit exercise can stave off cognitive decline. In the clip, creator Daniela Paez-Pumar films herself and friends as they wrap their middle and pointer fingers together, touch their ring fingers to their thumbs and move their pinkies up and down for several seconds. 3 Daniela Paez-Pumar shared that she observes “pinky time” every night at 7:45 p.m. TikTok/dpaezpumar Paez-Pumar shared that she observes “pinky time” every night at 7:45 p.m. “No one is exempt from pinky time — we keep that brain HEALTHY,” she wrote in the caption.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
