--- title: 10 Habits That Changed Our Lives in 2023 description: From eating more ice cream to rage biking to collecting houseplants. canonical: https://time.com/6548066/health-habits-2023/ author: TIME Staff article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2023-12-21T12:00:00.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-02-24T16:51:16.453Z article:section: Health og:title: 10 Health Habits That Changed Our Lives in 2023 og:description: From eating more ice cream to rage biking. og:url: https://time.com/6548066/health-habits-2023/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt91f3c6a5dcc4022d/698a435516d884d1e5c3c970/monstera-houseplant.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 4592 og:image:height: 2583 og:image:alt: Monstera plant og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: 10 Health Habits That Changed Our Lives in 2023 twitter:description: From eating more ice cream to rage biking. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt91f3c6a5dcc4022d/698a435516d884d1e5c3c970/monstera-houseplant.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # 10 Health Habits That Changed Our Lives in 2023 > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: September 2026. ## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=708d3c7e-a9c8-40b4-b8b9-2e924d608c4b&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### The seven newsletters | Newsletter | Covers | Frequency | | --- | --- | --- | | The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily | | Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) | | Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays | | Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly | | D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week | | Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) | | In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) | Source: TIME, August 2026. ### Key data points | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 | | Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 | | Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 | | US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Publishing since | 1923 | TIME | ### TIME Newsletters: key statements * Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically. * TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read. * All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=708d3c7e-a9c8-40b4-b8b9-2e924d608c4b&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). * The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself. * A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=708d3c7e-a9c8-40b4-b8b9-2e924d608c4b&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### FAQ #### What newsletters does TIME publish? TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers. #### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to? It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters. #### Are TIME's newsletters free? Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent. #### Who writes TIME's newsletters? TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=708d3c7e-a9c8-40b4-b8b9-2e924d608c4b&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) by [TIME Staff](https://time.com/author/time-staff/) ## TIME Staff Dec 21, 2023 12:00 PM UTC  Getty Images by [TIME Staff](https://time.com/author/time-staff/) ## TIME Staff Dec 21, 2023 12:00 PM UTC As health reporters and editors, we know what's good for us. But that doesn't mean we always do it. This year, each of us took at least one thing we've learned covering health and applied it to our own lives. Here's what stuck. ## Collecting houseplants Last year at this time, I had a modest couple of shelves of houseplants. Now, I live in a jungle. I started collecting rare aroids—a family of plants that includes philodendrons, monsteras, and alocasias—and my new hobby transformed the trajectory of my year. Tending to my plants keeps me busy, so I have less time to scroll social media or get lost in my thoughts, and being surrounded by lush green is calming. I've traveled to new cities to attend plant events, and I’m constantly researching and learning how to be a better plant parent. Plus, the joy of discovering new growth, like an emerging leaf, lifts my mood and ensures I always have something to look forward to. _—_[_Angela Haupt_](https://time.com/author/angela-haupt/) ## Massaging my face During the depths of the pandemic, when I spent most of my time frowning at screens, I started looking for ways to get rid of headaches and facial tension. My searches led me to self-guided facial massage, a practice to which I have become very dedicated over the past year. My [favorite YouTube facial masseuse](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2je7QntR96P9rZ4GQ%5FUYA) talks a lot about lymphatic drainage, which is apparently supposed to reduce puffiness, make your skin look better, and flush toxins. Though I [don't fully believe these claims](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/lymphatic-drainage-massage-faqs.html), I don't care. As someone who [struggles with meditation](https://time.com/6274466/work-burnout-how-to-handle/), these little massages have become my favorite way to unwind. I use a nice-smelling oil, sometimes light a candle, and just zone out for a few minutes. It's relaxing and helps me sleep, and even if it does absolutely nothing else, that's enough. _—_[_Jamie Ducharme_](https://time.com/author/jamie-ducharme/) ## Rage biking During the early days of the pandemic, when I craved fresh air, I dusted off my old bicycle and hit the road—thrilled to rediscover how quickly it delivered new scenery and a healthy dose of exercise. This year, I got more regimented about biking 10 miles per week, usually on Sunday afternoons. I also took up what I call rage biking: peddling wildly, as fast as my legs can go, whenever I’m stressed or upset. Within minutes of being outside, the wind whips my worries away. _—A.H_. ## Making one friend Having a baby while moving to a new area is exciting and stressful. Neither leaves a lot of time for self care and building relationships. But I'm glad I prioritized one of my desires this year: to make a real-life, local pal. I found her through [Peanut](https://www.peanut-app.io/), an app for moms to connect with one another. Now, we text each other daily and meet for baby walks in the park, and it's been life-changing. _—_[_Mandy Oaklander_](https://time.com/author/mandy-oaklander/) ## Sunning myself Earlier this year, I [profiled science podcaster Andrew Huberman](https://time.com/6290594/andrew-hubman-lab-podcast-interview/), who often talks about health habits that will help listeners "optimize" their lives. Many of his suggestions, like taking cold showers and popping supplements, are not for me. But one stuck with me: the idea that you should see sunlight shortly after waking in the morning to regulate your circadian rhythms and improve energy and attention. Admittedly, I do not succeed at this every day. (I also wrote a recent article about [why snoozing your alarm isn't so bad for you](https://time.com/6329920/snooze-button-sleep-health/), and sometimes that one ends up being more persuasive.) But I've tried to incorporate more short morning walks into my routine, and find that I'm usually more alert and focused when I get outside first thing. _—J.D._ ## Tracking my sleep As a chronic night owl, I’ve never bothered to track my sleep before—mainly, because I knew it wouldn't be good news—but this was the year I got curious after upgrading the GPS watch I take hiking to something that’s lightweight and long-lasting enough to double as a daily fitness tracker The tech that watches use to measure sleep is rudimentary, but mine has turned out to be fairly accurate at tallying my total time asleep. Here’s what I’ve learned: When sleep experts tell you that losing shut-eye affects your mood, energy, and more, they _really_ mean it. Bummer, I know. I’d always thought of myself as someone who could function just as well on 6 hours of sleep as I could on 8, but I can’t deny that my demeanor on any given day makes a lot more sense when I look at the previous few nights. It’s been a hard pill to swallow, but I’m committed to change—In 2024, I'm ending my nighttime scrolling routine. _—_[_Haley Weiss_](https://time.com/author/haley-weiss/) ## Taking my blood pressure About a year ago, after several months feeling abnormally short of breath almost all the time, I finally went to see a doctor. As anyone who has ever gotten a regular checkup knows, one of the first things that happens is they check your blood pressure. “Um,” said the nurse who took mine, “you know your blood pressure is at emergency levels?” No, I did not. They ran all the tests and found nothing else wrong, so put me on statins and told me to take my blood pressure regularly to see what happened. Despite my frustration at not knowing the underlying cause, it was still extremely rewarding seeing my daily readings drop back into if not an ideal at least a relatively healthy range. Then I started playing around. I’d check my blood pressure before and after I took my dog for her morning walk; I took it at various times throughout the work day; I took it on weekends after sleeping in late, or when I came home after seeing a weekday evening movie. The patterns are probably unsurprising, but still—seeing a physical manifestation of how your stress levels change based on your habits really hammers home how lifestyle can directly impact your health. _—_[_Elijah Wolfson_](https://time.com/author/elijah-wolfson/) ## Eating more ice cream The health habit I picked up this year is somewhat counterintuitive. I began eating ice cream—in moderation. The extreme feeling of indulgence keeps me away from other sweets and lowers my sugar intake overall. _—_[_Jeffrey Kluger_](https://time.com/author/jeffrey-kluger/) ## Creating a work-from-home zone When the pandemic started, I didn't own a desk. But then work-from-home days became every day, and rotating between my couch, round dining table, and bedroom floor wasn't cutting it. Still, the longer I managed without a dedicated workspace, the less it seemed worth putting in the money and effort. When I moved in 2023, the very first thing I did in my new apartment was designate an office zone. Now I’ve got it all: the desk, the chair, the monitor, and even a mini tabletop bookshelf. Not only is my neck grateful, but my ability to focus has skyrocketed. Having a clear delineation between where I work and where I relax has been a simple change, but a much-needed one. _—H.W._ ## Quitting Twitter Like many journalists, I used to spend way too much time on Twitter (now X), scrolling through the news of the day and getting sucked into niche internet dramas. Though I still have an account and use it sometimes for work, I have drastically cut down on the amount of time I spend on there and haven't posted in months. I feel so free. I guess all those researchers and psychologists were right when they told me in interviews that [spending less time on social media is good for your mental health](https://time.com/4882372/social-media-facebook-instagram-unhappy/). _—J.D_. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/6548066/health-habits-2023/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/6548066/health-habits-2023/"},"headline":"10 Health Habits That Changed Our Lives in 2023","datePublished":"2023-12-21T12:00:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-02-24T16:51:16.453Z","description":"From eating more ice cream to rage biking.","url":"https://time.com/6548066/health-habits-2023/","keywords":["Mental Health","healthscienceclimate"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt91f3c6a5dcc4022d/698a435516d884d1e5c3c970/monstera-houseplant.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"TIME Staff","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/time-staff/"}],"articleSection":"Health","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt91f3c6a5dcc4022d/698a435516d884d1e5c3c970/monstera-houseplant.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Monstera plant","caption":"Monstera plant","creditText":"Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/health/","name":"Health"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/mental-health/","name":"Mental Health"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/6548066/health-habits-2023/","name":"10 Health Habits That Changed Our Lives in 2023"}}]}] ```