Sunshine states are the happiest, study shows

[dejr_8]

We noticed a big change when we moved from MA to NC. People really do seem happier here.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34469042/ns/health-behavior/

WASHINGTON - People in sunny, outdoorsy states — Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida — say they’re the happiest Americans, and researchers think they know why.

A new study comparing self-described pleasant feelings with objective measures of good living found these folks generally have reason to feel fine.

The places where people are most likely to report happiness also tend to rate high on studies comparing things like climate, crime rates, air quality and schools.

more at the link...

The state-by-state list, from happiest to least cheery:
1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
6. South Carolina
7. Mississippi
8. Montana
9. Alabama
10. Maine
11. Wyoming
12. Alaska
13. North Carolina
14. South Dakota
15. Texas
16. Idaho
17. Vermont
18. Arkansas
19. Georgia
20. Utah
21. Oklahoma
22. Delaware
23. Colorado
24. New Mexico
25. North Dakota
26. Minnesota
27. Virginia
28. New Hampshire
29. Wisconsin
30. Oregon
31. Iowa
32. Kansas
33. Nebraska
34. West Virginia
35. Kentucky
36. Washington
37. District of Columbia
38. Missouri
39. Nevada
40. Maryland
41. Pennsylvania
42. Rhode Island
43. Ohio
44. Massachusetts
45. Illinois
46. California
47. New Jersey
48. Indiana
49. Michigan
50. Connecticut
51. New York

 

[Feralpeg]

I know that I've been happier since I moved to Florida. On those rare days when the sky is overcast, I miss the sunshine. Nothing like beautiful blue sky on a winter day!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I moved from New York (#51) to Louisiana (#1) and noticed a big difference.

 

[java]

As a lifer in the tri state area NO WAY! We are a happy fun loving bunch up here.

 

[goofy's friends]

I didn't have to move from Washington to Tennessee to tell you that!!

 

[tink20]

Live in Alabama and I am happy (most of the time), but would be much happier in Florida (maybe Orlando) He He!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

I'm on the bottom of the list and can tell you I'm happier when the sun is shining. I would gladly move to the top 5 if only DH's job could too.

 

[Pakey]

We have a lot of sunshine and little rain here but we are 46th on the list.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

We have a lot of sunshine and little rain here but we are 46th on the list.

I suspect the bankrupt state government is the reason there.

And northern CA's climate is not so lovely as I understand.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Living in Florida, I'm happy most of the time--until august when it feels like a sweatbox. Then I get a little cranky.

 

[Pakey]

I suspect the bankrupt state government is the reason there.

And northern CA's climate is not so lovely as I understand.

What? We're bankrupt? I've never heard that.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

We have a lot of sunshine and little rain here but we are 46th on the list.

yeah..the data MIGHT be a little off..Susssshhhhh dont tell them we have a warmer temp and no humidity that flordia does!! hehehehehehe


interesting survey...who comissioned it? the Louisiana department of tourism?

 

[FireDancer]

I believe it. Vitamin D have a lot to do with mood (and sun exposure a lot to do with Vitamin D). That is why people who suffer from SAD use full spectrum lighting. The brain also responds to full spectrum lighting in much the same way it responds to other pleasure-inducing activities.

Sun has more to do with this then temperature. A sunny day in January with the ground covered in snow has the same mood lifting feeling as a sunny day in July. I also love being outdoors and there are more things you can do on a sunny day, even in winter. Well, not really more you can do but it seems for fun to do a winter hike or go snowshoeing on a sunny day than a gray overcast day. In the summer, at least up here, many days without sun are accompanied by rain which cuts down a bit on outdoor activities.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

interesting survey...who comissioned it? the Louisiana department of tourism?

Seriously, I would live in ANY of the top 6 states other than LA. Maybe Hawaii got #2 because while everyone's so happy in the sunshine they weep a bit every time they pay the outrageous prices to live there.

Give me sunshine and warmth (I even love the humid days!) any day over snow/cold/crappy days .

 

[rparmfamily]

Seriously, I would live in ANY of the top 6 states other than LA. Maybe Hawaii got #2 because while everyone's so happy in the sunshine they weep a bit every time they pay the outrageous prices to live there.

Give me sunshine and warmth (I even love the humid days!) any day over snow/cold/crappy days .

That's not nice!!

Really though, it's not that much more here. Really, it's not!!! Maybe housing but probably not that different from many large metro areas like Boston, anywhere in CA, DC area, Chicago,etc.

Hawaii is incredible though. We are here thanks to the Navy and honestly, nearly everyday when I walk outside and the warm breeze hits my face it makes me feel very good. The rainbows, lush mountains and bright blue ocean, all of which I see taking my kids to school. I do notice people are very active here, out walking, riding bikes, at parks,etc. Also very family oriented too.

I grew up in Cincy, LOVE that town but I need sunshine.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh yea.....moving back to MO from TX is quite depressing. I MISS THE SUN!!!

 

[VillageMama]

That is why people who suffer from SAD use full spectrum lighting. The brain also responds to full spectrum lighting in much the same way it responds to other pleasure-inducing activities.

I'm typing this as I sit in Michigan at my desk in front of full spectrum light box. Oh yes, we have to provide our own faux sun up here. I am not at all surprised to find my state at #49.

This is why we scrape together every last dollar and rent a house in Florida for the month of February. I wish we could stay longer!

This light box helps immensely but it's not the same as the actual sun. I'll never understand why people settled in the north. Sure, there are fresh water sources and abundant game and plant life. But hello, settlers! The winters killed many of you... why didn't you keep going south?!?!

 

[JerseyJanice]

As a lifer in the tri state area NO WAY! We are a happy fun loving bunch up here.

I agree with you, Java. Those results are rigged! No way should New York and New Jersey be at the bottom of that list. Yeah, it can be a bit stressful to live here and you do have to be tough, but it's a fun place to live.

 

[jodifla]

List sounds right to me...Fla. at 3 and Mich. at 49.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

That's not nice!!

I'm just jealous

I would so L-O-V-E to live in Hawaii. I don't know if I could handle the long (expensive) plane rides home though!