Want to feel good about the future? Move to the sticks.
Wyoming residents are the most optimistic in the United States in 2024, according to a new study that assessed each of the fifty states and ranked them from most bright-eyed to most miserable.
The Equality State ranked 7.2 out of 10 to take the top spot in a national study on optimism and wellness in America, conducted by Icelandic Provisions Skyr, a yogurt brand, partnered with Wakefield Research and Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as “The Optimism Doctor.”
Scores were ranked from 0 to 10 based on 10 metrics including how likely they were to persevere in challenging situations and how often they ate a healthy breakfast.
In Wyoming, 82% of people wake up “ready to own the day,” compared to 62% of all Americans. A whopping 98% of residents are willing to retry failed projects, compared to 90% of Americans.
“As Americans seek ways to navigate daily challenges, they are increasingly recognizing the vital role healthy habits and nutrient-rich food have in supporting their overall emotional well-being,” Dr. Chopra said in a statement.
“The results of this survey highlight this very connection…incorporating small healthy habits can play a crucial role in fostering optimism and a resilient spirit.”
Those in California and New Jersey shared the second-place spot, ranking (7.1) for having the sunniest outlook on life — followed by Alabama and Maryland tying for third (7.0).
Stereotypically gruff New Yorkers didn’t fall too far behind scoring a 6.9 along with North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, South Carolina and Massachusetts.
The 5 most optimistic states in America
- Wyoming
- California
- New Jersey
- Alabama
- Maryland
Texas and Mississippi both came in as the least optimistic states with a 6.2.
Those in the Golden State appear to have healthy habits and a mindset to match the shining hue.
More Californians feel well-rested (43%) compared to just 35% of Americans who wake up bleary-eyed.
The vast majority of these healthy West Coasters begin their day with a nutritious breakfast as often as they can — only 62% of Americans do.
Meanwhile, the optimistic residents of New Jersey believe that they get “enough” exercise (43%) compared to just a third of all Americans.
The experts said all healthy habits positively benefit one’s emotional health and optimism.
Optimistic Americans are separated by more than state lines — there’s also a generational divide.
Baby Boomers were found to be the generation with the most optimistic mindset with an Optimism Index Score of 7.1, followed by Millennials (6.7), Gen X (6.5), and Gen Z (6.4).
Overall, Americans maintain a remarkable sense of personal optimism with the National Optimism Index Score standing at 6.7 out of 10.
The experts noted that adopting healthy daily habits such as beginning the day with a healthy breakfast, exploring the outdoors and exercising can not only improve your physical health but also improve your mindset.
Meanwhile, when it comes to politics, a lot of that optimism appears to go out the window, with a majority of voters in the U.S> declaring the country is heading in the wrong direction, according to a downer of a poll released over the summer.
Conducted by The Center Square, the fresh research found that 65% of voters didn’t like the way things were going.
Just 24% of Americans said the country is headed in the right direction, while 11% were unsure.
