Do you want to feel good about the future?
According to a new study, Wyoming residents will be the most optimistic in the United States in 2024. The study evaluated each of the fifty states and ranked them from brightest to saddest.
The Equality State received a rank of 7.2 out of 10 and was ranked at the top nationally. Study A study on optimism and health in the US was conducted by Icelandic Provisions Skyr, a yogurt brand, which partnered with Wakefield Research and Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the “optimism doctor.”
Scores were ranked from 0 to 10 based on 10 criteria, including how determined they were in challenging situations and how often they ate healthy snacks.
In Wyoming, 82% of people wake up “ready to take on the day,” compared to 62% of all Americans. 98% of residents are willing to try failed projects again, compared to 90% of Americans.
“As Americans look for ways to cope with daily challenges, they are increasingly recognizing that healthy habits and nutrient-rich foods play an important role in their overall emotional well-being,” Dr. Chopra said in a statement.
“The results of this survey highlight this connection… small healthy habits can play an important role in promoting optimism and a sense of belonging.”
People in California and New Jersey tied for second place for having the brightest outlook on life, ranking (7.1) — followed by Alabama and Maryland in third place (7.0).
Stereotypically tough New Yorkers weren't far behind, scoring 6.9 points, along with North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, South Carolina and Massachusetts.
America's 5 most optimistic states
- Wyoming
- California
- new Jersey
- Alabama
- Maryland
Texas and Mississippi were the least optimistic states, both at 6.2.
Brocreative – stock.adobe.com
The people of the Golden State seem to have healthy habits and a mindset that matches the glowing complexion.
More Californians (43%) wake up feeling well-rested, while just 35% of Americans wake up with sleepy eyes.
Most of these healthy West Coast residents start their day with as nutritious a breakfast as possible—only 62% of Americans do so.
Meanwhile, New Jersey residents are optimistic that they get enough exercise (43%), while only a third of all Americans do so.
Experts said that all healthy habits positively benefit a person's emotional health and optimism.
The differences among optimistic Americans extend far beyond state lines — there's also a generational divide.
The Baby Boomers generation was found to have 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).
Icelandic Provisions
Overall, Americans have a remarkable sense of personal optimism, with the national Optimism Index score being 6.7 out of 10.
Adopting healthy daily habits, like starting your day with a healthy breakfast, getting outside and exercising, can not only improve your physical health, but also your mindset, experts said.
Meanwhile, when it comes to politics, a lot of the optimism appears to be gone, as a majority of voters in the U.S. declare that the country is headed in the wrong direction, according to a dismal poll released over the summer.
Powered by Center SquareThe latest research found that 65% of voters didn’t like the way things were going.
Only 24% of Americans said the country was headed in the right direction, while 11% were unsure.
