According to the just released Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, South Dakotans are living a pretty good life, coming in third overall out of all 50 states.

How is a state's well-being index determined? Good question. The answer is, Gallup-Healthways examines what they consider the five elements of well-being.

  • Purpose - liking what you do each day and being motivated to reach your goals
  • Social - having supportive relationships and love in your life
  • Financial - managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security
  • Community - liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community
  • Physical - having good health and enough energy to get things done daily

The report found that overall well-being was at an all-time high thanks to "historically low smoking rates", "historically high exercise rates", the "greatest number of Americans covered by healthcare insurance" and "Americans reporting the lowest rates of healthcare insecurity since 2008".

All the national trends weren't great however, with obesity, diabetes and depression, all on the rise.

They also found, among other things,  that married people have better emotional health and workplace well-being was increasing.

The Top 5 states well-being-wise are:

  1. Hawaii (Duh!)
  2. Alaska (Huh?)
  3. South Dakota (Yay!)
  4. Maine (Lobsters- -mmm!)
  5. Colorado (Rocky mountain high?)

You can see the full report and see the breakdowns for illness, healthcare and more here.

Source: Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being


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