United States of Well-Being: Tips From the Top Well-Being States in America

     What do Hawaii, Colorado, New Hampshire and Iowa have in common? Not their climates or tourist attractions, that's for sure. While these states might not offer the same kind of thrilling or relaxing experiences, those who live in them do experience the same kind of well-being - the best in the nation.


Photo courtesy of Gallup-Healthways

According to the 2012 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the top 10 states with the best well-being include Hawaii, Colorado, Minnesota, Utah, Vermont, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Iowa and Massachusetts.
     While these 10 states might not all be located in one central area, they do have their commonalities.

     It's probably impossible for nearly all 314 million Americans to live in one of those 10 states at once. And it's definitely not feasible to drop what you're doing and move to one of those states. But you can take the practices of these states into consideration when living your own life.

     Less Stress

     "More than two-thirds of Hawaiians reported not feeling stressed ..." Stress can come from all kinds of stimulants; it's all about how you handle that stress. Positive thinking, exercise and carefree activities can all help with those daily stresses, but it's ultimately about finding something you enjoy and that can put you in a good state of mind.

     Healthy Behaviors

     I've talked about these behaviors already. And it looks like Coloradans have been listening! They "were among the most likely Americans to practice healthy behaviors, such as exercising regularly and eating fruits and vegetables."

     Be Happy

Photo courtesy of  thechangeblog.com

     More than 85 percent of Minnesotans reported that they "did not feel an excessive amount of sadness during the previous day." Whether suffering from SAD, stress or the daily trials and tribulations, be sure to have a good attitude and look for the small things that put a smile on your face. Surrounding yourself with people and things you enjoy doesn't hurt either.

     Be a Life-Long Learner

     People in Utah had expectations for their futures, high satisfaction with their current lives and a feeling of thriving in life - and most of those same people reported learning something new and interesting recently. So, read a book, watch the news, take a few extra minutes each day to learn a new fact - who knows how beneficial that information might be!

Photo courtesy of sonoma.edu

     Find a Career, Not a Job

     Stay in school! Residents of Montana have "the highest proportion of adults with a high school degree in the country." According to the well-being report, this directly influences the fact that the state also has one of the lowest unemployment rates with many people from Montana saying they also have a good work environment. But staying in school and getting a degree and good education will give you the opportunity to have more say in what you choose to do with your life. With more knowledge and experience, you'll have a better chance of doing what you love for a living.
     So while you might not be able to live in or visit these 10 states all the time, you can take what the citizens of these states practice and apply them to your life. Begin with small changes you know you can make and stick to them to work towards a better, healthier, happier life.