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According to a happiness survey of 1.3 million people across the country by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sunshine states are proving to be the happiest states in the United States. Surprisingly, coming in first for the happiest state is Louisiana. New York comes in last place.
Louisiana as the happiest state is a surprise to many. One of the individuals charged with compiling the survey data, Economists Andrew J. Oswald of the University of Warwick in England, acknowledges that part of the study was conducted prior to Hurricane Katrina and another portion was done more recently, raising some questions to the validity of the test. However, Oswald affirms his confidence in the survey findings.
The survey reveals that a person’s level of happiness is in direct relation to one’s perceived quality of life. Issues like climate, crime rates, air quality and schools have significant influence on happiness. Sunshine also seems to be a key contributor to overall happiness. In reviewing the top 15 happiest states, it is hard to miss that more than half of them are states experience more days of sunshine than other states.
Many studies prove healthy exposure to sunshine improves an individual’s overall sense of well-being and happiness. Regular and safe exposure to sunshine will stimulate the production of Serotonin, Melatonin and Vitamin D, thereby promoting a good mental outlook, more restful sleep and an improved immune system.
Since I live in Texas, I need to point out that it ranked in the top 30 percent of the happiest states. Texas also ranks fifth in the states with the most sunshine. Arizona ranking number one for the most days of sunshine per year comes in fifth in the happiest state survey.
Top 15 Happiest States
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
Tags: Andrew J. Oswald, attitude, happiest states, happiest states in America, happiness, Louisiana, Melatonin, Serotonin, Texas, Vitamin D
