Many of us seek happiness in our lives. With a pinch of positive relationships, a dash of fulfilling work, a sprinkle of gratitude, a generous serving of physical and mental well-being, a splash of personal goals, a handful of leisure and enjoyment, and a sprinkle of kindness. The experiences we encounter on a daily basis all play a significant role in shaping our happiness levels.
Scholaroo, an online scholarship discovery platform identified the happiest states in the U.S. They compared all 50 states across 7 key categories. They include personal finance, leisure activities, mental health, and physical health. Employment, personal relationships, and social policies. They then evaluated those categories using 54 relevant metrics with each being graded on a 100-point scale.
Pennsylvania was named one of the happiest states in the U.S.
The site named Pennsylvania as one of the happiest states in America. Overall, the state was ranked as the 20th happiest state. It ranked above states like Wisconsin (number 21) and South Dakota (number 22). Also found in the study is that Pennsylvania has one of the lowest quit rates when it comes to jobs.
Highlights
The latest study revealed that people living in the Northeast region of the United States are the happiest in the entire country. What’s even more impressive is that every single state in the Northeast made it to the top 20 list of the happiest states in America. There’s something special about that corner of the country that brings so much happiness to its residents.
On the other hand, the majority of southern states found themselves at the lower end of the happiness spectrum. According to the study, these states tend to have higher rates of depression, longer working hours per week, and higher obesity rates than other regions in the country.
Check out the full list of the happiest states here.
6 Surprising Chores That Can Actually Make You Feel Good
Mowing The Lawn
For some, being outside in the fresh air and sunshine while doing physical work can be quite enjoyable. There’s something about seeing a freshly cut and neat lawn that can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. This can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction. Also, the rhythmic motion of mowing the lawn can be meditative for some people, which allows to clear their minds and reduce stress levels.
Laundry
The process of doing laundry can provide a sense of accomplishment and productivity. It involves completing a task from start to finish. And the act of folding and organizing freshly washed clothes can be satisfying for some people, helping them create a more organized and tidy living space. The task of doing laundry can also be an aromatic experience with the fresh and clean scent of newly washed clothes. That surely can lift a person’s mood.
Dishes
Washing dishes may not be the most glamorous of tasks, but it can actually be a chore that brings happiness. For some, the act of washing dishes can be a meditative activity that allows them to focus on the task at hand and clear their mind of other distractions.
Cleaning The Bathroom
Scrubbing away grime and dirt and restoring order to a space that may have become chaotic, can provide a sense of accomplishment and even a feeling of control over one’s environment. while cleaning the bathroom may not be everyone’s favorite chore, it can certainly be a task that brings a sense of peace and contentment to those who find joy in tidying up their living spaces.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming, like any other chore, can bring a sense of happiness and accomplishment to some people. Cleaning up dust, debris, and other particles from carpets and floors can provide a tangible sense of progress and order. Especially when you see the results of a freshly vacuumed space. Some people enjoy the sound and motion that a vacuum cleaner creates. It’s almost like a a sense of calm and relaxation, which can be therapeutic.
Cooking
Figuring out what to eat daily and having to cook it may not be enjoyable for some people. Cooking can be considered a chore, especially if they feel like they have to cook out of necessity rather than as a hobby or a creative outlet. It can provide a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and creativity. When you’re preparing a meal for yourself or others, it can be a way to express your love and care for those you are feeding. Also, cooking can be a stress-relieving activity that allows you to focus your attention on the task at hand and forget about other worries for a while.
