Once again the Gallup Poll has ranked Hawaii as the top state in the nation in terms of well-being. Hawaii scored a 71.1 to head the list, followed by colder and sparsely populated North Dakota and Alaska.
The survey of more than 177,000 people in all 50 states took place earlier this year. Gallup states that the scores are an average of six measures that examine life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors and access to basic necessities.
I doubt you’re very surprised
While this may come as a revelation to some, I doubt that many of you are in that category. What makes me say that? Hawaii vacation visitors and residents alike simply intuit the fact that the islands are good for mental and physical health.
When I first arrived in Hawaii decades ago, I felt it immediately.
Here are just a few of the ways in which I perceive Hawaii is good for health:
1. Clean air and water.
2. Year round great weather and humidity.
3. Friendly, happier-than-most people.
4. Nature’s beauty at every turn.
5. Fresh food.
6. Abundant exercise opportunities.
In what ways do you experience Hawaii’s emotional and physical health giving benefits, whether you live or play here?
Robin (8 months ago)
Most interesting to me is that all three of these top places are locations populated by a significant number of indigenous people. Seems relevant to me….
Melika (8 months ago)
There are so many gifts here …everything you mention is true, there is a beautiful “aloha spirit” here. I love the unique gift of “talking story”. If you wave at anyone (even if you don’t know them)…they will wave back! The ocean is so pure and cleansing…it is always my healer, physically and mentally. It always makes me smile! The brilliant colors and beauty here are unparalleled in my book, this is truly paradise…and of course we do have the best weather on the planet! So many things that make Hawaii special are difficult to put into words…words cannot do it justice…Hawaii is an experience for all your senses! Can you tell I am completely, hopelessly smitten here!!!
AlohaKarina (7 months ago)
I would love to live in Hawaii again, as I did when I was a kid. I live in Maine now, and we have friendly people, tons of natural beauty, the ocean, lots of local farm stands and good food…but there is just something magical about Hawaii. It truly has the Spirit of Aloha. Even the colors are brighter there–there is some quality to the light that is so different from anywhere else. You have never seen a blue sky until you’ve seen a Hawaiian blue sky.
Aloha!