Thinking of moving? Depending on where you live, your stress levels might improve when you relocate. A new study compared the stress levels of people in different states.
"No. 1 — that's where Florida ranks when it comes to stressed-out states. The stress blamed on high unemployment and lack of health insurance. The least stressed state: North Dakota." (Via Fox News)
The study was conducted by real estate blog Movoto, which found these to be the 10 most stressed-out states: Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, California, Nevada, Illinois, New York, Maryland, North Carolina and Arizona.
Stress was measured by factors including unemployment rate, population density and the percentage of the community without health insurance. The data came from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey for 2008-2012. (Via Movoto.com)
Yes, the causes of stress are different for everyone, from end-of-quarter reports to dinner with the in-laws to spoilers for your favorite show. But this study's criteria for measuring stress does have statistical backing.
In 2013, the American Psychological Association found job pressure, money and health to be the top three causes of stress. (Via Statistic Brain / American Psychological Association)
If you find yourself on the wrong side of the top 10 but North Dakota doesn't necessarily scream "home," where else can you move?
According to the study, Iowa and South Dakota are close contenders.
Doesn't it seem a little backward, though?
Why is it that all the places that look like this are worse for us than the places that look like this? (Via YouTube / VISIT FLORIDA, Matthew Eckhoff)
As you rush to pack your bags, you might want to take a second to pause. The weather might actually be a hidden variable affecting the stress scores.
The warmest American city is in Florida, and some of the coldest are in North Dakota and Minnesota. (Via WeatherExplained.com)
Warmer climates typically attract more people, which could explain a higher demand for jobs and health care — and that leads to more stress, according to the terms of the study.
No matter where you live, though, if stress is getting the best of you, the American Heart Association has some tips. It recommends positive self-talk, deep breathing, and doing something you love for at least 15 minutes daily.
I'll keep those tips in mind when stress makes me want to move to my own private island.
