North Dakotans Aren’t As Happy As Last Year

Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index Ranking Down To 23

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North Dakota is no longer the happiest state in the country according to this year’s Gallup–Healthways Well–Being Index. We slid all the way down to number 23 in just one year.

People are not buying the latest unhappy Index findings which looks at a persons social life, financial situation, physical level and more. They believe the 23rd ranking is in error.

Resident Ed Larson says, “I think it has to do probably with the questions and how they had the poll arranged.”

Resident Fred Haring says, “The pool was probably too small or too limited…or maybe just done at the wrong time.”

Those working in transportation, manufacturing and construction are the ones with the lowest overall well–being scores.

Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau Jill Halvorson says, “That group of people…have hard, difficult, working out in the cold elements and long hours. It’s just a hard job so more of those people are going to be interviewed and it brings the stats up. A lot of stress in their life.”

The Index notes that this year we’re seeing worsening behaviors like more people smoking, less healthy eating and reduced exercise.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says, “We don’t want them smoking more. We want them decreasing their smoking. We have great restaurants in town so hopefully they can find some healthy food to eat. Exercise is always an issue and I think you have to work on that.”

If you’re feeling unhappy there are some things you can do to perk up.

Halvorson says, “Just having more leisure, doing more touristy things, getting out of town whether you live 30–miles away or you live 300–miles away. Go to a hotel, go to a spa, go out to eat, go have a date.”

Speaking of dating and supportive relationships, North Dakota is also lacks love ranking 45th in the social category.

Halvorson adds, “Our relationships were suffering so take a spouse, take a girlfriend and go out and have a good time.”

Then maybe we’ll slide back up the happy index.

According to this year’s Index, Alaska is the happiest state with West Virginia coming in as the unhappiest.