Michigan Makes 10 Most Miserable States

As we head out into the coldest day of the year, it's not very gratifying to find out the Mitten State has slipped into the top 10 of the most miserable states in the U.S.

The annual Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index is out, and Michigan is the ninth most miserable state in the union.

At the other end of the spectrum, Alaska is the happiest state.

It may seem like a cold and desolate place to the rest of us, but according to the latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index for American states, Alaska ranks as the Happiest State in America.

The survey, which has been conducted since 2008, makes their determination by looking at things like feelings of motivation, personal safety, financial satisfaction and physical energy. They also talk to more than 175,000 people in all 50 states to come to their conclusions about which state is happiest.

"In many ways, we are not surprised to learn that Alaska tops this list,” said Albert Wall, director of the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health. “Although we have our share of problems common to other states in the nation, almost all Alaskans live here by choice — for our beautiful surroundings, our sense of freedom and individuality, and our close ties with the land.”

Coming in at No. 2 is Hawaii, which is one of only two states (the other being Colorado) to land in the top 10 since the list’s existence.

10 Happiest States

Alaska
Hawaii
South Dakota
Wyoming
Montana
Colorado
Nebraska
Utah
New Mexico
Texas

Happiness is also fleeting, as last year's number one, North Dakota tumbled all the way down to 23rd, mainly because smoking increased in the state, as did death due to disease.

And apparently overall our daily happiness has gone down a bit recently, although not by much. In 2014, 88.1 percent of people reported being happy “a lot of the day yesterday,” which is down from 88.5 percent from 2012.

Dan Witters, research director of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, speaking to Maine News Online, said that in order to account the seasonal changes, around 500 people were interviewed on every day of the year.

courtesy NASA

The poll was based on five major factors, including liking and being motivated by what you do every day, managing finances to reduce stress, having supportive relationships and love, feeling safe in and proud of your community, and having good health and enough energy.

Witters said that although Michiganders answered positively to all the questions, they were less likely to find purpose in their current role or to feel their talents were being used in comparison to the residents of other states.

Michigan has long winters, biting cold days, ice and gray, but even Alaska isn't known for tropic warmth, neither is South Dakota that is ranked number 3.

On this, Witters added, "Being involved in your community, managing your finances, spending time with families and drawing positive energy from that, and seeking out opportunities to use your strength - those are things that don't rely on the weather".

On the bottom end, West Virginia led the way to misery, followed by Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Mississippi.

The people in these states are the least likely to be motivated to achieve goals, have positive relationships, be financially satisfied, be rich, feel safe, be healthy, and have pride in where they live.

10 Most Miserable States