What are the most relaxed U.S. states?

Start Slideshow

Image for article titled The 10 most relaxed states in America — Photo: Westend61 (iStock by Getty Images)

While stress can impact anyone, regardless of where they live, some states have a clear advantage over others when it comes to leading a more relaxed life. A recent analysis from Manhattan Mental Health Counseling used data from the United Health Foundation’s (UNH) America’s Health Rankings to determine where in the United States residents feel the least stressed.

The study used two metrics to determine overall rankings – the percentage of adults reporting frequent mental distress and the percentage of adults aged 65 and older experiencing frequent physical distress. Researchers then averaged the two figures to determine which states were the most relaxed and which were the least.

The 10 least relaxed states were all concentrated in the southern and southwestern states. West Virginia was the most stressed, followed by Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Kentucky. The most relaxed states were more spread out across the country, but the Midwestern and Northeast were the most represented in the top 10.

Continue reading to learn more about the 10 most relaxed states in America.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

2 / 12

10. California (tied)

California is the tenth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 14.8% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

3 / 12

10. Massachusetts (tied)

Massachusetts is the tenth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 14.8% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

4 / 12

8. New Jersey (tied)

New Jersey is the eighth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 14.6% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

5 / 12

8. Delaware (tied)

Delaware is the eighth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 14.6% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

6 / 12

8. Minnesota (tied)

Minnesota is the eighth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 14.6% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

7 / 12

5. Iowa

Iowa is the fifth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 14.4% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

8 / 12

4. North Dakota

North Dakota is the fourth most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 13.9% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

9 / 12

3. Nebraska

Nebraska is the third most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 12.9% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

10 / 12

2. Hawai’i

Hawai’i is the second most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 12.5% of people reporting stress monthly.

Previous Slide

Next Slide

11 / 12

1. South Dakota

South Dakota is the most relaxed state in the country. It has an average of 12.2% of people reporting stress monthly.

The 10 most relaxed states in America

The 10 least relaxed states were all concentrated in the southern and southwestern regions

10. California (tied)

10. California (tied)

10. Massachusetts (tied)

10. Massachusetts (tied)

8. New Jersey (tied)

8. New Jersey (tied)

8. Delaware (tied)

8. Delaware (tied)

8. Minnesota (tied)

8. Minnesota (tied)

5. Iowa

5. Iowa

4. North Dakota

4. North Dakota

3. Nebraska

3. Nebraska

2. Hawai’i

2. Hawai’i

1. South Dakota

1. South Dakota