Which state has the most good days annually?

A new national survey revealed that the average American experiences 252 good days each year — but some states are feeling the good vibes more than others.

According to the survey of 5,000 Americans, evenly split across all 50 states, residents in Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho and Oregon all reported above-average numbers of good days.

Florida topped the list with the highest number overall, averaging 276 good days annually, and at the other end of the spectrum, Connecticut, Kentucky and Vermont reported the fewest good days per year.

The annual “Bowl Half Full” report was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Icelandic Provisions  (https://www.icelandicprovisions.com) and examined the habits, mindsets and routines that shape Americans’ daily optimism. From sleep quality to screen time, and meals to morning rituals, it uncovered what fuels a good day — and who’s having the most of them.

According to the results, people can tell whether or not they’ll have a good day by 8:30 a.m., on average.

Nearly half of Americans (46%) have a good day ritual or routine to make a standard day feel special, and many people’s good day routines are all about starting the morning on the right foot, sharing things like, “I always eat a high-protein breakfast and meditate as much as I can” and “I try to write a poem in the morning. If I get that right, I’ve accomplished something good.”

Another respondent said, “I start [the day] with exercise, a good healthy breakfast and a great attitude,” correlating with the survey findings that good days aren’t necessarily defined by everything falling into place, but more so by healthy habits and an optimistic mindset.

Food plays an especially important role in good days: Nearly all Americans (93%) agreed that a good day is largely dependent on getting nourishing food throughout.

Looking closer, respondents said that they need to eat high-protein (47%), low-sugar (31%) and nutrient-rich foods (28%) for their day to be considered good.

And those who have the most good days per year were also found to be some of the most likely to eat high-protein foods such as yogurt, skyr, chicken and eggs on a typical day.

The most popular flavors respondents like to enjoy on a good day are coffee (50%), chocolate (49%), banana (34%), vanilla (30%), caramel (25%) and berry (24%).

And according to the findings, good health and nutrition is the No. 1 most important thing for a happy life (49%), followed by having strong relationships (48%) and a sense of purpose (48%).

The study also found that an optimistic outlook — or seeing the bowl as half full — might be the key to unlocking a good day (51%), with enjoying healthy food (36%), laughing at the little things in life (50%) and quality time with family (50%) scoring high marks as well.

“The data shows that nutrition isn’t just about physical health — it’s a major player in how we feel emotionally,” added Marissa Karp, registered dietitian, founder of MPM Nutrition and nutrition consultant to Icelandic Provisions. “Nutrient-rich foods packed with vitamins, minerals and protein — like skyr — can give you the steady energy and balance you need to start a good day off strong and keep it going.”

Along with uncovering the components of a good day and examining how healthy habits contribute, the survey also compared optimism levels from 2024 to 2025.

For America’s optimism score in 2025, the nation gets a 6.5 overall, tallied based on qualities such as determination, perseverance and patience.

And although this score is slightly lower than 2024’s optimism score, which was 6.7, in the study, when respondents were asked if they identify more with a “bowl half full” or a “bowl half empty” mindset, 86% of Americans fall on the optimistic side.

These optimistic, “bowl half full respondents,” were found to be more perseverant, prepared and positive about their futures, along with having more good days per year than their pessimistic counterparts.

“This year’s report reminds us that optimism is more than a mindset — it’s a daily practice,” said Mark Alexander, chief executive officer at Icelandic Provisions. “We set out to explore how optimism has shifted over the past year and how it shapes Americans’ ability to have a good day. As Icelandic tradition suggests, optimism isn’t just something you feel — it’s something you do. At its core, it means setting yourself up for success, especially in health and nutrition.”

STATES WITH THE MOST GOOD DAYS PER YEAR

• No.1: Florida — 276
• Tied for No. 2: Delaware — 264
• Tied for No. 2: Georgia — 264
• Tied for No. 2: Hawaii — 264
• Tied for No. 2: Idaho — 264
• Tied for No. 2: Oregon — 264

STATES WITH THE LEAST GOOD DAYS PER YEAR

• Tied for No. 1: Connecticut — 228
• Tied for No. 1: Kentucky — 228
• Tied for No. 1: Vermont — 228