A recent national survey found that the typical American enjoys 252 good days annually, although some states seem to experience more positivity than others.

The survey, which included 5,000 participants from every state, showed that people in Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, and Oregon reported having more good days than the national average.

Florida led the rankings with an average of 276 good days per year, while Connecticut, Kentucky, and Vermont were at the bottom, with the fewest reported good days annually.

The annual “Bowl Half Full” report was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Icelandic Provisions 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 are the No. 1 most important things 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. 

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 fell 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

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans (100 from each state); the survey was commissioned by Icelandic Provisions and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 16 and May 27, 2025.