It's interesting to note that year after year, this index essentially shows the same thing: the same states and regions are really healthy, and the same ones just aren't. Overall, Western and Midwestern states usually earn the highest well-being scores while the South receives the lowest. It's obvious location really matters when it comes to health and well-being.

People are more likely to eat well and exercise more when the people around them have these healthy habits as well, research has shown. It's simply peer pressure. Basically, we have an innate desire to fit in—so healthy (or unhealthy) behaviors or attitudes are often contagious.

It's something I can attest to. I'm not a Colorado native, and it took a while for me to actually begin to admit to people that I don't ski or snowboard, and that anything involving heights and being outside in freezing, windy weather really doesn't appeal to me. But when I realized I answered “no” to every question about whether I bike, hike, ski, snowshoe, run, walk really fast, etc.—I felt like an outsider (and a lazy one, at that). Basically, I was peer pressured into beginning some sort of physical exertion and healthy eating—or at least pretending, er, trying, to.

Surrounding yourself with people whose qualities you desire or respect is often a good lesson—no one wants to be around coworker who complains all the time, or have Debbie Downer be your best friend.

On a similar note, though, the poll notes that Hawaiian residents were most likely to experience daily enjoyment and least likely to have daily worry or stress, which contributed to their high emotional health, the survey notes. Hawaii workers also reported having the most positive work environments in the nation.

Sure physical health is important, but I've always been a big proponent of mental and emotional health and overall well-being. Maybe all this means is clearly I should look into moving to Hawaii, especially since I'm not too keen on the skiing thing. Plus I could always try surfing.