Despite the ongoing recession, a Gallup poll recently reported that Americans have renewed a positive outlook in their well-being and future.

Gallup’s Well-Being Index is a survey that tracks six categories across American lifestyles: Life Evaulation, Emotional Health, Healthy Behavior, Physical Health, Basic Access, and Work Environment. 

In the Life Evalution category, Americans are asked to rate whether they are “thriving,” “struggling,” or “suffering” on a scale. According to the survey, the majority of Americans rated themselves as “thriving,” which increased the Life Evalution index to 67.4% in May, the highest it has been since January 2008.  Since more Americans are exercising, the Healthy Behavior index also increased to 65.2%, again the highest it has been since January 2008. 

According to Gallup, the increase in these two categories are significant since “more Americans are now thriving in terms of their outlook on their lives…This psychological recovery could be key to further improvement in tangible economic outcomes such as spending and hiring.” (Gallup.com)

Here’s to a continuing optimism for improving our nation’s economy.

Read more about the Life Evalution Index:

• Gallup.com: Renewed Positivity Drives U.S. Well-Being Index to New High