New data reveals the most popular self-care activities in each US state, Top 4: Journaling, Exercise, Yoga, Podcasts
- Journaling is the most googled self-care activity in the United States, claiming the top spot in 14 states.
- Exercise came out on top in 11 states, closely followed by yoga and podcasts with six and five states each, respectively.
- Surprisingly, pedicure, massage, and bath were also popular self-care searches, each leading in one or two states.
Recognizing the importance of self-care, many Americans prioritize their well-being, actively seeking relaxation and balance in their lives.
Self-care takes many forms, but the core concept is simple: tending to your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or social needs. Interestingly, a Google study reveals that self-care preferences vary significantly from state to state.
Mental health experts at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling conducted a study to identify the most Googled self-care activity in each state.
To do this, the team analyzed Google search data for more than 49 self-care activities and then studied specific searches for each self-care activity.
Journaling is the most searched-for self-care activity across the United States. It topped the list as the number one self-care choice in a remarkable 14 states. States like North Carolina, Washington, Arizona, and Wisconsin showed a particular interest in journaling as their go-to self-care method.
Exercise comes in second on the list, claiming the top spot in 11 states. Given the state’s mountainous terrain and abundant outdoor opportunities, it’s no surprise that Alaska residents turn to exercise as their primary form of self-care. Other states like New Mexico and Texas also prioritize exercise for their well-being.
Yoga takes the top spot as the preferred self-care activity in six states, including California and New York. It’s no surprise that residents of the active California lifestyle and the fast-paced city of New York find solace in the serene practice of yoga.
Podcasts are a popular self-care choice in five states, including Virginia, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. This trend reflects the growing popularity of podcasts as a source of relaxation, information, and inspiration for many Americans.
In three states, including Illinois, Maine, and Michigan, meditation is the most googled type of self-care, indicating a preference to turn to meditation for moments of inner peace and mindfulness.
Meanwhile, in three other states — Montana, North Dakota, and Oregon — music serves as a therapeutic escape.
Iowa and Ohio residents prioritize essential oils for self-care. They find relaxation and rejuvenation through the soothing scents and properties of these oils more than any other self-care method.
A relaxing bath is the ultimate self-care for residents of Colorado and Mississippi. Meanwhile, Georgians and Missourians prioritize a good night’s sleep as their top self-care activity.
Hawaii residents indulge in massages for ultimate relaxation, while Floridians pamper themselves with pedicures as their preferred self-care treat.
Natalie Buchwald, a lead psychologist at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling commented on the findings:
“The diverse self-care preferences across the United States reflect the unique ways individuals prioritize their well-being.
Self-care is a highly personal journey, shaped by individual needs and the cultural nuances of each region.
If you haven’t already, make self-care a priority this year. Whether it’s journaling, exercise, massage, or something entirely different, find what works best for you.
Create time for yourself, considering your schedule and budget. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing self-care will leave you feeling refreshed and energized throughout the year.”
The full list of self-care activities that residents in each state googled most:
|
State
|
Most Googled Self-Care Activity
|
|
Alabama
|
Journaling
|
|
Alaska
|
Exercise
|
|
Arizona
|
Journaling
|
|
Arkansas
|
Exercise
|
|
California
|
Yoga
|
|
Colorado
|
Bath
|
|
Connecticut
|
Yoga
|
|
Delaware
|
Journaling
|
|
Florida
|
Pedicure
|
|
Georgia
|
Sleep
|
|
Hawaii
|
Massage
|
|
Idaho
|
Journaling
|
|
Illinois
|
Meditation
|
|
Indiana
|
Exercise
|
|
Iowa
|
Essential Oils
|
|
Kansas
|
Journaling
|
|
Kentucky
|
Exercise
|
|
Louisiana
|
Podcast
|
|
Maine
|
Meditation
|
|
Maryland
|
Yoga
|
|
Massachusetts
|
Journaling
|
|
Michigan
|
Meditation
|
|
Minnesota
|
Exercise
|
|
Mississippi
|
Bath
|
|
Missouri
|
Sleep
|
|
Montana
|
Music
|
|
Nebraska
|
Journaling
|
|
Nevada
|
Journaling
|
|
New Hampshire
|
Podcast
|
|
New Jersey
|
Exercise
|
|
New Mexico
|
Exercise
|
|
New York
|
Yoga
|
|
North Carolina
|
Journaling
|
|
North Dakota
|
Music
|
|
Ohio
|
Essential Oils
|
|
Oklahoma
|
Journaling
|
|
Oregon
|
Music
|
|
Pennsylvania
|
Exercise
|
|
Rhode Island
|
Podcast
|
|
South Carolina
|
Journaling
|
|
South Dakota
|
Podcast
|
|
Tennessee
|
Exercise
|
|
Texas
|
Exercise
|
|
Utah
|
Yoga
|
|
Vermont
|
Journaling
|
|
Virginia
|
Podcast
|
|
Washington
|
Journaling
|
|
West Virginia
|
Yoga
|
|
Wisconsin
|
Journaling
|
|
Wyoming
|
Exercise
|
Methodology
The research team analyzed search volumes for 49 keywords related to self-care over the past year to determine the most searched self-care activity in each state.
The research team analyzed search volumes for 49 keywords related to self-care over the past year to determine the most searched self-care activity in each state.
For each self-care activity, the study looked at the specific keywords and phrases that were searched on Google, such as, ‘journaling self care’, ‘journaling to relax’, ‘journaling to reduce stress’, and so on. They did so for all 49 self-care activities with over 200 related keywords to each self-care activity.
The team then calculated the total number of searches for each self-care activity in each state to determine which self-care activity had the highest number of searches.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
