As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the concept of well-being has become more significant in all aspects of American life. A survey by Total Brain from March 2020 revealed that 58% of U.S. workers were suffering from anxiety brought on by the pandemic, and 34% of respondents were looking to their employers for help. Consequently, many employers have stepped up to expand resources for their employees and address their needs.

However, a new study suggests that achieving a sense of well-being is easier in some parts of the country than others.

Sharecare, a digital health company, has been compiling its Well-Being Index over the past decade. The Index has aimed to benchmark the nation's health by helping states and communities to understand health risk and opportunity across the following domains:

• Purpose: liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals
• Social: having supportive relationships and love in your life
• Financial: managing your economic life to increase security and reduce stress
• Community: liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community
• Physical: having good health and enough energy to get things done daily

"Recognizing the hyperlocal nature of health, it is critical to create environments that foster a culture of well-being and support individuals in better understanding their own community and how to navigate it for better health," the study states.