This Is the Happiest Holiday Destination in the U.S.-and Science Says It'll Boost Your Mood

"As for what makes us produce more of these happy hormones, the team said that a destination's annual sunshine was a "key factor" as "natural light boosts serotonin and helps regulate mood." They also assessed each destination's sleep quality, measured via noise and light pollution, with "quieter, darker environments shown to support dopamine balance and lower stress hormones." Great food and easy access to nature were also at the top of that must-have list."

""The percentage of healthy restaurants in each destination indicated diets that support serotonin production, while green space per capita highlighted the endorphin-releasing benefits of the outdoors," the team shared. And last but not least was walkability, as it measured how accessible each city's main attractions are on foot. After analyzing the data, Orlando was the No. 1 U.S. destination on the list (and No. 3 worldwide),"

An index compared 47 popular travel destinations across five science-backed factors shown to trigger release of serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. Annual sunshine, sleep quality measured by noise and light pollution, percentage of healthy restaurants, green space per capita, and walkability were the assessed factors. Natural light boosts serotonin and helps regulate mood. Quieter, darker environments support dopamine balance and lower stress hormones. Healthy diets support serotonin production. Green space encourages endorphin release. Walkability measures pedestrian access to main attractions. Orlando ranked highest among U.S. destinations and third worldwide.

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