Top Three Takeaways – February 3rd, 2021
- Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes. No this isn’t about Jimmy Buffet, however yes, he was onto something when he sang about the virtues of living in South Florida. While we’re on a second day of iguana watch, pretty much everyone north of us are simply left to look at their watch, as snowstorms have left most of the east coast locked down again. This time due to weather. I’ve said since the onset of the pandemic I’d rather ride it out here than any other place. That’s as true today as ever. And it’s not just about perception. Generally, whether it’s me or you, we’re all in a better frame of mind for living here – especially this time of year. According to the American Psychiatric Association, winter is the peak season for depression. Already 18.1% of Americans suffer from depression. An additional 5% suffer from seasonal depression. Now imagine being 11 months into the pandemic, susceptible to depression anyway and then being snowed in this week. Whatever might be bugging you today...be thankful we’re in South Florida. That’s because the single best antidote for seasonal depression is...
- Light. And we live in the sunshine state after all, though Florida’s not actually the sunniest state in the country. Based on CDC data aggregated by Stacker we’re actually tenth in overall annual hours of sunshine, Arizona is actually first. Anyway, here are the ten states with the least amount of sunshine... Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, New York, New Hampshire, Montana Oregon, Vermont, Maine, Washington. Notice a trend? All northern states. Here are the top three states for clinical depression per capita. Maine, West Virginia and Oregon. Meanwhile Florida has the fifth lowest rate of depression per capita. Hawaii incidentally has the least – certainly another state full of sunshine and beautiful weather. My point in sharing is twofold. Due to the pandemic and the culmination of peak winter weather right now, the average person who is prone to depression is likely battling the most difficult time in their life. That’s especially true if they live in the northeast. Be mindful of your family and friends and be thankful we live here.
- Don’t bet on the beaver. Ok, technically groundhogs aren’t beavers but did you know they’re the closest relatives to them? If you’re looking for a quick end to winter and more sunshine sooner than later, you’re probably in luck. Yes, Punxsutawney Phil said we’ll have six more weeks of winter, but the odds are he’s wrong. According to CBS 12’s Lauren Olesky Phil’s only been right 39% of the time. He’s the counter indicator. So be on the lookout for falling iguanas today, and remember if they’re just lying there looking dead, they’re probably just stunned. Not unlike many of the people living in the northeast wondering why they still do. Speaking of which... Expect next week to be another big week for South Florida’s Real-Estate market as those who can move here decide to one the snow clears. They’re probably not playing Jimmy Buffet right now, but attitudes and latitudes are likely on their mind.
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