What exactly is stress?

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body's response to anything that requires attention or action. - Very Well Mind

Chronic stress can lead to a long list of problems like heart disease, weight gain, hair loss, headaches, and problems in the nooky department too!

So how can you deal with it?

Some research indicates that the way to deal with this kind of situation is to change your reaction to it. (I know, ridiculous. Right?)

How stressful is living in Sioux Falls?

Well, if you believe WalletHub's latest study of 182 of the largest cities across the country, life in Sioux Falls and Rapid City is pretty unstressful.

However, an American Psychologic Association survey indicated that 83% of Americans feel stressed about inflation, 75% feel stressed about violence and crime, and some are still dealing with residual stress from the pandemic.

WalletHub studied statistics dealing with everything from:

  • Work stress - Average hours worked weekly, job security, unemployment rates, and even commute times.
  • Financial stress - Median incomes, foreclosure & bankruptcy rates, and food insecurity, too.
  • Family stress - Child care costs, separation, and divorce rates.
  • Health & safety stress - Depression rates, people who need to see a doctor, but cannot afford it, obesity, excessive drinking, and mental illness rates, also came into this study.

Where are people less stressed out than in Sioux Falls?

Here is the list of the Top Ten Least Stressed Cities in the U.S.:

  1. Fremont, California
  2. South Burlington, Vermont
  3. Fargo, North Dakota
  4. Lincoln, Nebraska
  5. Bismarck, North Dakota
  6. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  7. Boise, Idaho
  8. Nashua,  New Hampshire
  9. Portland, Maine
  10. Overland Park, Kansas
  11. Rapid City, South Dakota

So, Sioux Falls and Rapid City are fairly relaxing places to live. At least that's what this survey says!

Source: Wallet Hub

Sioux Falls Area Farmer's Markets

We can finally go outside without our nose hairs freezing! It must be spring in South Dakota. And when the days are warm that means the gardens are growing. It's farmers' market time in Sioux Falls.

Fresh produce, locally made goods, great people, and a good time are found at these farmer's markets around Sioux Falls.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

15 Free Things to Do in Sioux Falls

"What are we gonna?" This is a question everyone asks, especially in the summer. Whatever it is you do, it's always better if it is free.

Sioux Falls is a small city full of big fun for all ages, and a lot of it is free. We have world-class parks, museums, live music and so much more. Here's a handy list of 15 free things to do in Sioux Falls.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns