• A new study has identified the top ten states that struggle to relax after work, with New York ranking first 

• The study scored each state in an index based on average working hours and post-work commute time

• Also among the states that find it hard to unwind are Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, and Maryland

• Struggling to switch off after work can increase the likelihood of burnout – but an expert reveals the CBD strains that can help 

Experts from the Pacific Stone Editorial Team have identified the ten states who struggle the most to switch off after their workday, with New York ranking first.  

The study awarded each state a score out of 100 based on the average weekly work hours, typical driving commute time, whether the commute was tackled alone, household income inequality, and average traffic volumes.  

Switching off after work can be difficult for a variety of reasons, including a high workload, stressful work environment, or fear of job loss. Work-life balance is also a major factor, with commute times and work hours contributing to this. 

New York is named as the state that struggles the most to relax after the workday, with an index score of 90 out of 100. This is largely due to the average weekly work hours of 40.1, along with a daily driving commute time of 33.2 minutes.  

Ranking second with an overall score of 84 out of 100 is Massachusetts. The state sits just below the nationwide average working hours (39.6 per week) at 39.5, and workers commute to work for 29.4 minutes.  

Third is California, with a 63% longer commute time than the national average (24.6 minutes) at 29.20 minutes and a high 40.2 average weekly working hours.  

New Jersey and Maryland rank fourth and fifth, with only a slight index score difference at 77.3 and 74.7. New Jersey employees put in an average of 40.7 hours at work per week, while Maryland’s workers commute for 32 minutes.  

The ten states that struggle to switch off after work the most 

Overall, the state with the longest commute time is New York at 33.2 minutes, with almost two-fifths (39%) of drivers facing the journey to and from work alone. The shortest commute is in South Dakota at 17.4 minutes.  

The state that spends the most time at work is Louisiana at 44.3 hours per week, while the least overworked state is Alaska, spending 27.7 hours at work.  

While there are multiple ways to unwind after work – including partaking in physical exercise, socializing with loved ones, or escaping into a novel, some people may choose to use cannabis to assist with their post-work relaxation.  

As well as identifying which states are least likely to be able to switch off after work, the study also identifies which cannabis strains may prove beneficial to those looking for a natural way to unwind.  

Colin Graham from the Pacific Stone Editorial Team commented on the findings: “With hustle culture rising in prominence online, it’s incredibly important to take care of yourself and ensure that you unwind at the end of the workday. Failure to do so increases the risk of burnout and may affect your physical and mental well-being. 

“With so many types of cannabis, it’s important to know which ones will benefit you most. Some people unwind by keeping busy with hobbies and socializing, while others enjoy cozy nights in - thankfully, there are strains that facilitate both. 

“For the likes of those wanting a relaxing night in and a deep sleep, Wedding Cake, Gelato and Kush Mints are some of the best strains. For nights out and more active evening Strawberry Cough, Cereal Milk, and Blue Dream would work perfectly.  

“While there are some lingering stigmas around cannabis, it’s slowly becoming more accepted. With more states legalizing the plant, we may one day see it as normal as any other consumable adults can legally acquire.  When enjoyed responsibly, cannabis offers a mellow vibe that can help you forget work stress.” 

Best cannabis strains to destress after work