As summer drew to a close and routines returned with the start of a new season, the national mood in August reflected a balance of calm, gratitude, and everyday pressures. While many Americans found stability in family, rest, and simple pleasures, persistent financial strain, sleeplessness, and uncertainty continued to weigh heavily on others.

Overall Mood:

Throughout August, the national mood held steady, though with clear divides. Calm and happiness frequently stemmed from quiet routines, spiritual grounding, good weather, and family time. Many described slow mornings, restful weekends, and gratitude for health or life itself as anchors for their peace of mind.

At the same time, recurring pressures around finances, sleep loss, and health challenges pulled sentiment downward. Economic worries, ranging from job insecurity to rising bills, were common, as were mentions of exhaustion from long work hours or caregiving. Anxiety and sadness also surfaced in response to broader national issues and personal strain.

Overall, the data points to a dual emotional landscape: widespread appreciation for stability and small joys, alongside persistent fatigue and financial stressors that remain difficult to shake.

Top Sentiments

• Republican men consistently reported the highest mood scores across the month. Their positivity was grounded in stability, gratitude, and resilience. Many emphasized balance in work and home life, restful mornings, and faith, often framing challenges as manageable. Family time, nature, and small joys like sports or quiet coffee rituals reinforced their sense of calm and optimism.

• Married men also reported elevated moods, citing supportive relationships, shared routines, and peaceful family moments as core drivers of happiness. Even when acknowledging stress, many balanced it with gratitude and structure, keeping overall sentiment high.

On the other hand, women identifying with “other” political affiliations continued to report the lowest mood scores. Financial hardship, health struggles, caregiving demands, and strained relationships dominated their responses. While some still expressed gratitude for family or calm moments, the overall tone reflected exhaustion, instability, and persistent emotional weight.

• Unemployed respondents similarly reported lower scores, frequently describing tiredness, anxiety, and boredom. Financial insecurity, disrupted sleep, and restlessness shaped their experiences, though faith, nature, and family occasionally offered relief.

Other Key Takeaways from August

• Income & Gender Shift: Among $175K+ households, women outpaced men on average mood for three consecutive weeks, reversing the usual pattern. Their responses emphasized recovery, rested mornings, and orderly routines, while men showed more volatility from competing work and bill pressures.

• Sexual Orientation Trends: Early August saw bisexual respondents report lower moods than straight and gay and lesbian peers. By month’s end, gay and lesbian respondents rose to parity with straight individuals, citing steadier rhythms, better rest, and growing work momentum.

• Regional Moves & Event Sensitivity: The Northeast hit its highest average mood of 2025 on gratitude and summer routines, while the South dipped amid fatigue and financial strain. New York sentiment also softened following late-July flooding and a mass-shooting week, highlighting how weather and public-safety shocks can depress local mood.

• Life Stage & Roles: Baby Boomers led all generations, buoyed by calmer routines and family connection; Gen X trailed on ongoing financial and work stress. Married men posted elevated scores due to structure and family time, while married women reported heavier loads citing fatigue and time pressure. Unemployed respondents most often voiced tiredness, anxiety, and boredom tied to job searches and money stress.

Notable Quotes

Everyday Gratitude

Financial Strain

Fatigue and Strain

Resilience and Perspective

Overall, August revealed both steadiness and strain in the nation’s emotional climate. While family, gratitude, and rest brought balance to many, recurring financial pressures, fatigue, and uncertainty continued to create divides across demographics, orientations, and regions.

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