We all want to be happy. We’d like to get our work, finances, families, and social lives in order so that we can experience happiness frequently.
Happiness comes from a combination of internal and external factors. We can influence it by being positive and by choosing to spend time with people we love or appreciate, doing activities that bring us joy.
However, some things out of our control, such as the cost-of-living crisis and continuing economic problems, are often stressful, with only 44 percent of Americans saying they are “very satisfied” with their lives, according to a survey by WalletHub, a personal finance website.
Even though people in the United States are facing difficult times, the state you live in may have an impact on how happy you are.
To determine where Americans have the best combination of good economic, emotional, physical, and social health, WalletHub looked the 50 states on 30 items, ranging from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate.
The happiest states
1.Hawaii
2. New Jersey
3. Utah
4. Idaho
5. Maryland
6. Nebraska
7. Connecticut
8. Minnesota
9. California
10. New Hampshire
The unhappiest states
41.Tennessee
41. Oregon
43. Wyoming
44. New Mexico
45. Alabama
46. Kentucky
47. Alaska
48. Arkansas
49. Louisiana
50. West Virginia
“The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and great physical and mental healthcare to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst, in a report on the survey.
Lupo said that while money can’t buy happiness, having enough money to live comfortably is essential, adding anything beyond that may not enhance happiness as much as having fulfilling relationships, hobbies, and opportunities for personal growth.
The happiest state
In Hawaii, residents report the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate.
Hawaiians also enjoy great physical health, with around 84 percent of adults reporting that they are in good or better health, the 12th-best percentage in the nation, according to the survey. Hawaiians also have the longest life expectancy in the U.S., and nearly 72 percent of adults in the state report being active and productive on a daily basis.
In addition, positive economic conditions help Hawaiians stay happy. Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, at 2.5 percent, as well as the third-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000, the survey reports. This leads to the state having the second-lowest share of adults with financial anxiety.
Being happy
“My best advice is to make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious food rather than empty calories, focus on your meaningful relationship with family and friends, and make sure to get time away from work and from phone and TV screens,” Marybeth Gasman, professor at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, said about how to be happy in the report.
Gasman suggests being aware of what drains you and what restores you, and set boundaries around what drains you while leaning into what restores you.
“It is also important to ask people in your world for help when you need it, rather than trying to do everything yourself,” she said, adding, if you’re having a lot of difficulty or just need support, see a mental health therapist.
