New Hampshire said to be 10th happiest state

“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. It’s also important to note that while the adage that money can’t buy happiness has a lot of truth to it, having enough money to live comfortably is still essential. But anything beyond that won’t necessarily enhance happiness as much as having fulfilling hobbies, relationships and opportunities for personal growth.”
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“Hawaii is the happiest state, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate. In addition, around 84% of Hawaiian adults report that they are in good or better health, the 12th-best percentage in the nation, and Hawaiians have the highest life expectancy in the U.S. To top things off, Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates, as well as the third-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst 
 

Expert Commentary
 
What are the key ingredients to a happy life?

“A happy life is built on meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, personal growth, good health, and enough autonomy to make choices that reflect your values. Happiness is less about constant positivity and more about feeling connected, supported, and fulfilled. Given my background in business and in particular human resources, I want to note that finding a job that supports you having a happy life is also a key ingredient.”
Abbie Lambert, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, University of Central Oklahoma
 
“Happiness is something I take very seriously. For me, it comes from having meaningful relationships with family and friends, purpose-driven work, good health, and having some level of control over how I spend my time. Happiness can also result from curiosity, the desire to keep learning, and from doing something for your community or the larger world. When I teach a class, I am always happiest when students leave knowing that success (and true happiness) is living for something larger than themselves. Contrary to what many think, I don’t believe happiness means feeling joy every day. However, it means that you are working toward a life that is fulfilling and will buoy you even when life throws you punches.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
 
 
How much does where you live influence your happiness?

“It is very important for me, but it may be less important for others. I am originally from Northeast Ohio, and I relocated to Central Florida in my late twenties (note, I'm 52 now). Why? I still love Ohio, but I do not love cold and gray winters. If I ever chose to relocate, it would be somewhere that does not have cold and gray winters. I have concluded that there is no utopia or perfect place. The key is to make the best of where you are...or plan to move somewhere that you would like better. Common sense, I suppose? I do have trouble understanding why people would live in a place that does not maximize their happiness. Of course, happiness is subjective. I do think a key measure of anything is what's called revealed preference (i.e. what people do instead of what they say). Where are the most people moving? That is probably - but not definitely - a good place to consider.”
Dr. John Hilston – Professor, Eastern Florida State College
 
“Another powerful driver of happiness is the cultivation of strong social connections. Communities can support the development of these connections by investing in spaces that bring people together. Community centers, libraries, sports venues, and public parks can support individuals and families in their efforts to build the healthy relationships that are necessary for human flourishing. By providing safe spaces where children and families can gather, neighbors get to know one another and build systems of support to lean on during times of distress. Communities could further support happiness and flourishing by promoting the values and activities that we know contribute to these attributes. For example, consumerism could be replaced by authentically fulfilling alternatives, such as neighborhood gatherings, outdoor activities in nature, and helping others in need. Building a culture that emphasizes these health- and happiness-promoting practices within a close-knit community that shares a common purpose can buffer the effects of stress and promote the mental and physical well-being of all.”
Debra Kelly – Assistant Professor, Carthage College
 

What are some steps a person can take to improve and maintain their mental health?

“From my perspective as a human resources professor, the workplace plays an important role in supporting mental health and overall well-being. People can support their mental health by finding work that feels meaningful, provides sufficient time to pursue meaningful activities outside of work, or, ideally, offers both. Building connections with colleagues is also important, given how much time we spend at work and the strong relationship between meaningful relationships, happiness, and life satisfaction. Additional strategies for supporting mental health in a work environment include setting healthy boundaries, engaging in regular self-reflection, pursuing continuous learning, and seeking support when stress becomes difficult to manage.”
Abbie Lambert, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, University of Central Oklahoma
 
“It took me a long time to understand how important mental health is in our lives. I think about it regularly now and talk to others about it. 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. You want to give yourself time to rest. Be 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. Lastly, if you are having a lot of difficulty or just need support, see a mental health therapist. If you have health insurance, mental health is typically covered and rarely used. Seeing a counselor is a sign of strength, not of weakness or failure. For the record, I see a counselor every two weeks, and it feels great to talk with a confidential source about my feelings toward life.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University - New Brunswick