Wallet Hub released its “2023’s Happiest States in America” report on Tuesday, with Maryland ranking third overall for happiness in the United States.
To determine happiness, Wallet Hub’s report says it started by comparing the states across three key dimensions: Emotional & physical well-being, work environment, and community & environment. They evaluated those dimensions by using 30 relevant categories.
Maryland ranked in the top five in a few notable categories. Including the fourth-lowest suicide rate and tied for the fourth-lowest share of adult depression.
The report showed that Maryland fell in the upper half of the country for safety, ranking 18th.
A panel of experts was asked various questions about happiness, with their answers being published along with the happiness rankings.
One of the experts featured was Ellen Langer, a professor of psychology at Harvard University. When asked what are the key ingredients to a happy life, she said, “The more mindful we are, the less stress we experience and the happier we will be.”
High inflation continues to be a threat to Americans’ mental health according to the report. Over 75% of Americans who experienced price increases where they live said they are feeling “very” or “moderately” stressed.
Wallets Hub’s findings say only 50% of Americans feel “very satisfied” with the way their personal life is going.
