The Beehive State remains one of the happiest places to live in the U.S., although it has slipped a bit in the rankings. A recent study by WalletHub places Utah in fourth place for overall happiness, a drop from its previous position at number one in 2023. The top three happiest states this year are Hawaii, Maryland, and New Jersey.

WalletHub’s research analyzed 30 different factors that contribute to happiness across all 50 states, including indicators such as career satisfaction, sports participation, suicide rates, life expectancy, work-life balance, job security, safety, divorce rates, and climate conditions. These indicators were grouped into three main categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environmental factors.

While Utah continues to excel in the work and community aspects of happiness, it has seen a decline in the emotional and physical well-being categories. This slight downward trend has been evident since 2021 when Utah was ranked as the happiest state. It fell to fourth place in 2022, regained the top spot in 2023, only to drop to fourth again in the latest report.

“Happiness is influenced by both internal and external factors,” WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann explained. “While we can’t control everything, we can boost our happiness by adopting a positive outlook, surrounding ourselves with loved ones, and engaging in activities we enjoy.”

Despite the slight decline, Utah continues to stand out in several key areas. According to WalletHub’s analysis, the state has the fewest work hours, the highest volunteer rate, and the lowest divorce rate in the country. Additionally, Utah ranks fourth in safety, trailing behind Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. It also ties for third place in low long-term unemployment with Alabama and North Dakota, and has the second-highest rate of sports participation in the U.S., only behind neighboring Colorado.

Other notable achievements for Utah include ranking 18th for sufficient sleep, 10th for income growth, and 15th for the percentage of adults who feel active and productive.

Experts consulted for the study recommend regular exercise (at least three times a week), helping others, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables as ways to boost happiness. Additionally, finding a fulfilling career where you feel appreciated can significantly enhance overall life satisfaction.