The Surprising Factors That Influence Happiness

Circumstances like higher income, good grades, and prestigious accolades do not necessarily guarantee greater happiness. In fact, an increase in high school GPA is associated with a decrease in overall well-being, self-esteem, and optimism. Data suggests that favorable circumstances don't consistently lead to increased well-being. Instead, social connections, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, altruism, and having a sense of purpose are revealed to be strong determinants of happiness, yet these elements are often undervalued in today's educational norms.