Have you ever noticed how one person’s smile can shift the energy of an entire room? When we focus on our positive emotions, they tend to grow. When we express emotions such as gratitude and joy, our friends, family, and those around us often feel a positive shift as well. 

If you Google “negative emotions,” you’ll find more than 253 million results. There is no shortage of information out there about how to deal with negative emotions, but what about the effect of positive emotions? By embracing the power of positivity, you can live a fuller and healthier life.

According to “The Neurobiology of Emotion,” the 5 primary emotions are anger, fear, pleasure, sadness, and disgust. Think about that. Four of the five primary emotions are very negative, so it is no wonder that society has a tendency to overlook positive emotions.

The Physicality of Emotion

Our emotions, or feelings, may seem to be intangible, but there is a reason the phrase “you hurt my feelings” is in existence. Negative stimuli, also known as the “negativity bias,” have a profound effect on us physically. This is part of the reason why we tend to remember sad or scary events more than happy and fun ones.

The negativity bias is also a great reason to make sure you are utilizing the uplifting effects of positive emotions!

Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology

Positive emotions have a direct impact on both the brain and body! They flood the system with hormones, including dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which support your physical and emotional health.

Studies have indicated that positive emotions can dramatically change a person’s perspective. The concept of “broaden-and-build” from Barbara Fredrickson suggests that positive emotions can expand our thought processes and attention span. This allows people to build their capacity to accept new possibilities and perspectives!  

The Power of Positivity

If you are already in a negative funk, even the tiniest thing—a chipped nail, a stubbed toe, a spilled glass of milk—can put you in a tailspin and feel like a tragedy. When you are in an uplifting mood and things seem to be going well, it makes little foibles and even big traumas much easier to handle. This is sometimes called an ‘Upward Spiral’ – as opposed to a ‘Downward Spiral’! 

Positivity During Times of Challenge

While positive emotions are powerful, it’s important to remember that they work best when they’re genuine! Suggesting that we “stay positive” in the face of real struggles can feel dismissive or invalidating. Acknowledging hard emotions, including sadness, frustration, or grief, while also seeking out moments of light, growth, and gratitude can help us navigate challenging times. This kind of authentic positivity doesn’t deny hardship, but it helps us move through it!

A Positive Emotions List

So what positive emotions can we practice to turn that frown upside down?

Amusement

Smiling and laughing can release endorphins that lift your spirits. The physical act of smiling can release the feel-good hormone messengers of the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Watch a funny movie, share some jokes with a friend, or make funny faces in the mirror if it will make you laugh and smile.

Serenity

This feeling of calm and peace, while seemingly subtle, is a powerhouse of positive emotions. To find serenity, try meditation, a walk outdoors, or a calming bath.

Awe

Even the simplest occurrence can be awe-inspiring! The blooming of a new flower, or the giggle of a child, can elicit the same response as viewing the Grand Canyon. Pay attention to the world around you, and be awed by its incredible beauty!

Kindness

Sharing your kindness with others can make them feel good – and it’s bound to make you feel great too! Do you have frequent encounters with someone mired in negativity? Sometimes all a person needs is to know someone cares, and you reap the bonus of feeling the good vibes. Try volunteering at a local non-profit, bringing a meal to a friend in need, or taking the high road when someone is unkind to you!

Gratitude

Be appreciative of everything you have, big and small. When you pay attention, there’s a lot to be grateful for in every moment of your day! Life flies by in a blur. Celebrate the little things and help others embrace positive emotions and release their trapped emotions.

Sharing Your Positive Energy

Our moods are contagious, thanks to the way our brains naturally mirror what we see in others! When we share our joy or peaceful energy with others, it spreads. 

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good in the moment. They can transform the spaces and communities we’re part of. In a workplace, a leader who shows appreciation or enthusiasm can spark motivation across the whole team, creating a culture where people feel valued and engaged. Within families, shared joy builds a sense of safety and belonging, giving everyone a stronger foundation to thrive. In our broader communities, positivity is what inspires acts of kindness, generosity, and cooperation. It’s the glue that helps people come together! When we choose to share our uplifting emotions, we contribute to a ripple of well-being that extends far beyond ourselves, shaping a world where connection, happiness, and wellness can flourish!