Feelings & Emotions

Articles In This Section

• Self-Esteem

  Self-esteem helps us have good relationships, gives us the confidence to try new things, and helps us succeed. But low self-esteem can hold us back. Get the facts on self-esteem in this article for teens.

• Good Reasons to Smile

  Smiling on purpose benefits brain chemistry – and can boost our mood. But it only works if you smile in the right way. Find out how in this article for teens.

• 3 Ways to Increase Positive Emotions

  People feel and do their best when they experience at least 3 times as many positive emotions as negative ones. This article offers ideas on how to build these powerful emotions.

• The Power of Positive Emotions

  Scientists are learning that positive emotions have a powerful effect on our brains and bodies, helping us feel, and act, our best. Let this article help you tap into the power of positive emotions.

• Gratitude: A Worksheet

  Feeling grateful for what we have (instead of obsessing about what we don't) can help us get more out of life. This worksheet is designed to get you thinking about gratitude.

• 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude

  Gratitude doesn't just feel good, it can be good for you. These 3 steps can help you start feeling more appreciative of the good things in your life.

• Getting Help for Intense Grief

  Going through grief and loss is never easy. But in some situations, grief can feel especially intense – even overwhelming. Find out what to do in this article for teens.

• Optimism

  Optimists see the good in things -- and science has discovered that optimists can do better in life. The good news is, even pessimists can be more optimistic. Find out how.

• Choosing Your Mood

  Choosing your mood means being in control of it instead of feeling like it's controlling you. Here are tips on how to create the right mood to help you succeed at what you're trying to do.

• Understanding Your Emotions

  Emotions help us relate to other people, know what we want, and make choices. Even "negative" emotions are useful. Find out how to understand emotions and use them effectively.

• Teens Talk About Life (Video)

  In this video series, teens talk about their experiences with bullying, stress, family life, managing health problems, staying fit, eating right — and what it means to be in love.

• Emotional Intelligence

  Just as IQ is a way of being academically smart, emotional intelligence (EQ) is a way of being people-smart. But unlike IQ, we can work on improving our EQ. Here are some tips.

• Is My Body OK? Am I Having Self-Esteem Issues?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Gratitude

  Gratitude doesn't just feel good. Focusing on what's good in our lives can also be good for us. Find out how in this article for teens.

• Stress & Coping Center

  Visit our stress and coping center for advice on how to handle stress, including different stressful situations.

• Yoga: Meditation and Breathing

  Breathing and meditation techniques can have subtle but powerful effects on everything from stress to sports performance. Try these four techniques.

• Rejection and How to Handle It

  Rejection hurts. But it's impossible to avoid. Life is about going for things. And when we do, rejection is always a possibility.

• Emotional Eating

  We've all eaten a whole bag of chips out of boredom or while cramming for a big test. Learn more about emotional eating, and how to manage it, in this article for teens.

• 5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety

  We all get worried or nervous about things. Here are 5 ways to control anxiety.

• 5 Ways to Shake Shyness

  If shyness is putting a hold on your social life, here are 5 ideas that might help.

• A Guy’s Guide to Body Image

  Many people think of guys as being carefree when it comes to appearance. But guys spend plenty of time in front of the mirror. And some worry just as much as girls do about their looks.

• Culture Shock

  Culture shock isn't a clinical term or medical condition. It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture.

• Test Anxiety

  Everyone feels a little nervous and stressed before a test. And a touch of nervous anticipation can actually help keep you at peak performance. But for some people, this normal anxiety is more intense.

• Having a Healthy Pregnancy

  Whether you feel confused, worried, scared, or excited, you'll want to know how your life will change, what you can do to have a healthy baby.

• Homesickness

  When you're homesick, you might feel nostalgic for familiar things like your family, friends, pets, house, or neighborhood. Learn more about homesickness and what you can do about it.

• Terrorism

  Terrorist attacks cause sadness, fear, anxiety, and anger. Find out how to cope.

• How Can I Improve My Self-Esteem?

  We all have problems with self-esteem at certain times in our lives. Here are some tips that might help.

• Death and Grief

  If someone close to you has died, you probably feel overwhelmed with grief. Read about some things that might help you cope.

• The Moving Blues

  It isn't easy to start over. Read this article to learn some ways to cope with the stress of moving.

• Why Am I in Such a Bad Mood?

  Because of all the changes taking place in your life, you may feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Find out more about bad moods and why you have them.

• Stress

  There's good stress and bad stress. Find out what's what and learn practical ways to cope in this article.

• Shyness

  Shyness is extremely common, especially among teens. But lots of mild to moderate shyness melts away with practice and familiarity, making social situations easier and easier to handle each time.

• Dealing With Anger

  Do you wonder why you fly off the handle so easily sometimes? Do you wish you knew healthier ways to express yourself when you're steamed? Check out this article for help with dealing with anger.