Life is not always easy. Sometimes bad things happen that put us in a bad mood. Other times we make decisions that get us down. And still other times we feel bad for no obvious reason. All we know is that we want to feel better...but we're just not sure how. Luckily, psychological research has shown us some ways we can boost our mood.

Emotional health is defined as a lack of mental disorders, but it also includes positive emotional characteristics, like resilience, self-efficacy, and vitality. Given how many different aspects of mental and emotional health there are, there are actually lots of different things we can do to improve our emotional health. Here are a few things you can do.

Do you tend to feel a lot of negative emotions? Do you feel bad about yourself or feel unhappy about your place in the world? Well, science has shown us that we actually have a lot of control over our feelings and well-being. Here are six science-based tips to help you feel better.

Rumination is often defined as a repetitive thought cycle focusing on causes, consequences, and symptoms of one’s current negative state. When you obsessively think about a negative situation and find that you cannot stop, it will likely make you feel worse. That is how rumination can transform a minor or trivial mistake into a major catastrophe.

Gratitude is an emotion that goes beyond simply feeling thankful; it captures a deep sense of appreciation. It also reflects an awareness of the opportunities available to us and how much we have to be thankful for. Research shows that cultivating gratitude has mental and physiological benefits, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.