An emotion is a strong feeling that arises in response to something you experience, think about, or remember. Joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust are all emotions. When you open a birthday present, you might feel the emotion of excitement. When a friend moves away, you experience the emotion of sadness. When someone treats you unfairly, you feel anger.

Emotions happen automatically: you don't decide to feel them the way you decide to raise your hand in class. They're your mind and body's way of responding to what's happening around you. Your heart might race when you feel fear. Your face might flush when you feel embarrassment. You might feel warmth in your chest when you feel love.

Understanding your emotions helps you make better decisions and get along with others. When you recognize that you're feeling frustrated, you can take a break before snapping at someone. When you notice a friend seems sad, you can offer comfort. Scientists who study emotions have found that people who understand their own feelings and recognize emotions in others tend to build stronger friendships and handle challenges more successfully.