Emotions are complex psychological and physiological states that profoundly influence our daily lives. They are temporary experiences that vary in intensity and are universally present across all cultures. The six basic emotions include joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust, each serving important adaptive functions in human behavior.
Emotions create immediate and measurable physiological responses throughout our body. When we experience different emotions, our heart rate changes, blood pressure fluctuates, and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released. The brain shows distinct activity patterns for each emotion, while the autonomic nervous system coordinates these physical responses automatically.