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Let’s face it, these are difficult times. Sometimes, it’s hard not to be pessimistic with so much bad news coming in, day after day. But feeling stressed out and anxious solves nothing. Studies show that having an optimistic outlook and being altruistic improves our health and extends our longevity.

You’ll find plenty of motivational titles to inspire you at the Newport Beach Public Library. Learn how to cope with stress and elevate your mood with these insightful guides:

“110%: 110 Strategies for Feeling Great Every Day,” by Pat Croce: Motivational speaker Pat Croce presents 110 quick tips to remove mental blocks, develop a positive attitude, and overcome depression. The author contends that it’s our thinking and not our circumstances that determine how we feel. Croce enthusiastically recommends setting reachable goals, keeping a diary, and helping the needy.

“Half Empty, Half Full: Understanding the Psychological Roots of Optimism,” by Susan C. Vaughan: According to Columbia professor Vaughan, optimism is the result of an internal process of illusion building. While biology plays a role in how we interpret our experiences, everyone can learn how to gain self-control over negative emotions. Vaughan offers refreshing advice and unique techniques on how to fool the brain’s circuitry into looking on the bright side.

“How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life,” by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton: The authors of this book, a grandfather-grandson team, describe how each of us has an imaginary bucket that is filled when we have positive interactions and depleted when we experience negative ones. Positive reinforcement boosts productivity, strengthens relationships, and extends our lives.

“Positivity: Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcome Negativity, and Thrive” by Barbara Fredrickson: Positive Psychology pioneer Fredrickson shows readers how to transform their lives through a process she calls “the upward spiral.” Citing case studies and lab research, the author explains what positivity is and why it’s more important than happiness. She gives practical techniques and useful suggestions on how to raise one’s “positivity ratio” to enhance relationships and relieve depression.