A state of well-being includes the presence of positive emotions, such as happiness, contentment, and joy. These emotions have long defined positive mental health, but studies across the past two decades have documented the integral role that positive emotions play for physical health as well. In this chapter, we discuss their importance in maintaining physical health as described by the theory of broaden and build. We then offer examples of how positive emotions are related to health behaviours that enhance health directly, as well as studies that reveal how positive emotions serve to offset the effects of negative emotional states. We follow with a discussion of how sociocultural influences shape the strength of these relationships, as well as how these processes unfold across the adult life span. We conclude by offering some future directions for use in further studies examining how positive emotions influence our physical well-being.