Crying is a normal human response to a whole range of emotions that has a number of health and social benefits, including pain relief and self-soothing effects. And, trust me - we all cry at times, just not everyone is willing to show it.
Even though we are a grown-up now, there is still room in our life for a good cry here and there. And let's be real (without wrapping it up), It has been a seriously intense for the past two years or so (to me especially, even though I might not really show it!). I may have shed more tears than I did in the past and that is totally normal and I do not put any shame in it. Puffy eyes and blotchy cheeks afterward could be unpleasant, but I actually believe, crying has quite a few benefits too.
For one thing (for sure), if you make a habit of not crying when you feel the urge, it can actually make you feel more stressed and upset than if you were to just let it out already. So, I suggest to cry it out when tension within body arise. No shame. No guilt. You are a human as everybody else.
And why do we actually cry?
This may seem really obvious at first, but we actually cry for a few different reasons besides emotions. Your body produces three types of tears,
- Emotional tears (These are the ones most people associate with crying and they are triggered by emotions. These tears are similar to reflex tears and are mostly made of water. And, you know, it just feels good when you shed them, right?!)
- Reflex tears (These tears re triggered when something is in your eye. And they are produced to wash out anything that might irritate the eyes like smoke or debris. They contain mostly water and may have antibodies to fight infection).
- Basal tears (These tears are your “baseline” tears. They are made of oil, water, and mucus and they keep your eyes happy, protected and lubricated).
1. Crying will help relieve stress
Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart attack, damage certain areas of the brain, contribute to digestive issues like ulcers, and cause tension headaches and migraines, among other health issues. “Humans’ ability to cry has survival value. And not matter what, a good cry can provide a temporary release - that is for sure!
2. Crying will also help lower blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels, and can even contribute to stroke or heart failure. So, crying has been found to lower blood pressure and pulse rate immediately!
3. Shedding few tears will help remove toxins from your body
Tears help humans eliminate stress hormones like cortisol that build up during times of emotional turmoil and can wreak havoc on the body. Remember crying is both a physical and emotional release that helps humans start over with a blank slate. Trust me when I say it!
4. Crying reduces manganese level
The simple act of crying also reduces the body’s manganese level - a mineral which affects mood and is found in significantly greater concentrations in tears than in blood serum. Beside elevated manganese levels can be associated with anxiety, irritability and aggression.
5. Embrace Your Emotions and Humanity
Remember that all mammals produce tears to moisten their eyes, however humans are the only ones that shed tears in response to emotional stress (for a variety of reasons). Crying helps us acknowledge the feelings we are experiencing, and emotions motivate us to empathise, coordinate and work together to survive. In fact, crying serves an important social function too. It communicates the strength and nature of relationships, elicits sympathy and even assistance and draws individuals closer to one another.
Next time you are feeling overwhelmed and fighting back tears, do yourself a favor and keep these points in mind. Finding a quiet place to decompress or a supportive shoulder to cry on might be exactly what you need. In the end we all cry - just few are honestly able to show it. And remember - no guilt and no shame. It is normal!
Until next time, S.
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