They say there’s nothing like a good cry to make you feel better, and they’re right. Crying isn’t just an emotional release; it’s a natural, biological process that can improve your physical and mental well-being.
While society often labels crying as a sign of weakness, science tells us it’s one of the healthiest ways to process emotions.
We’ve all been there, that heavy moment when your throat tightens, your chest aches, and tears begin to well up. Maybe you try to fight it back.
Maybe you’ve been told that crying is a sign of weakness, especially if you’re a man. But here’s the truth: crying is not a weakness, it’s a natural way your body helps you heal.
Science shows that crying flushes stress hormones out of your system and releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins, which can help ease both emotional and physical pain.
It’s your body’s built-in stress relief. Letting those tears flow can be the healthiest thing you do when life feels overwhelming.
The science behind tears
Did you know that not all tears are the same? Scientists have identified three types of tears, each serving a unique purpose:
1. Basal tears: These are your everyday tears that keep your eyes lubricated and free from infection.
2. Reflex tears: These help flush out irritants like smoke, dust, or even onions. Nature’s way of eye maintenance.
3. Emotional tears: These are the tears we shed in response to strong feelings like sadness, joy, or frustration. Unlike the other two types, emotional tears contain stress hormones and toxins, which your body expels as you cry.
The most health benefits come from emotional tears. Emotional tears contain leucine enkephalin, a natural painkiller, and help your body release oxytocin and endorphins, those magical “feel-good” chemicals that bring calm and relief.
The health benefits of crying
So, what exactly happens when you cry, and why is it so beneficial?
Research from “Harvard Health” shows that crying serves as a “safety valve,” preventing the harmful effects of bottling up emotions.
Here are some reasons why crying is good for you:
1. Crying is good for your mental health: Suppressing emotions or what psychologists call “repressive coping” can take a toll on your mental health. Studies link holding in emotions to higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. Crying, on the other hand, acts as a release, helping you process and move through life’s challenges.
When you cry, you’re allowing your body to acknowledge and release pent-up feelings. It’s a natural way to self-regulate and find balance.
2. It reduces stress: Emotional tears flush out stress hormones like cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your body if left unchecked. Crying helps reset your system, leaving you feeling calmer and more grounded.
3. Crying lowers blood pressure: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, a good cry can help. Research suggests crying can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, a significant concern in South Africa, where cardiovascular problems are on the rise.
4. It improves mood: Ever notice how much better you feel after a big sobbing session? That’s because crying releases endorphins and oxytocin, which not only ease pain but also improve your mood. When you sob, the rapid intake of cool air lowers your brain temperature, creating a more pleasant mental state.
5. It strengthens relationships: Crying isn’t just about you; it can also deepen your connections with others. Tears are a signal to those around you that you need empathy and support. When you cry in front of someone, it can build trust and create a sense of closeness.
Why you shouldn’t hold back the tears
Many of us are taught to hide our emotions, especially men, who often face societal pressure to “be strong”.
But suppressing emotions can backfire. Studies show that repressive coping can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of hypertension, and even lead to mental health issues.
Crying is your body’s way of saying, “I need help processing this”. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Confronting your emotions head-on and letting them out takes courage.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by stress, touched by joy, or simply need to release built-up tension, crying is your body’s way of healing itself.
