Trending
Whether it’s a response to heartbreak, a touching movie, or even sheer frustration, tears have a way of surfacing when emotions run high and crying is a universal human experience. While many of us might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about shedding tears, science suggests that crying is more than just a sign of vulnerability—it’s a powerful emotional release that can leave us feeling surprisingly good. But why is that?
In an interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Nikhil Nayar, Psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital – Noida, sheds light on the science behind feeling good after crying and shares tips for embracing tears.
Dr Nayar explains that humans produce three types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional. Basal tears keep our eyes lubricated, while reflex tears protect our eyes from irritants like smoke or onions. Emotional tears, however, are uniquely tied to our feelings and play a pivotal role in our psychological health.
Also Read: How Your Emotions Impact Your Heart Health: Doctor Shares Coping Strategies
According to WebMD, emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that plays a key role in the body’s response to stress. It helps regulate various processes, including metabolism, the immune response, and blood sugar levels, all of which are crucial during stressful situations. When we cry, these hormones are expelled, which might explain why many people feel lighter or more relaxed afterwards.
Crying also triggers the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers—and oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone.’ These chemicals create a sense of relief and well-being after a good crying session, states a health blog published in Harvard Health.
When life’s pressures build up, crying acts as a natural pressure valve, holding back tears can increase stress levels and even contribute to physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension. “Letting yourself cry, on the other hand, can help you process emotions and confront difficult situations more effectively. Think of crying as your body’s way of saying, ‘It’s okay to let go,” Dr Nayar highlights.
If you find yourself holding back tears, consider these expert-approved tips to embrace the emotional benefits of crying:
1. Create a Safe Space
Find a private, comfortable setting where you can cry without judgment.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
Remind yourself that crying is a natural and healthy response to emotions.
Also Read: Dealing With Anger Issues? How To Reduce It By Identifying Source And Understanding Emotions Behind It
3. Journal Your Feelings
Writing about your emotions can help you understand why you feel the need to cry and deepen the cathartic effect.
4. Share with Trusted Friends
If you feel comfortable, open up to someone you trust. Their support can amplify the healing effects of crying.
Bottomline
Crying is more than just an emotional overflow—it’s a complex physiological and psychological process that helps us manage stress, connect with others, and heal from emotional pain. So, the next time tears well up, don’t be too quick to wipe them away. Let them flow, and welcome the relief that follows. Remember, feeling good after crying is your body’s way of saying you’re on the path to emotional balance.
All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
TAGS
This website follows the DNPA’s code of conduct
Copyright © 2024 MMI ONLINE LTD