“You can’t be strong all the time. Sometimes you just need to be alone and let your tears out.”
Although the author of this quote is unknown, he or she has a point. After all, crying is good for you. Dr. William H. Frey II, PhD, a neuroscientist and tear researcher reports“crying is not only a human response to sorrow and frustration, it’s a healthy one. Crying is a natural way to reduce emotional stress that, left unchecked, has negative physical affects on the body, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other stress-related disorders.”
How many times have you heard that crying is a sign of weakness or being unable to control your emotions? Research has proven that this is completely false. In fact, 85 percent of women and 73 percent of men report feeling less sad and angry after crying than they did before. The truth is that crying a lot is a sign that you are mentally tough. Here are five reasons why.
1. You realize that crying is beneficial to your overall health.
In addition to emotional benefits, crying offers plenty of other benefits. For example, it lowers manganese levels, which can use excessive stress and anxiety if too much builds up in your system, while also encouraging the release of feel-good hormones. In addition, tears are needed to see clearly because they help lubricate your eyes and stop dehydration. Finally, crying helps flush harmful toxins and bacteria from your body.
2. You know that crying allows you to confront your emotions.
By releasing negative emotions, you are confronting them head on and not giving them the chance to take over. Crying gives you the opportunity to feel your emotions, let them run their course, and then, let them go. Crying isn’t a sign that you can’t handle life; it’s a sign that you are better able to handle whatever is thrown at you. Instead of trying to hide from it, you meet it head on.
3. You understand that crying is crucial for releasing pent up feelings.
Suppressing your emotions is a recipe for disaster. After letting them build and build, everything will come rushing out at once, which may lead to huge arguments or an emotional breakdown. Worst of all, it’ll leave you emotionally damaged. Crying gives you the chance to release these feelings while also keeping your nervous system in check.
4. You aren’t concerned with what others think about you.
It’s impossible to deny that crying doesn’t leave you vulnerable, a definite don’t in a world where we are often taught to hide our emotions. However, crying indicates that you are human and are unconcerned about these ridiculous societal pressures. Instead, you have risen above worrying what others may think about you and have realized that crying is crucial if you want to be a balanced and emotionally healthy person.
5. You help others better understand the importance of expressing themselves
Only a person who is truly mentally strong has the power to help others free themselves from the worry about what other people may think about them. Not only does crying liberate you, but it makes those around you comfortable enough to do the same. Showing your emotions and crying in front of others is the perfect way to contribute to a society that is healthy, free, and authentic.