6 reasons why crying is healthy for you

Crying is a natural human reaction that is triggered by different emotions.

People cry for various reasons, from being sad, to being joyful, or just overwhelmed by internal and external forces in our lives.

Sometimes it's from something as simple as watching a movie or noticing a humanitarian act or something super cute.

However, some people while growing up might have been taught that crying is a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of, especially the male gender.

And letting the salty river flow once in a while is not such a terrible thing. Here’s a compiled list of why you should let those tears flow when you need to:

1. It dulls the pain

Crying can help dull both physical and emotional pain.

Crying causes your body to release hormones like Oxytocin and Endorphins which are naturally designed to ease the pain.

That's why one may sometimes feel numb after a big cry.

2. May clear skin

Emotional tears contain stress hormones and other toxins. When we cry we release all these, thereby reducing stress.

Skin issues such as acne and breakouts can be caused by stress and therefore crying can indirectly reduce the acne by reducing the stress.

3. Detoxifies the body

Reflex tears clear debris from the eyes and basal tears lubricate the eyes and keep them from infection. Emotional tears on the other hand flush out toxins and stress hormones leaving you feeling lighter after crying.

4. Restores emotional balance

Researchers believe that crying is a way of restoring emotional equilibrium.

Since we cry due to strong emotions such as extreme fear, sadness, grief, or happiness, crying helps us process these emotions better and restores our bodies to equilibrium.

5. Has a soothing effect

Studies have shown crying has a direct, self-soothing effect on people due to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps in relaxation.

However, the benefits may take several minutes of crying before kicking in. It also releases Oxytocin which gives a sense of calm and well being

6. It helps when coping with grief.

Crying is a normal response to hurt and grief among other emotions. It can be helpful since it helps in experiencing and processing our emotions, allowing us to deal with whatever is troubling us over time and help decrease it.

It helps clear one's mind thus thinking more clearly.

Unfortunately even with all these benefits, crying as an expression of emotion is frowned upon, especially when it comes to men.

This leads to men being more closed off about their feelings and carrying a lot of stress without an outlet. This might contribute to them having spent up anger which in turn may end up damaging their relationships with others.

Or leading them to do extreme things in a moment of weakness 

Next time something feels overwhelming, consider letting out that big cry in a closed space away from judging eyes since it’s the first time.

Well, it doesn't have to be big, small sniffles are a start.

Don't be embarrassed when the tears fall.

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