"The Unexpected Benefits of Crying"

I was at a meeting some months back and one of the speakers for that meeting who happens to be a psychologist shared her experience of how she overcomes stress and pain by just crying out. Personally, I thought it was strange for anyone to solve a problem by just crying. I mean, wouldn't make the situation worse? 

However, she said whenever she feels down or overwhelmed by life's challenges, she goes into her closet, shut the door and have a good cry and when she is done, she stands up and feels more better. 

Scientifically, it has been proven that crying helps a person to overcome grief, pain and release emotional tensions. In reality, crying is a perfectly normal and significant response to strong emotions, and it has a range of positive effects on both physical and emotional well-being.

I. Emotional Release and Stress Relief; 

One of the immediate benefits of crying is the emotional release it provides. When we experience overwhelming emotions, such as sadness, frustration, or even joy, crying acts as an emotional pressure valve, helping to release pent-up feelings.

2. Mood Improvement and the Release of Feel-Good Hormones

Believe it or not, crying can actually improve your mood. This is because emotional tears trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin—the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. These hormones are associated with feelings of pleasure, happiness, and emotional comfort.

3. Helping You Process and Heal from Grief

Grief is one of the most profound emotional experiences a person can go through, and crying is an essential part of this process. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of an opportunity, crying allows us to honour our grief and process the emotions that comes with it.

4. Crying is a Vital Part of Mental Health

While it’s often seen as a weakness in some cultures, crying is actually a healthy, natural, and powerful tool for emotional well-being. Whether it’s the release of stress, the improvement of mood, or the strengthening of relationships, crying plays a critical role in maintaining both mental and physical health.

Next time you feel the urge to cry, remember that it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a vital and healing response, one that helps you release tension, process emotions, and build resilience. Embrace the power of tears—they may be just the release your mind and body need to heal and grow.