Crying is natural, it is a common human response to a variety of emotions such as sadness, grief, excitement, and frustration that humans may experience.
However, crying is commonly associated with something bad, as a result, people are often encouraged not to cry because “you are giving the situation power over you.” Well, contrary to some of these beliefs that crying is bad, it might actually be beneficial for you.
According to research, crying can benefit both your body and your mind, and these benefits begin at birth with a baby’s first cry.
Here are some benefits of letting those tears run down according to Medical News Today:
It has a soothing effect
Crying helps you regulate your emotions, calms yourself and reduces distress.
According to a study by the National Library of Medicine on ‘Is crying a self-soothing behavior?’, crying was found to have a direct, self-soothing effect on people.
Helps to relieve pain
Shedding emotional tears releases oxytocin and endorphins. These chemicals make people feel good and may also ease both physical and emotional pain. In this way, crying can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Enhances mood
Crying may help lift people’s spirits and make them feel better. As well as relieving pain, oxytocin and endorphins can help improve mood. This is why they are often known as “feel good” chemicals.
Releases toxins and relieves stress
When humans cry in response to stress, their tears contain a number of stress hormones and other chemicals.
According to research, crying could reduce the levels of these chemicals in the body, which could, in turn, reduce stress. More research is needed into this area, however, to confirm this.
Aids sleep
According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics on ‘Behavioral Interventions for Infant Sleep Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial’, crying can help babies sleep better. Whether crying has the same sleep-enhancing effect on adults is yet to be researched.
However, it follows that the calming, mood-enhancing, and pain-relieving effects of crying above may help a person fall asleep more easily.
Also see: Foods to eat when you have a sore throat
