Mental health benefits of crying: how tears help you release stress and more
You've had a tiring day at work. You get home, take off your shoes, and out of nowhere, you feel a lump in your throat… Tears start to flow.
Did you know that the simple act of crying helps you reduce stress, improves your mood, and has other mental health benefits of crying?
Discover how your tears are good companions to improve your emotional well-being .
What are the benefits of crying for mental health?
Beyond keeping your eyes lubricated and free of bacteria, tears are an essential part of your mental health.
The benefits of crying for mental health are numerous and surprising.
Tears: a natural shield against stress
Have you noticed how after crying because of accumulated frustration or excess stress, you feel lighter and able to face daily challenges?
Because your tears are like little sponges that absorb the stress from your body.
- Eliminate cortisol : Your tears contain cortisol. When you shed them, you expel some of the excess of this stress hormone.
- Regulates its production : as your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you feel calm and relaxed, is activated, the production of that same cortisol decreases.
You know, if you want to release your acute or chronic stress , shedding a few tears works for you.
A natural calming effect
When you shed a few tears, the parasympathetic system is like an emotional self-regulator and tears are the key that sets it in motion.
When you cry, this system helps you move from a state of tension to one of calm and balance, allowing you to better process your emotions and find relief.
Helps you achieve a more restful sleep
Crying acts as an emotional outlet, preparing your body and mind for rest. This natural process benefits sleep in several ways:
- Reduces muscular and mental tension.
- Less cortisol equals less stress
- Facilitates the processing of worries.
- Feeling of inner calm.
The combination of these effects creates ideal conditions for quality sleep.
Releases hormones that improve your mood
Tears not only remove cortisol, but they promote the production of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins.
Do you ever remember a time when, after crying, you noticed that even though the pain didn't go away completely, you felt calmer? Well, think carefully before trying to control the urge to cry.
Relief from physical and emotional pain
Tears are like a balm for both physical and emotional pain.
When you cry, your body releases substances that act as natural painkillers produced by your body (opioids), which have effects similar to those of painkillers, helping to relieve pain and physical stress.
But their action goes further. They also act as emotional regulators, providing relief from the pain of the soul.
In fact, many people feel relief and release after a good cry, as if they have let go of some of their emotional and physical baggage.
The next time you feel like crying, remember that it is not a sign of weakness, but a tool for your emotional well-being.
Let the tears flow and experience for yourself how something so natural can transform your mood and mental health.
Important: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any health conditions, please consult your doctor.
Sources
Comments