Why a good cry is really good for you
Boohoohoo, I have a handicap. I have crying issues. And not in the way that the tap runs all day, but rather that it sucks that sometimes I do want to cry, but it just doesn't really work out well. As a result, I sometimes come across as more emotionless than intended. Crying over a really bad argument? Meh. When I lost my job? Nope. When my best friend moved abroad? Not a tear. While it did affect me a lot all three times.
Am I emotionally blocked? Are those tear ducts not working properly? Hmm, not really, because when my boyfriend found our cat lifeless by the parking lot, I screamed the whole neighborhood awake. I actually only cry at death and heartbreak. Otherwise, I think I prefer to keep my tears ‘in’, under the pretense of: Must. Be strong.
For all the cheerful robots who feel my problem: from now on we are not going to swallow those tears again. Crying seems to be really good for you. And this is why:
It feels good
During a crying fit, your heart rate and breathing decrease. You might not say so, but it really is true. Additionally, your body relaxes, because all the feelings that make you cry ‘leave’ your body, so to speak. Result? You often feel a lot better after a good cry.
People gain more respect for you
Have you convinced yourself that you shouldn't cry because it's ‘weak’? Silly silly silly. Just when you show your vulnerability, you show who you really are, and that breeds respect. You have the courage to show others what you're really going through.
Others understand you better/feel more at ease with you
I think I'm the only one who has never cried in public at the office, even though there were moments when I could have. And who did I ultimately hurt? Exactly: myself. Because by wearing a mask, no one understands how you feel. And when others see that you show your pure self, they dare to do the same next time.
By crying, you let things go
It eats away at you after a while if you carry emotional baggage for too long. Let it go and you'll notice that you become a lot calmer.
It's good for your immune system
Yes, crying also has serious benefits for your health. When the tears roll down your cheeks, certain substances are released that are good for your immune system. Additionally, tears kill bacteria and relieve stress. And, extra fun fact: by crying, we even see better because our eyelids and eyeballs go through a car wash. No joke.
So, do you feel your eyes prick next time? Don't swallow those big ones and go ahead and have a good cry. Bet it feels good?
