Why you should be happy when you cry

Nowadays I'm so full of hormones that my cat just has to purr and I already cry from happiness. But it's not that bad, that exaggerated sobbing.

Because a little crying now and then can't hurt. On the contrary: it actually feels incredibly relieving. You don't always have to be happy and perfect and cheerful. You are also allowed to be frustrated with life, to be grumpy on a Monday, to be angry at your girlfriend, boyfriend, or family. The art of being happy lies in recognizing those lows. Just cry it out when it gets too much for you. It releases what you find so difficult.

According to researchers, a crying fit even makes you happier and reduces stress. See, that's what you need. Don't feel so guilty when you feel tears welling up in your eyes. The more you hold back your tears, the more stress you get. More benefits? Absolutely. Tears give your immune system a boost: they contain hormones with the proteins prolactin, corticotropin, and leucine. Sounds complicated, but it boils down to having a natural pain-relieving effect. You also sleep wonderfully from it.

And what about the shame that comes with it? Nonsense. People who cry now and then are often seen as strong individuals. You dare to be vulnerable, and that is appreciated by many. You have emotions; you're not as distant as some might think. It makes you approachable, a real person. It's not the case that if you cry a few times, you're immediately depressed. A depression is something entirely different. Everyone goes through phases in life, some easier than others. Just give in to that.

Okay, I'm not saying it's fun to sit and cry on your couch for half a day, but don't make it too difficult for yourself when you're feeling down. Let it go, cry hard and exaggeratedly, with big gulps and sobs, and you'll see: afterwards you feel completely new. Once the snot in your head has cleared, well, that's true. Then you can laugh again. That's a bit more fun, right?