Cry, Baby: How Releasing Tears Brings Benefits
By Brandi Swieter
When it comes to crying, people tend not to do enough of it. Boys are told to man up while girls are told to wipe away their tears and remain strong. It's actually good to let tears out. Whether someone is experiencing deep emotions or has built up stress, releasing tears actually brings many benefits to the brain and body.
Easing Emotional and Physical Pain
Oxytocin and endorphins get released through tears. These help to calm the body and mind and put them into a sort of numb state. This can ease both emotional and physical pain. That is why so many people feel a sense of numbness, calm, and relaxation after they've finished crying. Many even feel drained and tired and have the need for a nap. The pain is gone and the body just needs to rest and recuperate afterward.
Improving Mood
A poor mood and high levels of stress can lead to a crying fit. Crying hard forces people to take in quick breaths of air. The cool air helps to regulate the brain's temperature. Once cooled down, people tend to feel much happier. They are put into a better mood and are more likely to feel calm and well.
Releasing Toxins
Emotional tears carry hormones from stress. This means when people cry because they are stressed and upset, they are releasing harmful toxins and ridding the body of unnecessary chemicals. This makes it even more beneficial to cry regularly. Leaving the stress hormones in the body only causes a person to exhibit worse symptoms and reach a level of stress that is difficult to bear.
Clearing the Eyes
Not all tears are due to stress or sadness. Sometimes, tears develop so they may act as a lubricant for the eyes and help to clear them of debris. When smoke gets in the eyes, for example, they may immediately start to tear up. The tears are attempting to clear the eyes of the smoke and toxins and return them to their normal state. Reflex tears work well on dust particles as well. Continuous tears that keep flowing may protect the eyes from infection. They keep the eyes well lubricated so they do not become dried out and sore.
Crying is hugely beneficial. Never tell a child to quit their crying. Releasing the tears can help to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and eliminate stress that is currently felt. Adults, too, should cry when they need to so they can get the same benefits. Holding them back is detrimental to health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Evans, Ga.