Crying is something we all do. In the same way we laugh when we’re happy, breathe faster when we’re scared and our hearts race when we’re excited, crying is a natural response to emotion. We can cry from sadness, joy, frustration or even relief. And sometimes, tears come completely unexpectedly without us ever truly knowing why. But why exactly do we cry? And what’s happening in our bodies to make the tears fall?
The Science Behind Why We Cry
We’re no scientists, so bear with us here. But it seems that at its core, crying is our body’s way of responding to intense emotions or physical stimuli. We apparently produced three types of tears: basal (which keeps our eyes moist), reflex (the kind that comes when we cut onions or get something in our eye), and emotional tears. It’s those emotional tears we’re most familiar with when we’re feeling overwhelmed by grief, sadness, or even happiness.
When we experience strong emotions, our brain (specifically the hypothalamus) sends signals that activate the autonomic nervous system. This then triggers the tear glands to produce emotional tears. Interestingly, these tears contain more stress hormones and toxins than other types of tears, which is why some experts believe crying is one way our body purges itself of built-up stress.
Crying is also tied to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This is why, after a good cry, we often feel a sense of relief or calmness, even though our problems may still be there. It’s almost like our body’s way of cleansing our minds and souls of things it might want to rid, even if just temporarily.
Is Crying Good For Us?
So, as science explains, yes crying is good for us. Many see crying as a sign of weakness, but it’s actually a healthy and normal part of processing emotions, especially grief and loss. When we’re going through a difficult time, such as losing a loved one, it’s easy for emotions to build up. Sometimes, these feelings become so built up we begin to feel stressed and overwhelmed, almost like we’re going to bust. It’s crying that gives us an outlet for that pent-up emotion.
Crying is also a physical release. As mentioned earlier, emotional tears help rid the body of stress-related toxins, so in a way, crying is a form of detox for our minds and bodies. This physical act can help us feel lighter and more at ease, even if only temporary. It’s for this reason crying can really help those of us processing grief. It’s okay if you feel like the only way to express the depth of your sadness is by crying. It’s important to allow yourself to cry and feel these emotions fully. It’s a sign you’re making a step towards healing by acknowledging the pain and beginning the process of acceptance.
Don’t Hold Back Your Tears
In a world that often tells us to “stay strong” or “hold it together,” it can feel like we need to stifle our tears. But crying is part of the human experience, and there’s nothing wrong with letting those emotions flow. It’s not about being weak, but about being honest with ourselves and what we’re feeling.
Grief, in particular, is such a personal and difficult journey. There’s no right or wrong way to navigate it. But bottling up your emotions and trying to push through without letting yourself feel can often make things harder in the long run. Sometimes, a good cry is just what we need to soften the edges of our pain, even if it’s just for a little while.
Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, feeling overwhelmed, or even moved by joy, crying is an essential part of being human. It’s a release, a comfort, and sometimes, exactly what we need to start feeling just a little bit better. So, the next time you feel the tears welling up inside, let them out. Give yourself the space to cry and to feel because it’s in those tears you might just find the strength you need to carry on.
