Ah, the age-old saying, "Why are you crying like a baby?" As if showing emotion is some grand betrayal of our stoic facades. We’ve all heard it. "Oh please, weak people only do that." Right, because suppressing feelings is the ultimate mark of strength. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Crying is a natural part of our human experience, something we all do when we're sad, happy, or simply overwhelmed.
It is not me saying this but a renowned for its authoritative health information and research-backed
article do. Recently, I stumbled upon
an enlightening article on the Harvard Health Blog titled "Is Crying Good
for You?" It beautifully explains the many benefits of shedding tears,
highlighting how crying is essential for our health and well-being. It got me
thinking about a dear friend of mine, Anu, and her journey with embracing her
tears. Her story is a perfect example of how sometimes, those tears lead us to
better things later.
Anu was going through a tough time. Her
grandmother, who had been a pillar of strength and love in her life, had passed
away. Anu felt a heavy weight on her heart, but she held back her tears,
thinking she needed to stay strong for her family. Days passed, and the burden
of her unexpressed grief started to affect her. She couldn't concentrate at
work, felt constantly anxious, and was easily irritated.
One evening, Anu finally allowed herself to cry. As
she sat on her bed, memories of her grandmother flooded her mind, and the tears
came freely. She cried for what felt like hours, letting out all the pain and
sorrow she had bottled up inside. Afterward, she felt a sense of relief she
hadn't experienced since her grandmother's passing. The tears had washed away a
part of her grief, making the load a little lighter.
This experience mirrors what the Harvard Health
Blog article explains: crying isn't just about expressing sadness; it's a
powerful way to relieve stress. When we cry, our tears carry away stress
hormones and other toxins from our bodies, which can significantly lighten our
emotional burden. This detoxifying process helps explain why we often feel a
sense of relief and calmness after a good cry. Our bodies release endorphins
during crying, which are chemicals that elevate our mood and create a feeling
of well-being.
Moreover, crying plays a crucial role in helping us
understand and process our emotions. Anu's tears allowed her to confront and
process her grief, bringing her a step closer to healing. This process is
particularly therapeutic during periods of intense emotional distress, helping
us navigate our feelings and gain clarity.
Crying also has a remarkable way of bringing us
closer to others. The day after Anu's emotional release, she shared her
feelings with her best friend, Meera. As she spoke about her grandmother, tears
flowed again, but this time, Meera's comforting presence made a huge
difference. Meera listened, hugged her, and shared her own memories of Anu's
grandmother, which made Anu feel supported and understood. This bond of empathy
and support strengthened their friendship.
There are physical benefits to crying as well.
Emotional tears, unlike the ones that merely keep our eyes moist, contain
higher levels of stress hormones and toxins. By shedding these tears, we help
our bodies expel harmful substances, contributing to our overall health.
Additionally, the endorphins released during crying act as natural painkillers,
providing physical relief and comfort.
However, it's important to acknowledge that crying
doesn't always have positive effects for everyone. For some, it can intensify
feelings of helplessness or cause discomfort, especially in inappropriate
settings. Excessive crying may also indicate underlying mental health issues
such as depression or anxiety, which require professional attention.
As Harvard is underlining, crying is a natural,
beneficial response to life's ups and downs. It helps us reduce stress, process
emotions, connect with others, and even improve our physical health.
Understanding and embracing our tears, as Anu did, can lead to a healthier,
more balanced life. But don’t you think it’s simply a natural phenomenon? So
next time someone tells you to stop crying, just thank them for their concern
and continue your path to a healthier you. After all, it’s not every day you get a free emotional detox session! For
those who want to delve deeper into this topic, the full article is available
on the Harvard Health BlogJ.