Are you crying because you’re sad or because something moves you? It’s all okay
One person almost never cries and another cries their eyes out every month (or even more often). One thing is certain: we’ve all done it. Don’t try to fight the tears, but let them flow freely because crying also has some benefits.
Some try to suppress tears because they are scared it makes them seem weak, but science gives you seven good reasons to not hold those tears back.
Statistics
We all cry sometimes. One person more than the other, but the figures don’t lie. Research from the University of Tilburg shows that men cry on average 1 time per four weeks and women cry on average 2.7 times per four weeks. This is not a bad thing at all! Take a look at the benefits of crying below.
1. Crying calms you down
Research carried out in 2014 shows that crying has a comforting effect. In the research is explained that crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps people to relax.
2. It gives you more support
Sometimes people don’t understand how much something is bothering you, but they suddenly understand it better when you cry. Research carried out in 2016 shows that crying is so-called attachment behaviour. This means that crying makes people want to comfort you and support you.
3. It really eases the pain
When you cry because something made you sad, the pain is often quite sharp, but you do feel relieved after you cry. Does this sound familiar? That’s not that odd. Researchers found out that your body produces oxytocin and endorphins when you cry. These components make people feel good and that’s why you experience the sharp pain a little less intense.
4. It gives you a better mood
Your body, as explained above, produces oxytocin and endorphins when you cry. That’s why crying makes you feel better after you’ve cried and puts you in a better mood.
5. It is said to cause less stress
A lot of research still has to be done, but researchers are convinced that crying can alleviate stress. When you cry, your tears contain a certain concentration of stress hormones. These stress hormones leave your body when you cry and researchers have developed a theory that you experience less stress after crying because of it. Researchers do indicate that there is still a lot of research to be done though.
6. It protects from bacteria
Tears contain something called lysozyme, which helps your eyes keep clean. Research carried out in 2011 shows that lysozyme even lowers the risk of getting certain types of bacteria.
7. It can improve your sight
Most people know tears as the drops that pour over your cheeks when you cry, but there is also something called ‘basal tears’. This is the fluid that is produced when you blink. It keeps your eyes moist and allows you to see clearly. Sometimes your eyes can be a bit dry, which makes you see a little less. When you cry, you know that you eyes will be moist for a little while.
