Are you one of those persons who is afraid to cry? Well, you are not alone. People who are afraid to cry have a reputation of appearing weak or too emotional. Sometimes people feel embarrassed or ashamed about crying, especially in public. This causes them to choke down their emotions to appear stronger, and in control, but crying is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
Research done by experts insists that there are many unexpected health benefits for people who cry often. They point out that there are many advantages to having a good cry. Crying is healthy. It purges negative energy and allows for new, positive energy.
Here are some of the benefits of crying according to research findings:
Crying Releases Toxins
Toxic substances are released from the body when we cry. Crying does not only cleanse us mentally – it can cleanse our body too. Tears that are produced by stress help the body get rid of chemicals that raise cortisol – the stress hormone.
Crying Kills Bacteria
A good cry is a good way to kill bacteria in your eyes. Tears contain the fluid lysozyme – that can kill 90 to 95 percent of all bacteria in just five to 10 minutes.
Crying Improves Vision
Tears, made by the lacrimal gland, can actually clear up our vision by lubricating the eyeballs and eyelids. When the membranes of the eyes are dehydrated, our eyesight may become a little blurry. Tears bathe the surface of the eye, keeping it moist, and wash away dust and debris. Crying also prevents the dehydration of various mucous membranes.
Crying Improves Mood
Tears can elevate our mood better than any antidepressant available. The shedding of tears improved the mood of almost 90 percent of criers compared to the eight percent who reported crying made them feel worse.
Crying Relieves Stress
A good cry can provide a feeling of relief, even if our circumstances remain the same. Crying is a healthier alternative to punching the wall, or “stuffing your feelings,” which can lead to physical health problems like headaches or high blood pressure. Crying is a safe and effective way to deal with stress. It provides an emotional release of pent up negative feelings, stresses and frustrations.
Crying Boosts Communication
Crying can show what words cannot express, especially in a relationship. This is mostly seen when a person in the relationship is having a different reaction to a situation that isn’t transparent until tears begin to show. It is at the moment one person bursts into tears that the flow of the conversation shifts toward the emotional aspect the conversation was covering. Crying can quell a fight, emphasize a point not gotten across in words, or simply underscore the importance of the feelings behind the dialogue.
Crying helps us deal with sorrow
Aside from removing toxic substances from our body, crying also has the psychological benefit of lifting our mood and help us deal with painful situations.
Crying signals a need for help from others and brings people together
People are usually more likely to help someone when they see him/her dissolve into tears, and it can prompt helpful behaviour. It may also be a signal for physical contact such as a hug or reassuring hand placed on an arm – and touch has been linked with helping stress reduction.
A good cry or two can naturally heal us both physiologically and psychologically. For both men and women, boys or girls, tears are a sign of courage, strength and authenticity. They are not a sign of weakness. Emotional tears heal the heart. So, the next time you feel like crying, just cry. Let go the outmoded, untrue conceptions about crying.
Remember: It is good to cry. It is healthy to cry. Do not apologize or be afraid of crying because without this emotion we are only robots.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
