Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : November 5, 2015 11:48 AM IST
Get over it is what most friends will tell you if you had a break-up. But while it is important for you to move on, it is also necessary that you let your tears flow. Here s why.
Helps you release stress
Crying will help clean your body of internal stress. Your tears contain the compound adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which increases the stress hormone cortisol [1]. So cry and wash the stress out of your body. Suppressing tears can increase your stress levels and also contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems.
Saves you from psychological damage
Your blocked-up emotions can affect you physically and psychologically. When you allow yourself to cry it out, emotions such as anger or fear doesn t take residence in your body. This can be toxic to your body that, in the long run, can lead to many physical ailments. When you don t let your emotions out, you may even suffer from aches, pains and other discomforts [2].
Elevates your mood
Crying can boost your mood and thus help you deal better with painful situations. It can help you cope better with anxiety and nervousness. Shedding tears not only releases the toxins from your body but also releases endorphins, the brain s feel-good hormones [3].
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References:
[1] Khanal S, Simmons PA, Pearce EI, Day M, Tomlinson A. Effect of artificialtears on tear stress test. Optom Vis Sci. 2008 Aug;85(8):732-9. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e318181ae1c. PubMed PMID: 18677237
[2] Trivedi, M. H. (2004). The Link Between Depression and Physical Symptoms.Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(suppl 1), 12 16.
[3] Gra anin, A., Bylsma, L. M., & Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M. (2014). Is crying a self-soothing behavior? Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 502.
