psychology
7 situations when crying is just right for us
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Crying is often associated with shame, although it can do us so much good and it also shows others something important: namely how we are feeling in a moment. They can be tears of sadness, anger, joy or even being touched. So many things speak for just letting the tears run free – literally.
Why do we often associate crying with weakness? It speaks more for a certain strength if we can surrender to our emotions and also don’t prevent the physical consequences. Unfortunately, that’s a reaction that’s commonplace for many people. Crying at a romantic comedy in the cinema? Please do not. We’d rather be touched as inconspicuously as possible. When in doubt, the tears won’t bother anyone – and according to studies, other people pay much less attention to us than we would think. Not convinced yet?
7 reasons that speak for crying
Our feelings can make us cry. It can be positive as well as negative and it is helpful to become aware of this and to be able to classify your own tears better.
Despair
When we are overwhelmed and there are no words in an argument, some people burst into tears. Because they would like to be able to express themselves better, but the emotions are so much stronger than logical thinking at this moment. This causes inner stress and frustration – and therefore also causes us to cry every now and then.
Grief
Arguably the most accepted form of crying is that of loss. This can be the death of a loved one or a breakup, but also any other situation in life that has hit us hard on a personal level. Grief is very individual and not every person presents it in a similar way. For some it can mean that they have to cry, but for others it can also be other forms of coping with grief that help.
pain
Have you ever really stubbed your big toe on a door? In addition to a loud curse, we often have tears in our eyes. A completely natural reaction to pain, which is part of the body. According to studies, crying even reduces adrenaline and cortisol levels, which in turn can reduce stress.
endorphins
Crying can also help us calm down and: make us feel better. Studies have found that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids. Sometimes we need that moment where we can let it all out.
Joy
The wedding of a best friend, the birth of the first child, a wonderful holiday moment or simply laughing too hard with friends – all these moments can trigger tears of joy in us. It is believed that tears are associated with very strong emotions, whether positive or negative.
To create a connection
Those who cry will encounter more empathy from other people. One study was able to show that people were more helpful to a crying face than to a non-crying one. So it could also help to create social connections.
It’s good for the eyes
After a night of nothing but crying, we’d probably disagree with that point. But if the eyes are too dry, for example, or if we have a speck of dust in our eye, crying can definitely help our sense organ; Among other things against dirt and irritation – and for more moisture.
Sources used: verywellmind.com, psychcentral.com, canr.msu.edu, health.harvard.edu, salusuhealth.com