Crying is a natural human response to a wide range of emotions. It's normal to cry sometimes, especially at events such as funerals, graduations, or various family celebrations. Both men and women cry more than you can imagine. Statistics show that women cry 5.3 times a month, while men cry 1.3 times a month. This change in this process is related to socialization and gender roles.
But do you know that crying also brings many benefits to people? Some of the main ones are:
- It has a calming effect
Crying can have a calming effect for some, but not for everyone. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for inducing a state of relaxation. Tearing also releases endorphins, otherwise known as the happy hormone.
-Helps relieve pain
The endorphins your body releases when you cry can help ease some types of pain or discomfort. From stress, to emotional overload, mild pains in the body, etc.
-Increases the mood
Crying releases endorphins, allowing the mood to lift. In addition, crying often leads to seeking and receiving social support, fostering a sense of connection with other people around you.
- Support from others
When you see someone crying, you are likely to perceive this as a clear signal of non-verbal distress. Crying usually elicits curiosity, support and reassurance from those around you.
- Releases hormones that relieve stress
Crying removes stress-related chemicals like cortisol through tears, helping to cleanse your body.
-Helps in the quality of sleep
This process helps reduce anxiety and stress, elements that make it more difficult to get a comfortable and full sleep. So when you cry you just feel more liberated.
- Fights bacteria
Tears contain lysozyme, an enzyme with antimicrobial properties. Lysozyme helps protect the eyes from infection by neutralizing harmful microbes that come in contact with everything around.
-Improves vision
Crying naturally lubricates your eyes, prevents dryness, and ensures that your cornea (the outer layer of the eye that focuses light and acts as a protective barrier) stays moist and clean.
-Helps to relieve the state of sadness
Crying allows us to express and process emotions, which is essential for emotional healing after an upsetting or challenging event.
- Restores emotional balance
As a natural outlet for sad emotions, crying helps release tension and stress and helps regulate difficult feelings, bringing a sense of relief.
-Helps babies sleep soundly
It can be stressful to hear a baby cry, but crying has benefits for babies too. This process helps them breathe by clearing the airways and increasing oxygen intake, resulting in a more complete and restful sleep.
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Source: VeryWell Health
