Ever felt embarrassed or tried to hold back your tears? Well, here’s some news: crying isn't just a show of emotions; it's packed with benefits that are good for your health! DHIE unravels the science behind why shedding a few tears can be surprisingly beneficial..Tears are not just water; they have layers—oil, water, and mucus—that serve different purposes. When you cry, these layers help wash out particles and irritants that could harm your eyes. The water layer hydrates, while the mucus collects dust and microbes, and the oil prevents evaporation of the water layer. So, crying is like giving your eyes a thorough cleanse with built-in, antibacterial eye drops!.Crying triggers the release of several chemicals, including oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These chemicals make us feel good and can relieve pain—like an emotional painkiller. This is why you might experience a sense of calm or relief after a good cry. It's your brain's way of coping and comforting you..Emotional tears (those formed in distress or grief) contain stress hormones such as cortisol. By crying, you are literally expelling stress hormones from your body, which can reduce your overall stress levels. Think of it as your body's built-in stress release valve, helping you to reset emotionally and physically after a stress overload..Crying can be a powerful nonverbal cue, signalling to others that you might need support. From an evolutionary standpoint, this vulnerability can strengthen connections and elicit help, fostering community and social bonds. It’s one way our emotions connect us to people who can offer emotional or physical aid..The calming effect of crying can also promote better sleep. The parasympathetic nervous system (part of the involuntary nervous system) kicks in during a long cry, promoting relaxation. This is why you might find yourself feeling sleepy after crying. So, tears before bed can sometimes lead to a more peaceful slumber, resetting both emotional and physiological states.
Ever felt embarrassed or tried to hold back your tears? Well, here’s some news: crying isn't just a show of emotions; it's packed with benefits that are good for your health! DHIE unravels the science behind why shedding a few tears can be surprisingly beneficial..Tears are not just water; they have layers—oil, water, and mucus—that serve different purposes. When you cry, these layers help wash out particles and irritants that could harm your eyes. The water layer hydrates, while the mucus collects dust and microbes, and the oil prevents evaporation of the water layer. So, crying is like giving your eyes a thorough cleanse with built-in, antibacterial eye drops!.Crying triggers the release of several chemicals, including oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These chemicals make us feel good and can relieve pain—like an emotional painkiller. This is why you might experience a sense of calm or relief after a good cry. It's your brain's way of coping and comforting you..Emotional tears (those formed in distress or grief) contain stress hormones such as cortisol. By crying, you are literally expelling stress hormones from your body, which can reduce your overall stress levels. Think of it as your body's built-in stress release valve, helping you to reset emotionally and physically after a stress overload..Crying can be a powerful nonverbal cue, signalling to others that you might need support. From an evolutionary standpoint, this vulnerability can strengthen connections and elicit help, fostering community and social bonds. It’s one way our emotions connect us to people who can offer emotional or physical aid..The calming effect of crying can also promote better sleep. The parasympathetic nervous system (part of the involuntary nervous system) kicks in during a long cry, promoting relaxation. This is why you might find yourself feeling sleepy after crying. So, tears before bed can sometimes lead to a more peaceful slumber, resetting both emotional and physiological states.
