NERD ALERT: Have a good cry. No, really.

In a time like this when we are all experiencing so many challenges, I want to share some important information with you that I routinely tell my patients: Crying is healthy. We tend to feel we need to “suck it up” and “stay strong” when we are facing difficulties. And, for some weird flipping reason our culture tells up crying is weakness. Ummm… NO. Crying has really important physiological reasons behind it. 

 

These are the potent chemicals in our bodies that help us feel better, soothe pain, and feel loved. (!!!) Research shows crying is one of our most powerful forms of self-soothing and mood enhancement. Here is an in-depth study, but I’ll spare you the boring scientific prose and sum it up… crying makes us feel better. The end.

 

When we cry emotional tears we release stress hormones and toxins from the body right in the tears! This reduces our chemical stress burden and makes us feel better, even when the stressor hasn’t gone away. We also know decreasing the amount of toxins and stress hormones in our bodies has other health benefits. 

 

Here is a fascinating article that dives into the nuts and bolts of why crying is healthy. So, if you feel tears welling up, let them roll! It’s what all the cool kids are doing these days. No faking it, though. It needs to be a legit emotional cry. Poking yourself in the eye or cutting onions won’t have the same effect. 

 

COVID TIP: Since all the stores are out of paper products, including facial tissue, a nice soft cotton T-shirt soaks up tears nicely. 

 

As always, we are so honored you are part of the TēTribe. We are here for you…Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can support you.