3 Great Reasons to Have a Good Cry

While Charles Darwin may have been puzzled by humans expressing emotions by crying, scientific studies show that crying can be beneficial. Psychologists definitely believe that crying provides stress relief and strengthens bonding for individuals and families.

Why  is it good to cry?

1. Emotional tears are chemically encoded signals. Higher levels of adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) is found in emotional tears. Reflexive tears, from physical eye irritants, do not wash this chemical out of our body, though, they are definitely important to cleanse an irritated eye. However, emotional tears from crying removes this chemical and triggers the release of cortisol, producing a calming effect, relieving stress. Also, bacterial infections decrease from this washing away.

2. Tears are bonding. Individuals and groups of people, both men and women, who cry together experience stronger or deeper levels of bonding. Unlike sweat, tears are odorless, so crying promotes togetherness instead of wanting separation from an unpleasant smell.

3. Tears expose emotions that can be dealt with and addressed. By crying, individuals can learn what issues trigger the tears, whether that be a death they have not grieved for previously or a resentment that they may be hanging onto and need to release the hurt. Without tears, your body has an imbalance. Man, woman or child,  it's good to cry, as long as it's not excessive.

So, if you've felt the pangs of emotional distress from dealing with a crazy world, it may be time to have a good cry. You might just be amazed by how good you feel when you're finished.

Have you had a good cry lately?