When we have a good cry, we generally feel better. In an article entitled “8 Benefits of Crying: Why it’s good to shed a few tears” by Lana Burgess and featured on MedicalNewsToday, we get a backing up with science as to why crying is good for us. A few points that resonated:
- It creates a soothing effect. “Crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which helps people relax.” Hello comfort system 🙂
- Crying is primarily an attachment behaviour. When we cry, we also get soothed by others as they are drawn by compassion; this also helps to strengthen connection.
- Crying is a mood booster. “Research has found that in addition to being self-soothing, shedding emotional tears releases oxytocin and endorphins.” This is great news for not only lifting our spirits, but for relieving pain as well.
Although we have often been taught that crying is a sign of weakness, we can begin to recognize and appreciate the therapeutic role of shedding tears. Shared tears can also lend ourselves to greater experiences of bonding as we often feel comforted when others share our pain. And crying in therapy is nothing we ever need to apologize for – as a client recently said to me “If you’re peeling the onion, you can expect to cry.”
To read the article cited above:Â https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319631#benefits-of-crying
Photo credit:Â https://unsplash.com/@jwwphotography