Why Do We Feel Relieved After Crying?

Whether it's to grieve at the end of a close relationship or because of frustration due to a bad day at work, once you wipe your tears away, the world can seem like it's been put back together again. Crying may have a biochemical purpose as it's believed to release stress hormones or toxins from the body.

What happens when we cry?

Emotional or stress-related tears are said to help us through difficult times in several ways. They wash out the toxic chemicals from our bodies while psychologically, giving our feelings a good airing which is thought to be a healthy tonic.

Reduces stress

Stress can have an adverse effect on our health and has been linked to a number of health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and obesity. Crying is also thought to reduce stress and make you feel better.

Lifts mood

Apart from removing toxins from our body, tearing up also has the psychological benefits of lifting our mood and helping us cope with painful situations.

Improved sense of well-being

Crying may also trigger physical contact with another individual such as a hug or a reassuring hand placed on one's arm can has been linked to an improved sense of well-being.

Other ways to feel good

1. Spend a complete day with your parents or loved ones
2. Take a break. Go travel.
3. Practice digital detox and read some good books instead
4. Give back to the community
5. Buy some books, toys, foot ware for underprivileged children
6. Stand up for a cause
7. Have some good-mood-food
8. Sing aloud your favorite songs or tap your feet to shed all the worries
9. Give anonymously to a charity
10. Volunteer at a rehabilitation center or an orphanage
11. Get together with friends and clean up your surroundings
12. Practice self-love

Note of caution

Keep in mind that frequent crying is not always good for you and could be a sign of a serious condition such as depression, PTSD, and postnatal depression.

Also, the healing effect of crying doesn't work for everyone, and research has shown that people who suffer from mood disorders are less likely to benefit or feel better after crying.

Whether crying is good for you largely depends on a number of reasons for it, the situation, and how it is handled.