Habit Number Six – Cry
Shed those tears. Bring on health.
As human beings we’ve gotten so good at “having it all together.” Society celebrates strong men and women, those who “can do it all.” Oftentimes, showing vulnerabilities or emotions is deemed as weakness.
However, the medical world is educating us on the research behind feeling emotions and how that’s linked to better health. Here’s what the research suggests when it comes to shedding some tears:
Crying helps us to relax and reset
One study explains how crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps people relax and reset. Our Parasympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that relaxes our body after stress, danger, or anxiety-inducing events. Not only that but our PNS helps our body’s function supporting healthy digestion during times when we feel safe and at rest.
Crying helps with pain management
When we cry, our bodies release oxytocin and endorphins; two hormones that are responsible for helping us feel happy and optimistic. Research indicates that these two chemicals have also been found to reduce both physical and emotional pain.
Crying brings social benefits
When we cry with others around, research suggest that it creates a bond with those around you creating social connection; something we all need after a few years of isolation and social distancing.
Feeling emotions is totally okay and normal AND good for you.
