When Tears Begin to Fall, Life May Be Turning Around
By Sandy Schroeder
Suddenly breaking into tears at work or at the supermarket can be mortifying. If you have just lost a loved one, or received some other serious news, people will understand; otherwise they may not, but before we dismiss tears or try to sweep them away, it might be good to find out what emotional tears actually do for the mind, body and spirit.
Psychology Today advises us, “Let go of outmoded, untrue beliefs about crying. Tears of emotion are healthy. They clear sadness and stress, and help us come to terms with grief."
When life simply overwhelms us, and the tears start to flow, the body is reacting to restore our health and equilibrium. As embarrassing as it may feel, you may soon be more relaxed and happier.
Here's what really happens.
Rest and recovery – Similar to the way you might use meditation or deep breathing when stress strikes, crying stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to help you pause and pull things together, making them a healthy choice.
Avoid depression – Crying helps resolve grief as we process loss or absorb other severe impacts. As stress is released, the mind and body are able to go on without sinking into sadness, depression or anxiety.
Overflow valve – Tears can be the body’s release valve when a child is born, a difficulty has passed, or other worries have subsided. Sometimes we find ourselves almost holding our breath as we make our way through difficult situations. When they are resolved, tears of relief sometimes follow.
Clean and cleanse - Tears springing from emotion are full of healthy chemicals that help to release toxins from the body.
Comforting touches - Crying also stimulates the love hormone oxytocin, a chemical linked to bliss.
Pain relief - Researchers believe crying releases natural opioids in the brain that can help relieve pain. When you have been suffering from pain that simply won’t let up, emotional tears can trigger natural pain relief.
Support assistance – Without saying a word, tears tell others that we are sad, anxious or injured. True friends and people of all stripes who believe in helping others will show up to help you. Sometimes you may discover new friends or new sources of help simply because tears opened the door.
Healing the heart – A problem may continue afterwards, but a flow of emotional tears can help to heal the spirit and support the heart, making you stronger, not weaker.
When you see someone cry, reach out to see what you can do. You will feel better and so will they.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fayetteville, N.C.