Crying is often seen as something to be embarrassed about or a sign of weakness, but in reality, it serves an important purpose.
Whether you’re turning on the waterworks because of sadness, frustration, relief, or even happiness, crying is a natural and necessary emotional release. It’s more than just a way of expressing feelings, though; crying has real physical, mental, and emotional benefits that many people don’t realise. The next time you feel tears welling up, you might actually be doing yourself a favour, believe it or not.
1. It helps you process your feelings.
Holding back emotions doesn’t make them disappear; it just bottles them up, often making them feel even bigger. Crying allows you to process what you’re feeling instead of suppressing it, helping you work through sadness, frustration, or even overwhelming happiness.
When you allow yourself to cry, you’re giving your emotions the attention they deserve. Rather than pushing them aside, tears help you acknowledge, process, and eventually move past them, leading to better mental and emotional health.
2. It releases built-up stress.
Ever noticed how you feel physically lighter after a good cry? That’s because crying helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which build up when you’re anxious or overwhelmed. By shedding tears, your body naturally resets itself, helping you feel calmer and more balanced afterward. It’s like an emotional detox, releasing tension that might otherwise build up and affect your mood, sleep, and even physical health.
3. It improves your mood.
Even though crying is often associated with sadness, it can actually lead to feeling better in the long run. That’s because crying triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood boosters.
These “feel-good” chemicals create a sense of relief and relaxation after the emotional release. So while you might start out feeling upset, crying can actually help you process those feelings and come out feeling clearer and lighter afterward.
4. It strengthens relationships and emotional bonds.
Let’s face it — crying in front of someone can feel awkward, but in reality, showing vulnerability strengthens relationships. When you cry in front of a trusted friend or loved one, it invites them to offer comfort and support, deepening your emotional connection.
Instead of seeing crying as a sign of weakness, think of it as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with those who truly care about you. It creates empathy, trust, and emotional closeness, helping build deeper, more meaningful connections.
5. It helps you let go of emotional pain.
Sometimes, emotions feel too heavy to carry, and crying is the body’s way of releasing some of that weight. When you hold in tears, you might also be holding onto emotional pain longer than necessary. When you cry, you’re giving yourself permission to release some of that burden. Whether it’s grief, disappointment, frustration, or heartbreak, tears help you process and eventually heal from emotional wounds.
6. It can reduce physical pain.
Crying isn’t just about emotions; it actually has a physical effect on the body. Studies have shown that tears release oxytocin and endorphins, which are natural painkillers. That’s why people sometimes cry when they’re injured — it’s the body’s way of managing pain. Whether you’ve stubbed your toe or are experiencing emotional distress, letting yourself cry can help ease discomfort and promote relaxation.
7. It helps clear your mind and improve decision-making.
When emotions run high, it can be difficult to think clearly. Crying helps release built-up emotional energy, allowing your brain to reset and refocus. After having a good cry session, many people find they can think more rationally about a situation. This can be especially helpful when making important decisions, as it prevents emotions from clouding judgment and allows for a clearer perspective.
8. It detoxifies the body.
Crying isn’t just emotional; it’s biological. Tears contain stress hormones and other chemicals that accumulate in the body during times of distress. When you cry, you’re actually flushing out toxins that could negatively impact your health.
In other words, crying isn’t just an emotional cleanse — it’s a physical one, too. Letting yourself cry can help remove unwanted substances from the body and restore a sense of balance.
9. It lets people know that you could use a little extra support.
Sometimes, people don’t realise you’re struggling unless they see you cry. Tears can act as a non-verbal way of communicating that you need comfort, reassurance, or someone to listen.
While not everyone feels comfortable crying in front of other people, letting yourself be vulnerable can help you receive the support you need. Instead of bottling everything up, tears let those around you know that you’re hurting and could use a little kindness.
10. It reminds you that you care.
We often cry over things that matter to us — relationships, dreams, memories, or even injustices in the world. Crying is a sign that something or someone has touched you deeply, reminding you of your emotional depth and capacity to care.
Instead of seeing tears as a weakness, think of them as proof that you are emotionally connected to your experiences. They are a sign of strength, showing that you feel deeply, love fiercely, and care enough to be affected by the world around you.
