By Rabbi Moshe Weisblum
It is said that “laughter is the best medicine,” but having a good cry can be very therapeutic too. Though shedding tears has been called a sign of weakness, in truth the act of crying is a cathartic experience that demonstrates highly evolved behavior.
Crying is not only a human response to grief and frustration, but it is also a healthy reaction to it, researchers have said. It is a natural way of reducing stress and tension that, otherwise, can have negative effects on the body. Research shows that about 85 percent of women and about 73 percent of men feel better after shedding some tears.
Contrary to popular belief, crying is actually good for you. How? Well, here are some benefits:
1. Tears Help Our Vision
Tears lubricate our eyeballs and eyelids and prevent dehydration of our mucous membranes. If we didn’t have this lubrication, our eyesight would deteriorate.
2. Tears Kill Bacteria
Tears contain lysozyme, a fluid which can destroy between 90 to 95 percent of all bacteria in just five to 10 minutes. This means that tears serve as our personal antibacterial and antiviral agent, fighting off the germs we pick up in public places, where they dwell and procreate.
3. Tears Remove Toxins
Tears help to dissipate stress hormones, like cortisol, that build up during periods of emotional turmoil to negative effect. Crying allows for both a physical and emotional release, which enables us to feel we can begin again anew.
4. Crying Relieves Stress
Shedding tears decreases stress levels, and the risk of diseases aggravated by anxiety, such as high blood pressure, heart problems and peptic ulcers. It can also reduce tension headaches and migraines.
5. Crying Lowers Blood Pressure
Researchers have found that crying lowers the blood pressure and pulse rate, decreasing the likelihood of a stroke, heart failure and even dementia.
6. Crying Can Lift Our Spirits
Manganese, a bodily mineral, is primarily responsible for the fluctuation of our mood. Tears have high concentrations of this mineral, so expelling them can release anxiety, irritability and aggression. By simply giving ourselves permission to cry when we need to, we actually reduce the level of manganese in our body and elevate our mood.
7. Tears Release Feelings and Build Community
Crying helps us embrace our emotions and become more empathetic beings. So inclined, we also become more willing to cooperate and help others survive. Talking about what precipitated our crying builds relationships, causes sympathy and fosters closeness. When you find yourself about to cry but hesitate, consider this: You’re actually embracing the essence of humanity and engendering brotherhood.
So the next time you feel like you’re on the verge of tears, don’t hold them back. Instead, let them loose, keeping these benefits in mind. Have a good cry and release all the tension you’ve been accumulating inside. You’ll discover, in the aftermath, that you’ve cleansed your heart and mind and given yourself a fresh outlook on life.
