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WE'VE all been there — sobbing uncontrollably after watching a heartbreaking scene in an emotional film, or moved to tears when someone surprises you with a special gift.
Or maybe we might cry out of frustration, either after getting scolded at work or after discovering that washing machine has turned your new brand new hoodie from white to blue.
Whatever the reason, crying is a universal human experience. But is it just a sign of weakness, or could there be more to those tears?
THE MANY TYPES OF TEARS
Did you know not all tears are the same? Just as there are different types of emotions, tears also have their own categories:
Reflex Tears: These are your 'everyday heroes'. They show up when you're chopping onions or when smoke gets in your eyes. Their job? To keep your eyes clean and moist.
Continuous Tears: These work behind the scenes to keep your eyes lubricated and protected from infections. Think of them as the unsung heroes of your eyeballs.
Emotional Tears: These are the ones that flow when you’re going through some strong emotions, like sorrow or anger. Unlike the other two, emotional tears contain stress hormones and toxins, which some scientists believe help 'detox' your body. So, crying might just be your body’s way of hitting the reset button!
Curious about how you would handle challenging situations? Take our quiz here to find out just how resilient you are.
THE UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF CRYING
Here’s where it gets interesting. Crying isn't just about letting out emotions — it can actually be good for your mental and physical health.
An article on the science of crying in Harvard Health Publishing talked about its medical benefits, pointing out that medical researchers have long emphasised its role as a mechanism that alleviates stress and emotional pain.
Here’s how:
Stress Relief: Feeling stressed from work or family drama? A good cry can calm your nervous system and help you feel more relaxed. It’s like a mini spa session for your emotions.
Pain Relief: Believe it or not, crying releases endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. So, whether it's a broken heart or a crippling migraine, crying might help ease the pain.
Mood Booster: Ever noticed how you feel better after a good cry? That’s because sobbing involves rapid, shallow breaths, which can cool down your brain and improve your mood. Even the act of 'fake crying' can bring about smiles, as seen during the recent crying contest in Kelantan which went viral.
Stronger Connections: Crying in front of someone — like your friend or a family member — can deepen your bond. It’s a way of showing vulnerability and building trust. Plus, who doesn't feel closer after an honest exchange that ends in tears and hugs?
Emotional Release: Sometimes, you just need to let it all out. Crying can help you process emotions like grief, anger, or frustration, leaving you feeling lighter and ready to move forward.
NOT ALL CRYING IS THE SAME
Of course, not every crying session is created equal. Crying in a supportive environment is more likely to have positive effects than crying alone or during a stressful situation.
For example, crying while stuck in the after work traffic jam might not feel as therapeutic as crying after an emotional heart-to-heart with your best friend.
But let's be honest — sometimes, we’re taught to hold back our tears because crying is seen as a sign of weakness. The truth is, crying is a natural and healthy way to process emotions.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, grab some tissues, find a supportive friend or loved one, and let yourself cry. It’s good for you!