For some reason, much of the world associates crying with weakness. Unfortunately, many people fail to see the empowerment associated with letting tears fall free. The next time you are moved to tears, know that you are reaping many of these physical and emotional benefits when you do.

1. Crying releases toxins.

Crying helps to rid the body of a stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is dangerous because it can cause sleep problems, weight gain, and decreased immunity. Additionally, letting the tears flow helps to ease out bacteria with the help of lysozyme.

2. Crying improves your vision.

Crying keeps your eyes hydrated, often improving performance after a long day at work. When you feel your eyes losing focus and becoming blurry, crying can give them the boost they need.

3. Crying is good for the mind.

Crying can help you to release the burden of keeping every painful thought and emotion on lock down. It is common to feel relieved after crying, almost as if the tears hold a physical fragment of the pain you feel. Embrace this feeling, allowing it to pick you up. Know that after you have allowed yourself to release that hold on your body, you will then have more energy and focus to direct to problem solving and moving forward.

4. Crying can build relationships.

Sometimes the people around you have no idea that you are in pain. When you cry in front of somebody, you are allowing yourself to connect with that person. That connection can sometimes be all that is needed. In addition, by allowing another to see your human (and, dare I say it, vulnerable) side you then give that person permission to be authentic and human with you. What a gift! There is no shame in crying, especially when you might actually be building the relationship in doing so.

5. Crying helps you express your authentic feelings.

When you find yourself overcome with joy or sadness, the tears that come are evidence of a powerfully connected and authentic moment. Really allowing yourself to be in that moment also allows for you to better connect with who you are underneath all of the masks you may use throughout your day. Connecting with your authentic serves to increase your overall sense of empowerment.

Empowerment comes in many forms, and crying can be one of them. Whether you are experiencing a painful change in life or just having a bad day - don't hold back the tears.

Contact us to learn more about a safe place to connect to your authentic self and explore what may be connected to some of your tears.