The Science of Crying: Why Tears Are Good for Your Body and Mind

Oct 27

Even in a society where emotional expression is increasingly valued, the act of shedding tears remains both complex and stigmatized. From the earliest moments of our lives, tears accompany us— yet showing them can sometimes evoke feelings of shame or embarrassment. As research on crying expands, it’s becoming clear that tears play a vital role in both our physical and emotional well-being.

What Happens in Your Body When You Cry

When we experience strong emotions— sadness, frustration, or even joy— our bodies react. Our heart rate might rise, our breathing may quicken, and our muscles often tense. This heightened state is regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It has two main parts:

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Triggers the “fight or flight” response and prepares your body for action.
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Promotes rest, recovery, and calm once the perceived threat has passed.

When we cry, our bodies often shift into a state of heightened arousal, with the SNS activated. This can make it difficult for the body to return to a regulated state right away. Interestingly, however, crying itself appears to activate the PNS. Research suggests that shedding tears can engage parasympathetic processes that promote calm and physiological recovery (Gracanin et al., 2014). In this way, crying may function as a built-in self-soothing mechanism, helping us process intense emotions and restore balance within the nervous system.

Do Tears “Detox” Your Body?

A popular claim is that crying helps remove toxins from the body, but the science tells a more nuanced story. Emotional tears do contain trace amounts of stress-related chemicals, such as ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which are not found in reflex tears. This had led some researchers to suggest that crying may play a small role in regulating the body’s stress response.

However, the quantities are too minimal to consider crying a true “detoxification” process. Instead, the sense of release people often feel after crying is more likely due to the activation of the parasympathetic system and the psychological relief that comes from emotional expression. Crying helps you feel better, not because it flushes toxins, but because it helps restore emotional and psychological balance (Burgess, 2023).

How Crying Affects Your Brain

The benefits of crying also extend to the brain’s chemistry. Although research is still emerging, crying has been linked to the release of oxytocin and endorphins— neurochemicals associated with comfort, bonding, and stress reduction (Gracanin et al., 2014). This may help explain why people often report a sense of calm or connection after a “good cry.”

There’s also evidence that crying may help reduce physiological markers of stress, such as cortisol, and support mood regulation through other neurochemical pathways. While direct effects on serotonin or cardiovascular health are not yet proven, crying’s role in lowering overall stress makes it a supportive behavior for emotional and physical well-being.

The Consequences of Suppressing Tears

Suppressing tears (or what psychologists call “repressive coping”) can have harmful effects on both mental and physical health. When we avoid emotional expression, we deny ourselves the opportunity to process and release distress. Overtime, this can contribute to heightened physiological tension and increased psychological strain (Newhouse, 2021).

Research suggests that chronic emotional suppression may weaken immune function, elevate blood pressure, and exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. By contrast, allowing tears to flow provides a form of emotional regulation that helps restore the body’s sense of balance.

Gender Differences and Social Stigma

Gender norms often shape how individuals express emotion, and crying is no exception. While women may face less stigma for shedding tears, men are frequently socialized to suppress their emotions to align with traditional ideals of masculinity. This pressure can deprive men of a natural outlet for emotional relief, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional disconnection.

Recognizing that tears are a universal human response— regardless of gender— is essential. Encouraging men to embrace vulnerability and express emotion can promote healthier coping, deeper connection, and greater authenticity. Challenging these norms helps create a culture where everyone feels free to express themselves without shame (Newhouse, 2021).

Why You Should Embrace Your Tears

Understanding the science behind crying reveals just how vital tears are for our overall health. The next time you feel the urge to cry, don’t hold back! Your body might be trying to help you self-regulate and heal. Tears aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re evidence of humanity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. By embracing our tears, we embrace the full spectrum of what it means to be human— vulnerable, connected, and capable of growth.

References:

Burgess, L. (2023, July 13). Eight benefits of crying: Why it's good to shed a few tears.

MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319631

Gračanin, A., Bylsma, L. M., & Vingerhoets, A. J. (2014). Is crying a self-soothing behavior?.

Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 502. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00502

Newhouse, L. (2021, March 1). Is crying good for you? Harvard Health Blog.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-crying-good-for-you-

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