In “The Health Benefit of Tears,” a recent Psychology Today article, Dr. Judith Orloff, lists these five ways weeping helps us stay healthy:
1. Lubricates eyes, removing irritants
2. Reduces stress hormones
3. Slows heart and breathing rate
4. Stimulates production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer and “feel good” hormone
5. Allows negative emotions like grief and depression a chance to release, so they don’t cause sickness—either emotional or physical
"You Have Blessed My Carpet with Your Tears"
Dr. Orloff believes that “for both men and women, tears are a sign of courage, strength, and authenticity. She relates a story about a patient apologizing to her after laying on her office floor and crying. Dr. Orloff told the client, “Your tears blessed my carpet,” and reassured them that no apology was needed.
Dr. Orloff believes that “for both men and women, tears are a sign of courage, strength, and authenticity. She relates a story about a patient apologizing to her after laying on her office floor and crying. Dr. Orloff told the client, “Your tears blessed my carpet,” and reassured them that no apology was needed.
So, go ahead and cry. Not only will you feel better afterwards, you’ll be healthier.
What makes you cry either happy or sad tears?
