Shedding tears is often viewed by society as a sign of weakness or defeat and therefore avoided by many. However, what if I told you that it is okay to be a crybaby; in fact, it is good for you!

 Humans have literally been crying since they left the womb. When a baby is delivered and must begin breathing on their own, crying is vital as it allows their tiny lungs to adapt to the world. There are three different types of tears produced by humans: basil, reflex, and emotional. Basil tears are the antibacterial liquid that coats the eye each time you blink, reflex tears protect the eye by flushing out irritants, and emotional tears are shed in response to a range of different emotions.

 Crying has been proven to boost one’s mood, relieve stress, lower blood pressure, reduce manganese, and slow breathing and heart rate. Emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones and the mood-altering mineral manganese (more manganese than in blood serum!). Stress causes the muscles to tense up and emotional tension to be amplified, while high levels of manganese are associated with anxiety, irritability, and aggression. A good crying session can release some of these less-than-desirable toxins.

 Crying for long periods of time allows endorphins such as oxytocin and endogenous opioids to be released. The release of these chemicals can cause the body to go into a numb-like state, easing both physical and emotional pain. A study presented in the Frontiers in Psychology journal revealed that crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which explains the self-soothing effects that come with it. Furthermore, sobbing can lift your spirits by allowing cool air to regulate or lower the temperature of your brain, which is much more pleasing to the body.

 When experiencing an influx of emotions, crying can provide a way to address and express your emotional distress. It can also be a way to receive support and comfort from others. “I feel better when after I cry because I feel like I’m releasing all of my hurt or bad feelings, which allows me to move on,” exclaimed junior Margaux Smith. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and coming to terms with your feelings are two key factors in leading a healthy life, without an excess of emotional baggage.

 So, the next time you find yourself wallowing in self-pity, do not feel bad about it! And if you see someone fighting back tears, inform them of the advantages that come along with sobbing. Whether it be an impromptu emotional breakdown or overwhelming grief, put your tears to good use!