Monday Morning Motivational Message - Crying

When was the last time you had a good cry? 

I'm not talking about the "watery eyes" at the end of a film or a moving image on social media. I'm talking about an actual cry. 

Shedding tears is an emotional response to a range of emotions, from utter grief and despair to pure happiness and joy. 

Studies show that women cry  3 to 5 times per month, while men cry 1 to 3 times monthly. This difference in the rate of crying is likely due to socialization and gender roles.

When former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano gave his moving 1993 Espy speech after being awarded the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award, he recommended everyone do three things daily. First is to laugh. Second is to think; third is to have your emotions moved to tears. He went on to say, "If you think about it. If you laugh, think, and cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day."

According to a 2022 article by the Cleveland Clinic, crying engages our parasympathetic nervous system to relieve stress, strengthen our relationships, and relieve pain.   

At church a few weeks ago, our pastor commented in his homily that crying releases salt water. Salt water connects us to our Creator because all life springs from the oceans, which are comprised of salt water. 

Here are four benefits we receive when we cry:

1. It has a soothing effect - Crying releases endorphins, the body's "happy hormones," which calm our anxieties.

2. Helps us sleep - Crying helps us to relieve stress. In addition, the hormones released during crying periods calm our minds, allowing us restorative sleep.

3. Prevents infection - Our tears contain lysozyme, an enzyme with antimicrobial properties. Lysozyme prevents eye infections and neutralizes bacteria.

4. Restores emotional balance - Crying brings relief. It is a cathartic experience that restores emotional balance.  

Crying is a natural and healthy response that helps us align our emotions and reduce stress. It's a tool in the toolbox that helps us maintain our emotional well-being.

Please leave me a comment about your thoughts on crying. Your opinions and perspectives are valuable, and I'd appreciate hearing from you.