5 Reasons Crying Is Good For You And Your Health

Forget about putting on a brave face; it turns out it’s healthier to embrace your emotions and reach for the tissues. Shedding a tear is a normal biological behaviour, but not everyone finds it easy to do.

As South African psychologist Susan David explains: “Emotions are data, not directives,” reminding us that even strong feelings can carry meaning rather than shame. 

In most cases, crying happens for one of three reasons:

• to clear out harmful irritants

• to prevent dryness

• in response to strong emotions like joy or sadness

Whatever your reason for crying, it helps to recognise that each scenario brings a specific health benefit and that crying also sends an important social signal: that you might be in distress and in need of comfort.

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It Cleans and Protects Your Eyes

Starting with the most basic function, tears are produced to cleanse and protect your eyes from irritants. Basal tears (which are in our eyes all the time) provide lubrication by coating the surface of your eyes and eyelids with nutrient‑rich fluid, which nourishes the cells.

A lack of basal tears can lead to dry eye syndrome, while an inability to secrete these tears may result in inflammation or even damage to the eye’s surface. Reflex tears (produced when irritants such as smoke or onion vapour strike) act to flush away the threat.

It Boosts Your Mood

Have you ever wondered why crying when you’re sad often makes you feel better? Emotional tears seem to act as an emotional drain‑off system. They help you cope properly with what’s going on, rather than getting stuck in the feeling.

They can also carry trace amounts of manganese and other compounds linked to anxiety, irritability and fatigue. By releasing these substances, crying may actually improve how you feel and leave you more relaxed.

It Reduces Stress Levels

When you cry, it often signals that you’re under significant stress. But your tears can help by reducing levels of stress‑related hormones such as cortisol and prolactin. At the same time, tears release soothing endorphins, your body’s natural feel‑good chemicals. The result? A lighter mood, decreased tension and a calmer system.

It Fights Off Bacteria

Your body produces its own germ-fighting agents, and your tears are part of that defence network. They’re equipped with antibacterial and antiviral chemicals like the enzyme lysozyme, which can eliminate a large proportion of bacteria within minutes. So when your eyes water in response to dust or infection, you’re witnessing a protective mechanism in action.

ALSO READ: Why You Might Cry While Breastfeeding and What It Means

It Lessens Pain

Emotional tears also stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as leucine enkephalin, which acts like a natural painkiller in your brain. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully mapped out, research suggests these substances reduce both emotional and physical pain by interrupting pain pathways.

Suppressed emotional pain tends to linger in your system until it’s processed. Crying offers a way for that internal pain to become external, to be seen and then healed.

Letting Yourself Feel Doesn’t Make You Weak

So next time you feel the tears coming (whether triggered by upset, joy, or simply overwhelm), don’t hold them back. Taking a moment to cry isn’t a collapse; it’s a signal of being alive and responsive to yourself.

In a culture where stoicism is often mistaken for strength, remember: real strength comes from connection and authenticity. Emotions aren’t something to silence; they’re something to honour.

Every tear shed is a step toward restoration and deeper understanding.