Your Tears Are Good for Your Health

Contrary to what many people believe, crying is an emotional release that is actually good for you. Your body has that built-in release mechanism for a reason. How sad that so many people go through life being encouraged to hold back their tears. Everyone has heard the old saying, "Big girls don't cry". If boys or men cry, they are often looked upon as weak. As a result people learn to keep their feelings tucked away inside. This can lead to stress-related health issues -- both physical and mental. With no release of your emotions, you are like a ticking time bomb. Depression, anxiety, weight gain, anger management issues, and stomach disorders are all examples of problems that can occur if you hold your feelings inside.

Sandi grew up in a family where she was discouraged from expressing her feelings. If she cried, she remembers her father calling her a "big crybaby". As a result, Sandi learned to hold her tears inside. She began to stuff her feelings with food. Between the ages of 12 and 18, Sandi gained 60 pounds. When she got married, she continued having a difficult time expressing her feelings. Her weight gain continued to the point her marriage was threatened. Sandi eventually went to a therapist who helped her learn how to feel again. Sandi began slowly learning how to express her feelings rather than stuff them with food. She lost 100 pounds in the process, and began to live the life she was meant to live.

If you have a difficult time crying, ask yourself why. Could it be a learned behavior that goes back to your childhood? Perhaps crying makes you feel vulnerable, and that is a scary feeling to you. Being vulnerable is a part of living, and if you can find another person you feel comfortable being vulnerable with, you may very well find one of the most intimate relationships of your life.

If you find that you need help in learning how to express your feelings, find a qualified therapist who can help you. Not only will you feel better if you start to express your feelings, you will also be healthier. All of those emotional toxins will be released rather than lingering inside of you, poisoning your system. You will find that all of your relationships will improve because you will be more genuine in the way that you relate to others.