Crying a Lot is Good for You

The occasional ugly cry is basically emotional housekeeping.

If you’re someone who tears up at sad movies, stressful days, or even particularly touching dog videos, science has some reassuring news: crying might actually be good for you.

Crying is a very human way of processing strong emotions, whether that’s grief, frustration, joy, or the overwhelming beauty of a perfectly baked pastry. Experts say tears can release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins, which help reduce stress and may leave you feeling calmer afterward. People who cry more often aren’t necessarily unstable…they may simply be more emotionally tuned in and comfortable expressing what they feel. Nonstop sobbing that disrupts your life might be worth talking about with a professional but, the occasional ugly cry is basically emotional housekeeping and sometimes exactly what the brain ordered.

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