Welcome Back Ladies
Let’s face it, life can be difficult. Sometimes it may cause you to feel overwhelmed or even devastated. In my early twenties, during periods of sadness, I would often stop myself from crying. Mainly because I viewed crying as a weakness, and I think some part of me believed that if I cried, I simply wouldn’t stop. It was almost as if I thought that my tears were a sign of failure, and by crying, I lost the battle to keep it all together.
But newsflash, we’re humans with emotions! We’re not supposed to have it all together all the time. Life is continuously changing and with that we are meant to laugh through the good times and sometimes cry or dare I say it, break down during the difficult times. By not expressing your emotions, you may be suppressing them. You might find yourself constantly fighting back the tears but what if I told you that crying has health benefits? You may even feel a sense of relief after a good cry.
benefits of crying
- Release of stress hormones
- Improve sleep
- Enhances mood
- Restores emotional balance
- Releases endorphins and oxytocin aka the “feel good” hormones
After years of suppressing my true emotions, when I finally allowed myself to cry, it was the greatest relief. It felt like I was flushing out all the toxins. I felt such a state of calm afterwards, it was indescribable. From that moment on, I promised myself I wouldn’t be afraid of my tears. I would cry when I needed to, and there would be no shame attached to that action. Because of that promise, I don’t feel as though my emotions control me, I let myself truly feel my emotions and then move on.
“Crying is NOT a Weakness”
Part of being emotionally intelligent includes crying when you need to! It’s a natural response to the stressors of life. Crying is NOT a sign of weakness, I personally believe crying is a sign of strength.. It simply means you have the ability to identify your emotions and feel comfortable enough sitting with them instead of running away from feelings of discomfort and sadness. If you suppress your emotions, you may partake in other vices, whether that be drinking excessive alcohol, indulging in food binges, or partaking in drug usage. But guess what? Afterwards you’ll find that those are all temporary fixes. Those activities such as the few I listed may help you escape from the world for a short while, but trust me your feelings and problems will be waiting for you. So I dare you to confront your feelings. Here are a few suggestions to do just that!
Journal
I personally love journaling my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes it’s easier to get to the root of the problem by getting all of my thoughts and concerns on paper. It’s also a great way to truly understand why you feel the way you do. If writing is not your thing, I suggest using the recording app on your smartphone, and speaking out loud. You can listen to the audio after, and reflect on what you recorded. It’s the equivalent to writing for those who may prefer to speak freely.
Phone a Friend
Calling a family member or a friend who is a great listener can help. Talk it out with someone who knows you best. Remember you don’t have to go through this alone. Chances are you know someone who has gone through a similar experience.
Give it to God
If you are a believer of god, pray. Find a quiet spot, and talk to god, give him all your problems and ask him for guidance. It may help to read the bible, that always grounds me, or listen to a good sermon. YouTube has plenty of great sermons on a variety of topics, from anxiety to addiction.
Therapy
Therapy is also a great option. There are online resources like Betterhelp or if you have insurance, consult your insurance company and ask them for a list of providers in your area so that you can pick one that best fits you.
Release those tears
So let’s celebrate the power of tears! Crying can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and growth, allowing us to release pent-up emotions and make space for positivity and joy in our lives. Embrace the beauty of shedding tears, for they carry the potential to bring about a renewed sense of optimism. So next time you find yourself choking back your tears, let them flow!
