Why women should let the floodgates open

Studies have shown that whilst people tend to take a sympathetic view of men having a cry, when women open the floodgates it is a different story, with their actions often perceived as dramatic, irrational and manipulative.

So should women resist the urge to cry, or should they simply let it all out?

For many women, crying is not just a reaction to an upsetting or emotional event, it is an act which unburdens the soul and relieves unwanted mental baggage.

According to M.D assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Judith Orloff, there is actually a scientific basis as to why crying has valuable mental and physical benefits, as shedding tears banishes stress hormones such as cortisol as well as various other toxins which build up when we feel stressed.

“Crying is our natural, built-in healing system,” she explains. “It can release stress and tension.”

In todays society crying because you didn’t get the promotion you wanted at work may be judged negatively, but actually it is just a natural and healthy response. So if you do become overwhelmed and teary eyed then the best thing you can do is to try not to let the tears run over. According to a Penn State study, moist eyes are a sign of emotion under control, which is the most favourably perceived response.

So next time you feel on the brink of shedding a tear, don’t hold back. Vulnerability has a tendency of bringing us closer to people and ultimately is what makes us human.

View the original article here.