Crying is a natural and beneficial bodily process that can be cathartic at times and completely overwhelming at others.
Why we cry.
Endorphins and oxytocin are chemical messengers in the brain that signal soothing of emotional distress throughout one’s system.
The release of these chemical messengers can potentially promotebetter sleep quality and help relieve stress1.
“Some people aremore sensitive and empathicthan others, which can make them more inclined to cry.
This can lead toemotional or environmental triggersthat overwhelm the nervous system and lead to crying.
How to stop yourself from crying.
“Listen to what your body is telling you.”
When we cry, it is not only our eyes that are reacting.
Our gut, heart rate, breathing, and face muscles all respond as well.
Change the environment.
Try 10-second breathing.
“Repeat this exercise until you feel your emotions calm and your body relax.”
Use the RAIN technique.
When crying feels all-consuming or out of control, Fentress suggests turning to the RAIN technique for self-soothing.
She explains the acronym and how to do it yourself:
Try the TIPP method.
Another nervous-system-regulation technique Fentress suggests is the TIPP method:
Seek support.
Controlling it in the future.
And if you end up crying anyway, that’s OK too.
you’re free to hit it one more time next time.
Working with a mental health professional can also help with learning coping skills to manage crying behaviors.
The takeaway.
In these cases, learning to self-soothe and regulate your emotions is invaluable.
Fortunately, there are manymethods and resources for mental health support.
