Crying is Natural—and Helpful

I’m just going to say it—yes, it’s okay to cry. Actually, it’s more than okay. Crying is natural, healthy, and can be incredibly helpful when you’re going through something tough. We’ve all heard phrases like, “Don’t cry,” or “Be strong,” but crying doesn’t make you weak. It’s just your body’s way of processing emotions—whether you’re sad, frustrated, or even overwhelmed by happiness—and sometimes, hitting that “release” button is exactly what you need.

What Happens When You Cry?

I’ve had days when I felt like I couldn’t keep it together—everything felt heavy, and I was holding it all inside. When I finally let myself cry, it was like some of that weight lifted. I could think more clearly afterward. That’s because crying can actually release stress hormones and help you feel calmer. Science backs that up too! Tears contain chemicals that get rid of stress and toxins—it’s literally a natural reset for your body.

Crying also helps your body relax. That’s why you sometimes feel tired or calm after you let it out. It’s like your mind and body are working together to help you recharge.

Why Do We Hold Back Tears?

So, if you’re someone who fights the urge to cry, ask yourself why. Is it because you feel like others might judge you? Or maybe you’ve been taught to keep your emotions bottled up? There’s a lot of pressure to act like we’re fine all the time, but that can make us feel even worse.

The truth is, that emotions need a way out, and crying is just one way to let them flow. When we don’t express our emotions, they can build up, making it harder to deal with them later. It’s kind of like shaking a soda bottle—eventually, it has to explode.

Sometimes, letting yourself cry feels easier said than done. I’ve been there too—unsure why I feel the way I do or where to start. That’s when tools can really help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or need to check in with yourself, here are a few I’ve found helpful:

mood. by mindyourmind App: A personal mood journal to track your feelings and get tips for balancing your emotions.

Stress Me Less: An interactive tool helps pinpoint your stressors and gives you simple, actionable ways to manage them.

How’s it Growing? (Available in English, French, and Arabic): Simple prompts to help you reflect and tend to your emotional garden.

Crying is Part of Healing

In the end, crying is just another way to care for yourself. You’re not weak for feeling things deeply. You’re human—and that’s something to be proud of.

So, next time you feel tears coming, don’t hold them back. Find a quiet space, put on some music if that helps, and let yourself feel. Crying isn’t a problem to fix—it’s part of healing, part of being real, and sometimes, exactly what we need.