Does Crying Burn Calories? Here’s What Science Reveals (2 of 3)

How Does Crying Burn Calories?

Every function of your body requires a certain amount of energy. When you cry, several physical mechanisms are occurring all at the same time: your facial muscles are repeatedly contracting; your diaphragm is expanding and working to keep up with your breathing chances; your nervous system is activated; your heart rate will increase temporarily; and your body has to produce tears through your lacrimal glands.

All of these individual actions require a certain amount of energy, which all cause your body to burn calories. The same process required for you to read, type on a computer, sleep, or even think applies to crying—your body is always expending energy to stay alive.

Is Crying Good For You?

Often, crying is actually good for you. While no one typically enjoys the feelings of sadness, anger, or overwhelm that often cause crying, emotional crying can serve a few very important purposes, both psychologically and physiologically.

• Emotional Regulation: Crying occurs regularly when a person’s emotional state reaches a peak. Many psychologists presume that crying functions as part of the body’s natural emotional regulation system, which helps process frustration, disappointment, overwhelm, joy, and grief. Rather than defaulting to emotional suppression, crying can help us let those feelings out, be acknowledged and felt, and then be released and let go.

• It Can Trigger The Best “Feel Good” Chemicals: Some research has found that crying associated with emotional feelings can trigger the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that bring emotional recovery and comfort, including endorphins and oxytocin. These chemicals are often linked to feelings of connection, pain relief, and relaxation, which can help explain why many people feel so much better after a really good cry.

• It Can Encourage Social Connectivity: Humans are wired to be social creatures. Without having to say a word, others seeing your tears can help communicate emotional need, sadness, and vulnerability. For those closest to you, like family and friends or significant others, seeing you cry can often encourage them to provide emotional support and feel empathy.