Tears act as a safety valve by releasing excess stress
hormones such as cortisol. If left unchecked, chronic elevated levels of these
hormones can cause physical ailments and play havoc with mood. As stress often precedes a good
cry, the sense of calm often felt afterward is at least in part due to
hormonal release.
Crying for long periods of time
releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, otherwise known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals can help ease both physical and emotional pain. Once the endorphins are
released, your body may go into somewhat of a numb stage. Oxytocin can give you a sense of calm or well-being.
