Crying can make you happier.

Although crying to make yourself happier seems counterintuitive, shedding some tears can be one of the best ways to restore your emotional equilibrium. A 2014 study found that emotional crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates the body’s “rest and digest” actions. Crying also elevates levels of endorphins and oxytocin, which helps dull both emotional and physical pain. And the physical act of crying — taking in big gulps of air — cools the brain and helps regulate your mood. All in all, “having a good cry” can actually be good for you.

Humans are the only animals that cry emotional tears.

Shedding emotional tears is a solely human characteristic. Although other animals produce tears, scientists believe it’s only for providing moisture or clearing the eyes of irritants.

Of course, whether crying makes you feel better can also be dependent on the situation. Tears are known to inspire interpersonal benefits by signaling to others that you’re in need of support. Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that people who receive support after crying are more likely to feel happier than if they’re shamed for crying. So while the physical act of crying can help our bodies return to an emotional homeostasis, it’s the support of friends and loved ones that makes those good feelings stick.

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