Researchers have proven what many caregivers have already figured out on their own: sometimes there’s nothing like a good cry to make you feel better. Crying is cathartic.
Neuroscientist and tear researcher Dr. William H. Frey II, PhD, the director of the Alzheimer’s Research Center at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, has spent over 15 years studying crying and tears.
Research shows that:
- 85% of women and 73% of men felt less sad and angry after crying.
- On average, women cry 47 times a year, men cry 7 times a year.
- Crying bouts last 6 minutes on average.
- Tears are more often shed between 7 and 10 p.m.
According to Frey, “crying is not only a human response to sorrow and frustration, it’s a healthy one.” Crying is a natural way to reduce emotional stress that, left unchecked, has negative physical affects on the body, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other stress-related disorders.
So, next time you feel those tears welling up or that lump in your throat, go ahead, have a good cry.