Why It is OKAY to Have a Cry Day!
I feel like there has been so much pressure for women to be seen as strong creatures who can do everything that a man can, who do not cry, who are their own bosses, etc. Although I love all of these ideas, I don't think it is a bad thing to feel a little emotional and vulnerable sometimes. We hold so much on our shoulders because of this expectation to be on the same level as men, which sometimes means that we have to act tough like men. And men don't cry, right? So does that mean we can't do so either?
I completely disagree! Being emotional at times does not mean I am weak! For the past few years, I have been working my butt off trying to achieve my goals. While being a grad student, I worked one job while also doing hours at a practicum. I can't forget the household stuff as well because that is a huge part of my day-to-day routine. I mean I am a complete neat freak, so if I see my cats' litter anywhere in the apartment, I have to vacuum right there and then. You get the point. Blogging and YouTube are important jobs that I have as well. And of course, one of the most important jobs is being a good wife. I honestly have no idea how I was pulling off all of that at the same time!
So a few days ago, I had a complete meltdown! I was tearing up the whole day, and finally broke down and told Jude about all of my worries. I was not a pretty sight... Poor Jude...LOL!
The next day, I woke up with my puffy and red eyes, but I felt so much better. It seemed as if all of that negative energy had left my body with my tears the night before.
Keeping all of these emotions in is so difficult, especially if you are doing it for a long period of time. I did not really share what I was feeling with anyone, because I simply had no time to have that conversation. My mind was literally full of thoughts about work, home, school, etc...
My lesson to you today is that it is OKAY to cry and feel vulnerable! Don't think that you have to keep it together every single day because that shit is difficult to do. Just think about my story for a minute! I would be a total mess right now if I did not allow myself to let everything go that one night and kept it all inside instead. Also, if you have one person who you trust, who will always support you, do not be afraid to share your worries with them. And if you are on the other end of this conversation, do not feel like you need to make any comments. Just listen - really listen! Oh, and hugs work, too!
We are not robots. We are emotional creatures, and it is awesome! Don't you agree? Don't feel like you should be someone that you are not. If you want to cry, just do it! Honestly, who cares what others think of that?
Now for the fun part of the post... I researched a few benefits of crying! Yes, there are real benefits of shedding tears! Haha!
1) Crying helps you release toxins from your body!
There was a study done by Dr. William H. Frey II at the St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Centre. He discovered that tears caused by stress release toxins that are associated with the stress hormone cortisol. So you are literally releasing stress by crying. How awesome is that!?
2) Crying lowers blood pressure!
This was shown in another study where patients cried after their therapy sessions, and their pulses and blood pressure were lower after they cried!
3) Crying means that you are human!
It means that you are able to experience emotions, as well as feel empathy towards others!
So next time you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, or have a bunch of other negative feelings, don't be afraid to cry! And, please please please, do not be afraid to open up to someone about your worries. :)
Have an awesome day, everyone! See you in my next post!