Crying is usually associated with sadness, but sometimes there happy moments when you let your tears go. Regardless of the situation, your body goes through changes and some studies suggest that it’s not always a bad thing to let the waterworks flow. Many people are embarassed to cry, but it may  Here are three fascinating things that happen to your body when you cry.

Working Out Your Entire Body

During a tragedy, it’s natural to cry and mourn a loss. Not only do tears flow out of your eyes, but those same tears may come from your nose.

Your body may also heave as you sob heavily. Mentally and physically, your body is being put through its own form of workout. Your heart rate goes up, you begin sweating more, and you may even develop a headache due to the stress you’re going through. All of these reactions will leave you drained and tired after even a short bout of crying.

Stress Released

Some studies suggest that crying is a good way to relieve stress. People who go to therapy may discuss personal problems and eventually start shedding tears as they relate traumatic events to their therapist.

The emotional burdens that some people carry may feel lifted after a good crying session. Just like when we go to the gym for a good workout and sweat and exhale heavily, crying is seen as a way to release harmful toxins in our bodies.

Mood Enhancer

Whether you shed tears of joy or mourning, your mood should be better after a good cry. While not everybody can take off at a moment’s notice to get away from their problems, crying is one type of self-care that’s available to all.