With the onset of a new year, many are embarking on fitness resolutions, often focusing on weight loss. Though regular exercise and a balanced diet are paramount, some studies suggest that shedding tears might help burn some calories.
In today’s high-stress world, crying is becoming increasingly commonplace. From breakups, physical discomfort, overwhelming stress, to simple disappointments, tears flow for various reasons. It’s noteworthy that reactions to emotions can vary, with some people being more prone to cry, whether from joy or sorrow, than others.
To put it simply, crying is the release of tears in response to strong emotions or physical pain.
Understanding Tears
Tears are of three main kinds:
- Basal tears – These are ever-present tears that maintain, lubricate, and shield your cornea.
- Reflex tears – Produced in response to irritants, these tears play a role in rapidly removing such irritants from the eyes.
- Emotional tears – Triggered by intense emotions, these tears, sometimes referred to as “psychic tears,” can arise from events like breakups or moments of deep empathy.
Interestingly, it’s the emotional or psychic tears that are linked to weight loss.
Can Tears Help in Weight Loss?
Research indicates that genuine emotional crying can potentially aid in weight reduction due to the related hormones that increase the cortisol level when emotions are suppressed. Furthermore, tears induced by stress are believed to expel various toxins from the body, suggesting crying could be a detoxifying action. By releasing these stress hormones through tears, the body is potentially less likely to store fat.
Is the Caloric Burn from Crying Significant?
Although crying can burn some calories, akin to laughing, the impact is minor. As an estimate, shedding tears for a minute might burn about 1.3 calories. While it’s a bonus, it’s not substantial. Depending solely on crying as a weight loss strategy is impractical. To put it in perspective, burning 500 calories daily can lead to a weight loss of 1 pound a week. Thus, crying alone is not a substantial contributor.
Beyond Weight Loss: The Benefits of Crying
Crying, while minimal in its caloric impact, offers various psychological advantages:
- Emotional tears can momentarily boost mood by releasing oxytocin and endorphins.
- Crying serves as an emotional release, often providing temporary relief from stress and potential depression.
- It facilitates emotional bonding, inviting support from loved ones.
- Some find better sleep quality after a good cry, as it may provide a sense of relief and calm.
- Crying can be an avenue to regain emotional equilibrium, especially for those who’ve become emotionally numb after enduring significant pain.
- The basal and reflex tears play a pivotal role in maintaining eye health.
In Conclusion
While crying offers emotional release and even a slight caloric burn, it’s not a significant contributor to weight loss. Authentic weight loss journeys hinge on proper diet and consistent exercise. Nevertheless, when emotions run high, crying can be a therapeutic act, providing temporary relief. For those struggling with frequent bouts of depression or excessive crying, professional mental health support might be beneficial.
