For some reason, tears seem to have become feared, like they’re some kind of black plague sweeping the nation. The stigma around showcasing your emotions has become overwhelming, and it’s getting a tad ridiculous. Tears are not a sign of weakness; rather, they show that you’re in touch with your emotions and are a stronger person because of it. So let the tears flow!

**1. Tears remove toxins and bacteria:** Tears are here for a purpose, people, not just for releasing the overwhelming emotions that hit you when your favorite Netflix series ends. Emotional tears are provoked by stress, and the physical act of crying flushes out the bad chemicals that build up when you’re sad or anxious. Physical tears that aren’t tied into emotion (watery eyes, onion tears, etc.) are made to help us see by getting dirt or dust out of our eyes. Basically, tears are our eyes’ windshield wipers.

**2. It elevates your mood:** Crying lowers your manganese level (don’t worry, I’ve never heard of that either), which can cause nervousness, fatigue and aggression when it gets too high. The physical release of tears can be a huge relief when you’ve been letting your emotions escalate.

**3. It lowers built-up stress:** Holding back tears elevates your stress level and contributes to stress-driven illnesses and diseases, such as increased blood pressure and problems like heart disease and heart attack.

**4. It connects you to others:** Allowing yourself to be vulnerable around someone is the best way to grow close to them. (Or for them to, like, flee the room and never respond to your texts ever again.) If the person you open up to doesn’t respond how you expected, at least you’re aware of the type of friendship you’re in.

**5. It allows you to acknowledge your feelings:** Usually, when we’re holding back tears, we’re trying to stifle emotions that we’re not ready to face yet. The thing is, ignoring your feelings doesn’t make them go away and can often make them feel stronger and last longer than if we’d just accepted them. One of the most cathartic things you can do for yourself is to allow those emotions to surface physically through a good cry.

**6. It helps you to move on:** Once you’ve recognized and accepted your emotions, use this knowledge to start moving on from whatever’s been holding you back. Take control of your feelings and you’ll be ready for anything.

Remember, crying certainly isn’t the only way to deal with your feelings, but it can definitely help. Maybe tears aren’t something you shed often; some people just don’t physically display their stress, anxiety or sadness. But try talking to someone, or go on a hike or bike ride to clear your mind. Acknowledge your emotions in any way you know how.