Crying is one of the most human things we do. It’s a release, a signal, and often, a step toward healing. Yet, many of us were raised in a culture that treats tears as something to hide—proof that we’re “too emotional” or not strong enough. But here’s the truth: crying is more than just an emotional release—it’s a gateway to better mental, emotional, and physical health.
For years, I didn’t cry much. I carried my grief and stress like a tightly packed suitcase, always on the move but never stopping to unpack. It wasn’t until I explored practices like breathwork, psychedelics, and emotional awareness that I realized how much I was carrying. Crying became a way to release what my body had been holding onto for years—and the relief was indescribable.
It turns out that science backs this up: unprocessed emotions can literally get “stuck” in your body, leading to a cascade of mental and physical health issues. Let’s explore how this happens and why emotional health is the key to a better, fuller life.
How Emotions Get Stuck in the Body
Have you ever felt a lump in your throat when you wanted to cry but held it back? Or a tightness in your chest during stress? These are examples of emotions physically manifesting in your body. When emotions aren’t fully processed, they don’t just disappear—they find places to hide, often in the form of tension, pain, or even illness.
The Science of Emotions and the Body
The Mind-Body Connection: Neuroscientist Candace Pert’s research shows that emotions are not just in your head—they’re stored as chemical messengers in your body. This means unresolved feelings can linger in muscles, tissues, and organs, affecting your overall health.
Stress and the Body: Chronic emotional stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, these hormones can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.
Trauma and Pain: A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people with unresolved trauma are more likely to experience chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. This happens because the nervous system remains on high alert, even when the danger is long gone.
Think of your body as a river. When emotions flow freely, the water stays clear. But when you suppress them, it’s like throwing debris into the river. Over time, the blockage builds, and the river can’t flow the way it should.Crying and Emotional Health: What Studies Say
Crying isn’t just cathartic—it’s a built-in mechanism for emotional and physical healing.
Crying Reduces Stress
A study from Frontiers in Psychology found that emotional tears contain stress-related chemicals like cortisol. Crying flushes these chemicals out of your system, reducing your body’s stress load.
Crying also stimulates the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. That’s why you often feel lighter or more relaxed after a good cry.
Crying Builds Emotional Clarity
Researchers have found that crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body and mind. This state of relaxation helps you process overwhelming emotions and think more clearly.
Crying Enhances Relationships
A study published in Emotion found that crying in the presence of others can strengthen social bonds. Vulnerability signals trust, which encourages deeper connections and emotional intimacy.
The Costs of Emotional Suppression
Suppressing emotions might feel like the easiest option in the moment, but it comes with a price.
Mental Health Consequences
Anxiety and Depression: Studies have shown that emotional suppression is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. When you bottle up your feelings, they tend to “leak out” in unhealthy ways.
Emotional Numbness: Over time, shutting down negative emotions can also dull your ability to feel joy, excitement, and love.
Physical Health Consequences
Heart Health: Research from Harvard Medical School found that people who suppress anger or sadness are more likely to develop heart disease.
Digestive Issues: Emotions like anxiety and fear can disrupt the gut-brain axis, leading to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Chronic Pain: The Journal of Psychosomatic Research found a strong link between emotional repression and chronic pain syndromes, as the body “stores” unresolved emotions in muscles and tissues.
How Breathwork and Psychedelics Helped Me Release Stored Emotions
For years, I struggled to access my emotions. I knew there was pain buried inside me, but it felt locked away. Breathwork and psychedelics were the keys that unlocked it.
Breathwork: Finding the Gateway to Grief
During a breathwork session, I focused on slow, rhythmic inhales and exhales. As the session progressed, I felt something shift. A deep wave of grief began to rise, and tears followed—years of unprocessed pain finally had a way out.
It was like opening a dam that had been holding back an emotional flood. The release wasn’t just emotional—it was physical. My chest felt lighter, my shoulders relaxed, and for the first time in a long time, I felt free.
Psychedelics: A Deeper Dive into Emotional Healing
Ayahuasca: During ceremonies, I connected with grief and pain I didn’t even realize I was carrying. The medicine guided me through the emotions, allowing me to release them in waves of tears.
Psilocybin: This medicine helped me see my emotions from a new perspective. Instead of fearing them, I embraced them as part of my journey. Psilocybin showed me how interconnected my emotions were with my creativity, intuition, and relationships.
These experiences reminded me that emotions aren’t something to run from—they’re something to honor.
The Benefits of Reconnecting to Your Emotions
1. Stronger Relationships
When you’re emotionally open, you can connect with others on a deeper level. Vulnerability builds trust and creates space for authentic intimacy.
2. Better Mental and Physical Health
Processing your emotions reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and lowers your risk of chronic illnesses.
3. Emotional Resilience
Releasing stored emotions doesn’t just heal the past—it strengthens you for the future. You learn that no matter what comes your way, you have the tools to face it.
4. Greater Joy and Creativity
When you stop numbing yourself to pain, you also stop numbing yourself to joy. Emotional connection fuels creativity, passion, and a deeper appreciation for life.
How to Start Reconnecting to Your Emotions
Create Space: Find a quiet, safe place where you can explore your feelings without judgment.
Try Breathwork: Start with simple techniques, like deep belly breathing, to connect with your body and emotions.
Be Patient: Reconnecting to your emotions is a process. Celebrate small breakthroughs and give yourself grace.
Seek Support: Whether it’s a trusted friend, therapist, or healing circle, surround yourself with people who can hold space for your journey.
Final Thoughts: Emotions Are the Path to Wholeness
Crying isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s your body’s way of healing and connecting. By embracing your emotions, you unlock a deeper sense of self, stronger relationships, and a healthier body.
Whether through breathwork, psychedelics, or simply giving yourself permission to feel, reconnecting to your emotions is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself. The next time you feel tears welling up, let them flow. They’re not a sign of fragility—they’re a sign of strength, healing, and humanity.
Your emotions are your power—embrace them.