It is curious to note that our body reacts in the same way to such different emotions: whether we are filled with sadness or joy, tears can wet our eyes. Produced by the lacrimal glands located just above each eye, they perform an important lubricating function that keeps the ocular surface moist, as popularized by Álvaro Carmona, of Loyola University of Andalusia (southern Spain), in the Hispanic edition of The Conversation.
On the surface, all tears are the same. But there are three main types: basal tears, produced constantly by our glands; reflex tears, produced in response to external irritations; and emotional tears. These constitute a universal human reaction. But what is happening in our body that causes us to shed tears when we feel strong emotions?
When we experience an intense sensation, the human brain springs into action. L’tonsila small structure responsible for processing emotions, sends signals to thehypothalamus which, in turn, activates the autonomic nervous system. This controls our body’s involuntary reactions such as heart rate, breathing and, of course, tear production. The tear glands then receive the signal, and then we start to cry. This is vital for clear and comfortable vision.
Flow of emotions and chemical changes
If we feel sad, our body releases hormones and neurotransmitters associated with stress, such as cortisol. Crying can be a way to release some of this pent-up stress. Studies suggest that emotional tears contain higher levels of certain stress-related proteins and hormones. By crying, we physically remove these substances from our bodies, which can help us feel better afterward.
Therefore, crying with happiness can seem contradictory. When we experience immense joy, such as being reunited with a loved one or hearing good news, our body also experiences a flood of emotions and chemical changes. The intensity of the feeling, although positive, can be so strong that it triggers the same physical response as sadness. Crying with joy helps us manage and assimilate powerful feelings, preventing them from overwhelming us.
In addition to their physical functions, tears play an important role in human communication. They allow the people around us to understand what we feel, even without words, and this since we were babies. Crying also helps us strengthen our bonds with the people around us: by showing our vulnerability, we become closer to others. Our peers often respond with empathy and support, which strengthens social relationships.
“When you feel tears welling up in your eyes, whether from a sad movie or good news, remember that it is a natural and healthy human reaction.insists Álvaro Carmona. It’s a way for our bodies and minds to work together to keep us balanced and connected to those around us.”
Source: www.slate.fr
