With barely a month left of 2022 (or whenever this SCAB was originally due I can’t remember), the looming, girthy shadow of the ever-increasing workload continues to creep ever nearer as we juggle case studies, multiple partners, varying briefs with varying deadlines with varying trains of thought with varying disciplines and varying executions, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed and – yes this is going to be another one of those – feel like you’re drowning a bit.

Boo-f*ckin-hoo.

No, literally.

There is nothing as wildly cathartic as having a good blubber.

Here is some sciency stuff I found and totally didn’t ask an AI to write:

“One of the most significant benefits of crying is its ability to reduce stress and tension in the body. When we cry, our body releases chemicals called endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Crying can also help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can have a calming effect on the body.”

“Another benefit of crying is that it allows us to express our emotions in a healthy and constructive way. In our fast-paced, modern world, it can be easy to bottle up our emotions and push them aside. But crying provides an outlet for our feelings, whether they are happy or sad, and allows us to release them in a healthy way. This can help to prevent feelings of resentment, anger, and frustration from building up and potentially leading to more serious health problems.”

“Crying can also promote a sense of calm and well-being. Tears can wash away some of the negative emotions that we are feeling, allowing us to feel more relaxed and at peace. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have difficulty managing their emotions, as crying can help them to feel more in control and better able to cope with difficult situations.”

“In addition to these mental health benefits, crying can also have some physical benefits. Crying has been shown to improve the function of the immune system, and may even help to fight off infections and illnesses. It can also help to clear the sinuses and improve breathing, making it easier to breathe and reducing feelings of congestion and discomfort.”

“Overall, crying is a natural and healthy response to a range of emotions. Far from being a sign of weakness, crying can provide a number of benefits for both physical and mental health, helping us to feel calmer, more relaxed, and more in control of our emotions.”

And there you have it: guilt-free stress relief. All jokes aside, whatever works for you, works for you. But I do believe that in the privacy of your own home, in the company of people you trust, or the in arms of a YouTube search history that can’t comprehend why you keep re-watching that scene for In Pursuit of Happiness when he finally gets the job, you should be able to just release and reset without judgement. 

Sidenote: There is another fabled method of release, but we’ll unload that another time.

@itskamino