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Study: Crying may make you happier

Posted at 7:09 AM, Aug 26, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-26 07:09:41-04

RICHMOND, Va -- Most people might not consider crying as a way of improving their mood. A new study suggests it may help do that.

Researchers at Tilburg University in the Netherlands studied 60 people. They asked them watch two emotional films -- A Dog's Tale and Life Is Beautiful. They also asked the participants to rate how they felt before the movies, right after watching, and 90 minutes after watching.

Of the 60 participants, 28 cried during the movie. They said they felt sad during the movie, they felt the same as before the movie right after it was done, and actually felt happier and hour and a half later. Meanwhile, the 32 people who did not cry during the movie felt the same way the whole time.

Researchers say they're not sure why there's a possible link between crying and improved mood, but they did say crying removes toxins, which may help reduce stress.