Executive Women Do You Need to Cry?

When I ask women what is the one thing, they want to help with burnout the common response was permission.

They wanted permission for different things such as taking a break, more headcount, or just breakdown.

I was raised to be strong and independent; do things on my own; not need a man; to earn what I have.

I am proud of these things and have achieved them.  My grades took effort; college was on my dime; my professional success was based on my work, not connections, and my assets were earned. Even the family farm required me to save it from financial ruin.  Nothing in life has been given to me.

I am sure many of you can relate to this.  So, why do we need permission?   

We have busted our asses getting ahead, taking care of everyone, but we still need permission for something as simple as crying.

This has to stop!  Crying is not a sign of weakness. 

Breaking down is not a sign of defeat.

It is a sign that we are human!

Crying is your body’s way of releasing stress, anxiety, grief, and frustration. 

An article on Agingcare.com from November 2021 shares five benefits of crying.

1. It releases stress
2. It lowers blood pressure
3. It removes toxins.  Tears release stress hormones like cortisol.
4. It reduces manganese. Elevated levels of manganese can be associated with irritability, anxiety and aggression.
5. It helps us acknowledge the feelings we are experiencing.

According to neuroscientist William H. Frey II, Ph.D. “Crying is not only a human response to sorrow and frustration, it’s also a healthy one.” 

Why do you need permission to improve your health? 

You DON’T!  

Today, we see no shame in saying we take a pill to lower our blood pressure or improve our cholesterol. Society accepts these as perfectly normal.  

Stress release like yoga, meditation, kickboxing, running, or a glass of wine is all acceptable.  We need to add crying to this list!

You do not need permission to break down!  It is not a sign of weakness. 

It is healthy!

It is time we support each other. 

Let yourself cry!

Let your team cry!

Let your friends cry! 

Encourage them, support them and remind them it is healthy.

It is their body saying we need to release.  Our bodies have lots of release mechanisms to help protect us.  

Personally, I would rather a friend or peer cry rather than vomit on me!