Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli in tears as RCB defeated CSK to qualify for IPL playoffs: Why do we cry happy tears?

Crying isn’t always a sign of sadness. We often shed tears during moments of intense happiness, like Anushka and Virat did. But what’s the science behind these “happy tears”? Ambika Chawla, a clinical psychologist at mental health startup Lissun, explained it’s all about our body’s complex response to overwhelming emotions.

Anushka Sharma is crying. Virat Kohli is crying. I am crying 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭#IPL2024 #RCBvsCSK #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/G3QNztr0H2

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) May 18, 2024

A physiological symphony

Happy tears involve a fascinating interplay between several bodily systems explained Chawla:

The Nervous System: When we experience intense joy, the parasympathetic branch of our autonomic nervous system gets activated. This branch is associated with relaxation and emotional expression, allowing us to process and release the surge of emotions.

Hormonal Harmony: Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, associated with happiness and well-being, are released. Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” also comes into play, promoting feelings of connection and empathy.

Tear Production on Cue: Emotional stimuli, both positive and negative, can trigger the trigeminal nerve. This nerve sends signals to the lacrimal gland, responsible for tear production. Interestingly, the composition of emotional tears differs from regular tears that lubricate our eyes. Emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones.

Both Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma in tears. This victory means so much to them ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5PQGf31iFX

— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) May 18, 2024

Who cries happy tears?

While most people have the potential to cry happy tears, individual differences exist, Chawla said:

Emotional Sensitivity: People with higher emotional sensitivity are more likely to shed happy tears. Past experiences and coping mechanisms can also influence this response.

Cultural Influences: Some cultures encourage open expression of emotions through crying, including happy tears. Others may have a stronger bias against it, or even have gender-based expectations regarding emotional expression.

Personality Traits: Expressive and open individuals are more prone to happy tears. People who are more reserved or prefer to suppress emotions might not cry as readily in joyful situations.

Crying happy tears is a way our body copes with overwhelming emotions, positive or negative. Understanding the science behind it can help us appreciate the complexity of human emotions and the beautiful ways our bodies respond to them.