Crying at work happens. I’ve been there in my first career, and thankfully, I’ve had peers and leaders who made space for it without shame. Often, the tears came from frustration, stress, or overwhelm. In the past, I’d leave work, embarrassed. Now, I see tears as information that can sometimes lead to new awareness and clear next moves.

I often see clients cry too, followed by an immediate “I’m sorry.” Why? Embarrassment. I gently remind them, “tears are welcome here”, and we explore what’s going on inside those tears.

Tears are a release of emotional buildup, signaling a need for support, change, or understanding. They can:
·       Release stress hormones (like cortisol) and reset the body.
·       Activate calm by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system.
·       Release endorphins and oxytocin, improving mood and reducing pain.
·       Inspire vulnerability, growth, and self-awareness.
·       Signal unmet needs that require attention.
·       Strengthen empathy, connection, and relationships.
·       Unleash creativity and problem-solving when managed with emotional intelligence and agility.
·       Be a sign of joy, sentiment, being deeply moved too!

So, next time you cry at work, instead of feeling embarrassed, ask yourself: what truth might these tears hold? If you need space, allow yourself the time, space and maybe even invite support from someone you feel safe with and trust, to let the tears flow and see what gifts want to come of the release.

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