Why Crying Over Awesome Stuff Makes You Smarter, Less Stressed, and More Creative

Humans are emotional beings, and no matter how much we like to think we can separate ourselves from our feelings, emotions run the show. That’s just a fact. But here’s the thing—many of us don’t allow ourselves to fully experience emotional moments, especially the overwhelming ones that involve tears, awe, or the quiet gut punch of watching someone perform at their absolute best. And we’re missing out.

Why? Because when you let yourself fully experience these emotional highs and lows, you unlock a world of benefits—things like deeper emotional intelligence, reduced stress, and heightened creativity. Yet, society tells us to “keep it together,” to avoid showing vulnerability. We need to rethink that.

We often see crying as weakness, a sign that we’ve somehow lost control. But here’s the kicker—crying when you witness something exceptional is one of the purest reactions you can have. It’s a testament to the fact that you’re deeply attuned to the beauty and excellence of human expression. Think about it—when you hear a piece of music that hits you right in the soul, or when you see a play that moves you to tears, that emotional response is your body saying, “Hey, this matters.” You’re recognizing greatness in that moment, and it moves you on a fundamental level.

Despite these powerful benefits, many humans—especially men—are taught to suppress their emotions, believing that crying shows weakness. But here’s the truth—crying doesn’t make you less of a man—it makes you more of a human. If someone mocks you for showing emotion, it says more about their inability to handle vulnerability than it does about you. There’s immense strength in allowing yourself to be moved by something powerful. The next time someone throws that “real men don’t cry” nonsense at you, remember—emotions don’t define your masculinity—they highlight your humanity. The ability to feel deeply—and express it—is a sign of emotional intelligence and maturity. So, don’t let their discomfort with your tears dictate how you experience life.

Now, let’s dive into the overlooked benefits of experiencing these emotional moments fully—benefits that many humans miss because they’re too focused on keeping a stiff upper lip.

First, there’s the boost to emotional intelligence. We’ve all heard the term thrown around in self-help circles, but emotional intelligence is just a fancy way of saying you’re aware of your own emotions and know how to manage them. When you allow yourself to really feel something—whether it’s joy, sadness, or awe—you’re teaching yourself to understand those emotions better. You become more in tune with what makes you tick, and that self-awareness pays off down the road when you’re faced with tough decisions or emotional stress.

Second, emotional moments create stronger memories. Think about the last time you saw something that genuinely moved you—odds are, you remember it in vivid detail. That’s because our brains are wired to store emotional experiences differently than your average, everyday events. The emotional charge enhances memory retention, making those moments stand out in a way that mundane experiences never will. So, when you let yourself get swept up in the moment, you’re essentially creating a mental highlight reel of life’s most impactful experiences.

Then there’s empathy—something we could all use more of these days. When you’re moved by someone else’s performance or creation, you’re not just feeling your own emotions. You’re tapping into the emotions of the artist, the performer, the human behind that moment of excellence. It’s like a direct line into their experience, and that helps you understand and connect with others on a deeper level. Feeling someone else’s pain or joy through their art makes you a more compassionate human—and that’s a skill that pays dividends in every relationship you have.

Let’s talk about stress. We’re all walking around with cortisol levels through the roof, and most of us don’t even realize it. But here’s the good news—experiencing emotional moments is a natural stress reliever. Crying, laughing, feeling awe—it’s all an emotional release. And that release helps to lower stress hormones, keeping burnout and anxiety at bay. So, the next time you feel like you’re on the verge of tears because of a song or a performance—don’t hold back. Let it out. Your body will thank you for it.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Fully engaging with emotional moments also boosts focus and mindfulness. When you’re absorbed in a moment of excellence—when all you can think about is how beautifully someone is playing an instrument, or how flawlessly a dancer is moving—you’re not worrying about your email inbox or that meeting you have tomorrow. You’re in the moment, fully present, and that’s a powerful skill. Being able to focus like that improves your overall mental well-being, helping you stay grounded and in control.

There’s also a sense of meaning that comes with these experiences. Letting yourself be moved by greatness reminds you of what matters in life. It rekindles your sense of purpose, your connection to the world, and your drive to pursue what moves you. That’s not something you can manufacture—it has to come from within, and emotional moments help you tap into it.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly for some, feeling deeply ignites creativity. When you allow yourself to experience raw emotion, it sparks new ideas, insights, and ways of thinking. It’s no coincidence that some of the most creative humans are also the most emotionally attuned. The more you feel, the more you have to express—whether that’s through art, writing, problem-solving, or any other creative outlet.

Now, you might be wondering—how do you experience these moments more often?

To truly harness these benefits, it’s essential to invite more of these emotional moments into your life. Start with what resonates most with you. If music moves you, create the space to listen more often—really listen. Don’t just play it in the background while you work. Sit down, close your eyes, and let the melodies and lyrics wash over you. Go to live performances—whether it’s a local band or a renowned symphony. The energy of being in the room, surrounded by others who are just as captivated, amplifies the experience.

The same goes for other forms of art. Visit galleries, watch films that challenge or inspire you, attend theater productions. Push yourself to engage with the kind of work that makes you think, “This is what life is about.” And don’t stop at the mainstream stuff—sometimes the most powerful emotions are stirred by the unexpected, the indie film or obscure artist whose work hits you like a truck because it’s raw and real.

It’s also about being more present in your everyday life. We spend so much time distracted, bouncing between screens and multitasking, that we miss the small moments of awe all around us. Mindfulness—or the practice of being fully present in the moment—can help you tap into those emotional experiences more often. It’s not about forcing yourself to feel something—it’s about giving yourself the space and attention to feel whatever comes up.

Another way to invite these emotional moments into your life is by connecting deeply with others. Conversations with close friends or family—or even a heart-to-heart with a stranger—can bring out emotions you didn’t even realize were there. When you’re truly present with another human, listening and sharing openly, it creates an emotional connection that often leads to those deeply moving moments.

Ultimately, allowing yourself to experience these emotional highs isn’t just about waiting for something extraordinary to happen. It’s about creating opportunities for awe, for beauty, for connection. By actively seeking out experiences that move you—and by giving yourself permission to fully feel them—you’ll find that those moments of deep emotional impact become a regular part of your life. And the benefits they bring—from heightened creativity to a stronger sense of purpose—will follow.

Stop suppressing your emotions. Stop trying to “stay strong” in moments of beauty or awe. Let yourself feel it. Let the tears come. Let the goosebumps rise. Not only will you experience life more fully, but you’ll also unlock a deeper level of emotional intelligence, creativity, and personal growth. Isn’t that what we’re all after?