Tips for controlling crying
Mental approaches
1. Walk away
Walking away from a situation, it can be a helpful way to stop getting worked up and bursting into tears. Getting too angry, upset, or frustrated can cause crying so removing themselves and returning when calmer can help a person regain control.
2. Use words
Failure to communicate properly can lead to anger and frustration, which can trigger the urge to cry. Learning how to express feelings clearly, staying calm, and using words can help to keep tears at bay.
3. Have props and use distractions
Having something to scribble on, a stress ball, or something to look at visually may be of use when heading into a situation that could trigger crying. Distraction is another popular technique. Focusing on an activity or task, listening to uplifting music or starting a conversation can also be helpful.
4. Think about something positive or funny instead
Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones or think about something funny or silly instead. Seeing the lighter, funnier side to a stressful situation can make things easier and stop someone from crying so easily.
Physical approaches
5. Concentrate on breathing
Taking a deep breath and focusing on breathing slowly and calmly can help regain control.
6. Blink and move the eyes
Moving the eyes around and blinking back the tears can prevent them from spilling out.
7. Relaxing facial muscles
When a person cries their face tends to tense up. Focusing on the muscles in the face and relaxing them can help prevent crying.
8. Get rid of that throat lump
Emotional crying also affects the nervous system. One way it reacts is by opening up the muscle at the back of the throat (called the glottis). This feels as though a lump is forming in the throat. Sipping water, swallowing, and yawning can help make the lump go away.
9. Do some exercise
Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and is a great distraction from what is causing the upset too.
Well done