How To Stop Yourself From Crying & Control The Tears Quickly

Save your tears for another day.

By Izzy Casey — Written on Aug 18, 2021

Photo: TheVisualsYouNeed / Shutterstock

Crying is normal. In fact, it's even good for you. But it's not always the right time to let the tears flow, and at those moments it's helpful to know how to stop yourself from crying.

If you're someone who cries a lot, it's probably because you're sensitive and in touch with your emotions. That's an obvious strength, not a weakness.

But there is a time and place for everything, and sometimes, we have to pull ourselves together so we can get to that time and place before falling apart.

Here's how to stop yourself from crying.

1. Remove yourself from the situation.

If you’re in a heated argument or intense conversation, take some space for yourself.

It’s difficult to articulate yourself when you’re crying, so take a breather if you need to.

2. Tilt your head backward, so the tears don’t roll down your face.

If it sounds ridiculous, it’s because it is. Just because something is ridiculous, however, doesn't mean it won't help you hold back the tears.

Any emotional response is difficult to control, but tilting your head back is a great way to stop the flow of tears.

Tears make your face puffy when they run down your face. Tilting your head back prevents this.

3. Tense up your muscles

Clench them real tight. Apparently, this will make you feel in control.

4. Blink quickly

This trick can prevent tears from rolling down your face.

Moving forward, just know that rapidly blinking is one of the best ways to stop yourself from bursting into tears.

5. Pinch the skin on the bridge of your nose.

Pinching the bridge of your nose when you anticipate crying can stop the crying entirely.

Grab your nose between your thumb and pointer finger; it doesn’t create any physical pain.

There are also ways to stop yourself from crying before it happens.

1. Take deep breaths

When you try to hold back from crying, you might become short of breath.

Focusing on your breath and breathing slowly can help you gain control.

The more at ease you are, the easier it will be to fight your tears.

2. Control your thoughts

If you feel tears coming, the best thing you can do is control your thoughts.

Swap those negative thoughts out with some positive ones.

Instead of beating yourself up for showing a little emotion, try to make yourself laugh. Is there a memory that brings a smile to your face? Channel that, then enhance it.

Controlling your thoughts is the best way to train yourself not to cry.

3. Call a friend.

When in doubt, phone a friend.

Sometimes a little emotional validation can go a long way.

Excuse yourself from whatever situation you're in and ask someone for a little guidance.

4. Play with a stress ball

Playing with a stress ball is the perfect way to distract yourself.

Taking out all of your rages on something else may seem counter-productive, but it's actually one of the best techniques to hold back tears.

5. Talk to a therapist.

You can also seek medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment if you feel that you’re constantly bursting into tears.

Crying is a natural, physiological response, but if you feel like emotional situations are interfering with your well-being, it’s not a bad idea to get some help.

Dealing with stress is challenging. Confronting your emotions in therapy can help you learn how to avoid triggers or how to stop crying chronically.

Ask a professional, “how much crying is too much?” Talk about your relationship to crying and mental health.

If the tears are already flowing, there are ways to dry your tears and get rid of puffy eyes to hide the evidence.

1. Use a cold compress.

Applying a cold compress can reduce eye puffiness and swelling.

From placing cucumber slices over your eyelids to a piece of ice wrapped in a paper towel, the opportunities are endless.