While crying she observed herself and recognized that once she decided to relax and allow the tears to flow, her thoughts became clearer, the tightness in her chest dissipated, along with improved breathing.
Interestingly enough, research shows that crying, when used as a self-soothing behavior, is linked to stress reduction and an enhanced mood. The shedding of emotional tears releases oxytocin and endorphins which make you feel good and may also ease physical and emotional pain.
Often times we ignore our feelings, only to one day be overwhelmed by them, sometimes at the most inopportune times.