For some people, blinking quickly and repeatedly can spread tears out and help them reabsorb into the tear duct, preventing initial tears from pooling. Conversely, for some people, not blinking and opening the eyes as wide as is comfortable actually discourages tears from forming by tensing the muscles in and around the eye area.  Only practice will tell you which group you fall into. Because your tear ducts stem from the side of your nose to an opening in the eyelid, pinching the bridge of your nose and the sides while clamping your eyes closed can block the tear ducts. (This works best if used before tears begin to flow.) Studies have shown that smiling has a positive impact on emotional health. It also positively impact the way others view you. What's more, the act of smiling counteracts the symptoms of crying, making it easier for you to prevent tears. One way to dial back intense, unpleasant emotions is to take a moment to splash cold water on your face.  Not only does it relax you, but it can boost your energy and make you more attentive. You can also drip cold water on your wrists and dab it behind you ears.  Major arteries run through these areas just below the skin surface and cooling them can have a calming effect on the whole body. Research has shown that green tea contains L-Theanine, which can promote relaxation and decrease tension while also increasing awareness and focus.  So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed, with tears welling up, treat yourself to a cup of green tea. Black tea also contains L-Theanine, but not as much. Laughter is an easy, inexpensive form of therapy that can improve your overall health and decrease feelings that lead to crying or depression. Find something that makes you laugh and give yourself some much needed relief. Crying occurs often as a product of prolonged tension.This process allows your body to relax tense muscles and calm your thinking.  It is also a cognitive activity because it teaches you to recognize how your body feels when you are upset and tense versus when you are relaxed and calm. Starting at your toes, begin tensing the muscle groups of your body one at a time for 30 second intervals, working your way slowly upward to the head. This activity also has the added benefit of relieving insomnia and restless sleep. Research suggests that feelings of helplessness and passivity are often at the root of episodes of crying.  To prevent crying, shift your body from passive to active.  This can be something as simple as getting up and walking around the room, or opening and closing your hands with a slight squeeze to engage your muscles and remind your body that your actions are voluntary and you are in control.. (If you find yourself causing bruising or other physical harm, it is recommended that you discontinue this method and attempt to use one or more of the other tactics.) Physical pain distracts your senses from the root of your emotional pain, making you less likely to cry. You can pinch yourself (such as between your thumb and pointer finger, or on the back of your upper arm), bite your tongue, or pull your leg hairs from inside your pants pocket.
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One-sentence summary -- Try blinking, or not blinking at all. Pinch your nose. Smile. Cool off. Have some tea. Laugh. Try progressive relaxation. Take control. Use pain as a distraction.


If your passport has expired, you can renew it provided it is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years. If your current passport is older than that, or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, you'll have to complete a new application.  You also cannot renew an older passport if it was issued before you were 16 years old. If your name is different from the name on your passport, you'll have to supply documentation of the name change. You may want to apply in person rather than submitting these documents through the mail. When you renew your passport, you must submit updated passport photos that have been taken in the last 6 months. You may be able to save some money by doing it yourself, but typically it's easier to get it done by a professional.  If you decide to take your photo yourself, go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/photos.html and review the requirements. There is also a link on that page to a tool you can use to crop your photo to the right size. You can get your passport photo taken at many pharmacies and discount stores. It usually only costs a few dollars, and you can be assured that your photo will meet the State Department requirements. If you're renewing your passport by mail, you must complete form DS-82. If you need to apply in person to renew your passport, you'll need form DS-11. Both of these forms can be downloaded from the website of the U.S. State Department.  Go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/forms.html to access the forms. You have the option of filling the form out online and printing it off or downloading a PDF to print and fill out by hand. If you're filling out form DS-11 to apply in person, do not sign it until you get to the Regional Passport Agency. A passport card is only valid for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. All international air travel requires a passport book. If you're not sure which you'll need, go ahead and get the passport book, which is valid for all international travel by air, land, or sea. The most recent estimates for processing times are available at travel.state.gov. Processing times change seasonally, and it may take longer depending on when you plan to submit your application.  Generally, you can expect to receive a new passport within 6 to 8 weeks if you use routine service, and 2 to 3 weeks if you use expedited service. If you have travel plans within the next 2 weeks, you can apply in person and get your new passport within 8 days.
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One-sentence summary --
Get your old passport. Get new passport photos. Download the correct form. Decide whether you want a passport book, passport card, or both. Check processing time online.