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Breast Pain: 10 Common Causes + Treatments

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Most women will experience mild breast pain at some point in their lives. However, only fifteen percent of all these cases require medical treatment.

Surprisingly to most, men may also experience twinges of tenderness in their breast tissue.

You can have breast pain in different locations. It can be on one breast, or it can be on both breasts. You can even experience this pain in your underarm.

Additionally, breast pain comes in different levels of severity. It can be mild, or it can be excruciatingly painful. These different levels of discomfort are commonly described as tenderness, tightening, throbbing, or sharp burning of the breast tissue.

Breast pain causes can vary. One of the most frequent reasons is hormonal changes. These changes can also affect the type of pain that you experience. This situation also explains why your perfectly healthy breasts can be in pain.

Here is a listing of ten of the most common causes of breast pain, as well as their treatment.

1. Cyst

Cysts are breast pain causes characterized by small sacs in the breast that fill with fluid. They are oval lumps that are soft and round typically. They can also feel hard in some cases.

Cysts can appear in one or both breasts, and you can have one or many cysts at a time. Apart from pain and tenderness, there are no other symptoms of cysts. These lumps grow and increase in pain during your period, and the effects reduce at the end of the period.

For treatment, visit your doctor so that they can confirm that it is indeed a cyst and not something serious. In case you have symptoms, use pain relievers such as naproxen and ibuprofen or use a compress to reduce the pain. Also, eat less salt to avoid swelling and pain.

2. Infection

The infection that occurs in the breast is called mastitis. This occurrence usually happens to women that breastfeed. Regardless, it can also happen to anyone.

Mastitis symptoms occur suddenly, and they include pain, burning, redness, chills, swelling, warmth, and fever.

In case you experience any symptom of infection in your breast, ensure that you see your doctor immediately. Your physician can guide you on whether you need an antibiotic and advise you of at-home care.

Also, sip a lot of fluids and get enough rest.

Besides, do not wear bras or clothes that are tight until your infection clears and increase feeds if you are breastfeeding since it will reduce pain.

Do not ignore the treatment of mastitis because it can grow into an abscess.

3. Fibrocystic Breasts

The changes in fibrocystic breasts are a common cause of pain in the breasts. About fifty percent of women will experience this type of pain during one point in their lives. Also, this breast tissue does not have any symptoms.

However, when symptoms occur, they include tenderness, pain, and a rope-like texture. The symptoms appear mostly in the area outside and on top of the breast.

To alleviate pain from fibrocystic breasts, use over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. You can also apply a heated compress or a hot water bottle to reduce the pain.

Other methods that will help to reduce the pain include the use of a supportive bra and the use of hormonal birth control.

Nevertheless, ensure that you visit a doctor if you notice a new or bigger lump, increasing pain or changes that persist after your period.

4. Hormone Medications

Some hormonal medications’ side effects can be breast pain causes. For instance, oral contraceptives can cause breasts to experience pain. Hormone supplements and replacements can also cause this type of pain.

To treat these side effects, ask your doctor if they can prescribe a different medication. You might find that you tolerate a different brand better than the one you use.

If you are under hormonal birth control, you can switch to condoms, try a hormonal IUD, or try a copper hormone-free IUD.

5. Breastfeeding

When you first start breastfeeding your child, you might experience sore nipples. If the latch is not put properly, you can also experience severe breast pain. It is also widespread for the nipple to crack and become dry.

Other conditions that can be caused by breastfeeding include lactation mastitis, engorgement, plugged ducts, and fungal infections — mastitis results in pain, redness, and symptoms similar to the flu.

Engorgement results from an excess supply of milk that causes pain. It can also lead to plugged ducts. Plugged ducts are often in one breast, and they feel like a sore tender lump.

Fungal infections such as yeast infections can precipitate pain, aching, and itchiness. For treatment, ask a lactation consultant to help in case you have raw and sore nipples. They will advise you on the different feeding techniques and positions that you can use.

To soften hard breasts, you can pump milk in between feedings, apply a few drops of your milk around your nipples after feeding to soothe cracking and apply a warm compress to the plugged milk ducts.

Also, use breathable cotton pads to reduce trapping of moisture.

6. Pregnancy

Pregnancy triggers many hormonal changes in a female’s body. This is because the hormones are responsible for triggering the transformations that are required to support a pregnancy.

Hence, your breasts may become tender and swollen, and your nipples might stick out. In case the pain in your breast becomes severe, you should see your OB-GYN. Additionally, inform them of any skin changes, discharge, or lumps.

Otherwise, treat the soreness with a heat compress, use breast pads to prevent the chaffing of the nipple, wear your bra to bed, avoid touching your breast, and get a new loose bra.

7. Period

A woman’s monthly cycle is one of the most common breast pain causes. This is a result of the hormonal changes that occur during their period. The medical term for this form of pain is cyclical breast pain.

Throughout the month, estrogen and progesterone hormones will fluctuate in your body. As a result, you will experience a lot of havoc in your brain as well as your body. These two hormones can increase the size of ducts and glands in your breast.

Therefore, your breast swells and retain water. The breasts also become tender, lumpy, and painful a few days to your period. This type of pain usually fades after the period ends.

Regardless, you can change your lifestyle and use home remedies to relieve these symptoms by wearing a period bra, avoiding caffeine, reducing salt intake, practicing mindfulness, applying a hot or a cold compress, and using a pain reliever.

If the home remedies do not work, your doctor can prescribe hormonal birth control to reduce your premenstrual symptoms.

8. Bruises or Bumps

At one point in your life, you have woken up with an injury that you do not remember getting. The same philosophy can apply to your breast.

For instance, if you bump yourself while you carry a heavy sleeping child, it might cause a bruise.

Treating a minor bruise or bump is unnecessary because it will fade away in time. If you want to ease your symptoms, however, you can take a pain reliever such as naproxen or ibuprofen.

You can also apply a compress in your breast to relieve the pain and change the bra that you wear to make your chest more comfortable.

9. Muscle Strain

The muscles that lie directly below and around your breasts are known as the pectoral muscles. When this muscle is strained, it feels as though the pain is coming from your chest. As a result, these types of breast pain causes are limited to one breast.

Together with this pain, you might also experience bruising, swelling, and difficulty when moving your shoulder. The cause of this pain makes it common among weight lifters, athletes, and any other person engaging in activities that can lead to strain.

To treat muscle strain, you can use over the counter medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen. You can also do stretching exercises such as yoga or Pilates. A heating compress can also reduce the pain that you feel and make it easy to reach.

You can also rest to stimulate healing.

10. Bra

The work of a bra is to give support to the fatty tissues and weight of breast tissue. This necessity is especially true if you have a big cup size. Besides, in most cases, you will find that many women do not wear bras that fit their sizes appropriately.

If you wear an ancient bra, stretched out, or one that is too big, you will not be giving your breasts the support that they require. Hence, letting your breasts jostle around from morning to evening can make them sore. The unpleasant feeling can also spread into your shoulders, neck, and back.

On the other hand, if you wear a bra that is too tight, the excess pressure on your breasts can lead to sensitivity. Therefore, if you think that your bra might be causing your breast pain, consider the following:

• Check whether your breasts often spill over the top of your bra

• Confirm if your backs strap is digging into your skin

• Confirm if your bra is on its loosest or tightest buckle

• Check and see if the bra rides up in the back

• Confirm for spaces between the bra cup and your breast

If any of these conditions sound eerily like you, get a professional fitting in a store near you to get your exact bra size.

mammogram for persistent breast pain

A mammogram is the best tool to detect whether your breast pain is anything to worry about.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with Breast Pain

Always visit the doctor if the breast pain becomes severe. Also, visit your doctor if you have unusual discharge, fever, chills, and persistent swelling. Finally, schedule your regular mammograms and alert your doctor if you find any new lumps, bumps, changes in the skin, or other changes to your breast tissue.

10 Proven Tips to Reduce Breast Pain in Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is an incredible time in the life of an expectant mother. For roughly forty weeks or almost ten months, the human body sustains itself, feeding and sheltering a new being.

It’s really a marvelous feat.

And at the end of that relatively short space of time, a new remarkable individual is waiting to meet the world. With all of the wonder and new fantastic sensations that a pregnant person comes face to face with, there are a few side effects that come with the pregnancy territory. Furthermore, these symptoms are less than pleasant.

One such side effect is breast soreness and nipple discomfort. When compared to some of the other common byproducts of pregnancy, breast aches might not seem too severe. In fact, it is often a relatively painless and utterly normal consequence of pregnancy.

Nevertheless, breast pain, which often indicates the earliest tell-tale signs of pregnancy, is also one of the longest-lasting and most inconvenient of all. Fortunately, some confirmed strategies reduce breast pain in pregnancy, allowing you to focus on the more joyful aspects of this momentous time in your life.

Proven Tips to Reduce Breast Pain in Pregnancy

1 – Try a Sports Bra

At the very beginning of pregnancy, one’s breasts go through rapid, intense changes that often result in discomfort and breast discomfort in general. One way to alleviate this pain is by investing in a supportive sports bra.

Sports bras come in handy while exercising through pregnancy. Additionally, they also provide comfort and stability throughout daily activities. At the start of this journey, a sports bra that’s already in the drawer will most likely suffice. However, as your trimesters proceed, invest in a roomier sports bra. This support garment keeps your breasts lifted and free from the irritation of an underwire.

2 – Warm Baths

Warm baths are highly effective at assuaging breast aches throughout pregnancy. The warm water is soothing, helps reduce discomfort by decreasing swelling and inflammation, and can help diminish sensitivity, however temporary.

A warm bath can help reduce tension in general because it is a great way to be mindful and to relax, so it’s worth working into your nightly routine to help reduce breast pain during and after pregnancy.

Be mindful of the water temperature, however, as water that is too hot can increase breast discomfort and is also recommended against for pregnant women in general.

3 – Sleep in Bras without Underwire

Even if you have never been the type to sleep in a bra, or if you have always been someone who takes your bra off the very moment you get home from, pregnancy-induced breast soreness is a game-changer.

To help reduce the breast pain often felt in the morning or throughout the night, consider sleeping in a wire-free bra. These bras decrease irritation throughout the night and provide the much-needed support pregnant breasts need

4 – Avoid Extra Contact

Whether it contacts from your partner or the water in the showerhead, tender pregnant breasts benefit from reduced touches. Have a candid chat with your partner about your breast and nipple pain to prevent any hurt feelings or misunderstandings.

Also, consider trading out the shower for a bath until you feel a substantial reduction in breast tenderness. By steering clear of unnecessary touching, you’ll reduce breast pain. This strategy gives your breasts time to grow and expand in peace without the constant fear of uncomfortable consequences.

5 – Bra Pads

In spite of your best efforts at finding the right bra, your breasts might still be too tender to be touched even by the cups. If this is the case, try not to fret too much. Most department stores and undoubtedly online retailers can help you find relief with bra pads. Insert these pads into your bra to help alleviate any rubbing or irritation that can exacerbate breast tenderness. These provide more cushion and comfort for your sore breasts. Bra pads will also come in handy down the road if you decide to breastfeed your baby or pump while you are at work.

6 – Cold Compresses

There’s nothing quite like a cold compress to provide instant relief to breast tenderness. While this remedy is only one you can use at home, it is efficient. Take a wet or damp washcloth and press it against the tender areas for three to five minutes at a time. The cold will help desensitize the area, giving you the much-needed relief you deserve. You can also swap out the washcloth for a more potent remedy such as a frozen bag of vegetables if you so desire.

7 – Icy or Heated Pads

Not to be confused with the larger heating pad, you might have lying around from the days of your period, icy or heated breast pads specifically provide comfort for those aching breasts and sore nipples. These pads can either be heated in the microwave for a few seconds or placed in the freezer before being placed on the affected area. Another at-home remedy, these pads will provide swift relief when you need it most and can be used during pregnancy as well as if you decide to breastfeed down the road.

8 – Loose Clothing

When it comes to picking out your wardrobe, try to be mindful of how tight and compressing your tops are. Tighter clothing can restrict circulation, which can further inflame your sensitive breast area. Looser shirts and light, cotton fabrics are more breathable. Thus, they reduce breast pain and leave you feeling more comfortable. You’ll feel better, in the long term, this way.

9 – Reduce Your Sodium Intake

Once you found out you are pregnant, odds are, you stumbled across a smorgasbord of nutritional advice. One particular pearl of wisdom comes in handy not only in terms of staying on track with pregnancy weight gain but also in terms of alleviating breast tenderness. That advice is reducing the amount of sodium in your diet.

Foods that have large quantities of sodium lead to bloating. Furthermore, water retention promotes breast discomfort. By decreasing your sodium intake, you can lessen the condition and help your breasts to feel less heavy and achy.

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10 – Breast Creams

Breast discomfort can result from increased circulation, expanding milk glands, a growth in fatty tissue, or exterior irritations, such as the lining of a bra or fabric of a blanket or blouse.

One proven way to help reduce breast pain associated with these causes is to invest in a breast cream. Look for one that has cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, or lanolin the main ingredients. These powerful ingredients help keep the skin nourished and protected from irritants, which reduces the amount of discomfort you are probably experiencing.

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Final Thoughts on Managing Breast Pain During Pregnancy

Although breast soreness and discomfort are considered entirely typical side effects of pregnancy, that doesn’t mean that you are doomed to suffer through them for forty weeks. This early symptom of pregnancy typically appears as early as two weeks after conception. While it often disappears by the second trimester, for many women, it either returns during the third trimester or never leaves to begin with.

Fortunately, these remedies mitigate some of the suffering associated with your body, preparing to feed and nourish your new baby in the months to come. By being proactive and engaging in these strategies before the pain gets too intense or even starts for that matter, you will feel and be much better off than someone who tries to soldier on through the pain.

As always, if you find yourself continually experiencing discomfort, and the remedies fail to provide relief, consult your OBGYN. She can tell you if taking over the counter pain relief such as acetaminophen is safe. And, she’ll provide advice on what to use if all else fails to provide sufficient improvement. Finally, always speak with your medical provider before administering any new medications. Keep in mind that these nine busy months fly by.

You deserve to enjoy this time. So celebrate your body for the remarkable role it plays in creating and sustaining a new life. Remember that you can take these steps to reduce breast pain instead of suffering through it in silence. This time is all about you and your remarkable journey into motherhood. And breast discomfort and nipple soreness should never stand between you and this extraordinary time in your life.

Research Reveals the Benefits of Echinacea Supplements

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Echinacea, or purple coneflower, has been one of the most-used herbal supplements for generations. The Native Americans across the Great Plains, as well as the settlers that followed, used the leaves, flowers, and roots for medicinal purposes. Although the discovery of antibiotics lessened its use for a time, this member of the daisy family enjoys a resurgence as commonly prescribed medications lose effectiveness.

Recent studies have had conflicting results about the effectiveness of this herbal remedy, despite the decades of prevalent use it has enjoyed. Part of the challenge is that there are several species of the plant, and several plant parts, namely the leaves, flowers, and roots, have all been used medicinally. Study results range from yielding negligible to highly promising results.

Also, remember that each person has a unique metabolism and varying tolerances. Should you decide to test the traditional merits of the herb, choose quality supplements, and follow the directions carefully. And although many have enjoyed significant benefits from the remedy, it may not react well with some prescription medications, so you consult your doctor before adding it to your daily regimen if you take regular meds.

Some recent studies have also found that the herb may be useful beyond the common cold or flu. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and also offers some calming effects. More definitive and controlled research could pinpoint the most effective species, plant part, and dosage to the satisfaction of the scientific community. Until then, even many doctors agree that the testimony of herbalists, nutritionists, and satisfied users cannot be altogether dismissed.

Treating the Common Cold

Studies show this herbal treatment to contain antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can make it a desirable alternative to prescribed meds. By beginning the supplement as soon as cold or flu symptoms appear, the duration and severity of symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough can be reduced without harmful side effects.

Some studies have also boosted the herb’s reputation as an immune system enhancer through alkamides and several other inherent chemical substances. The phenols found in the herb have antioxidant qualities that help the body to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.

Treating Gum Disease

Studies indicate that a mouthwash containing coneflower, Gotu kola, and elderberry is useful in stopping gingivitis. The immune system regulating and antibacterial properties of the herb make it effective against microbial pathogens, yeast, and other kinds of fungi. The herb also helps to fight inflammation, one uncomfortable symptom of gum disease.

The correct dosage should present visible results within ten days. By rinsing your mouth and then swallowing the dose, you will be treating the condition both orally and systemically. The mouthwash may stain, so keep it away from clothing. It is also not tasty, but the results may be worth it.

Controlling Anxiety

Some studies have indicated that narrow-leaved Coneflower Root supplements can help regulate synaptic functions, resulting in the lessening of anxiety symptoms. While the herb cannot altogether remove all fear and sufferers’ reactions to it, it can make the battle easier for those who endure frequent anxiety attacks.

These findings are particularly useful because of the undesirable side effects associated with some prescription anxiety treatments. When taken as a low-dosage supplement, stress and tension significantly decreased in study participants.

Controlling Blood Sugar and Diabetes

Several studies support the ability of Echinacea purpurea to help reduce blood sugar. This improvement happens by suppressing the enzymes that digest carbohydrates. Specific components in the herb also help the body normalize its response to glucose, making it a possible supplemental treatment for people with diabetes.

The presence of this herb in the bloodstream can keep blood sugar from either spiking or plummeting. Adding the herb in tea form is easy, and side effects are rare. However, you should always begin any herbal supplement with small doses to assess your body’s response.

Reducing the Risk of Cancer

Studies have shown that this versatile herb may also encourage the growth of healthy cancer “kill cells” while inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Its effectiveness with several cancers continues to be studied, including breast cancer and lymphomas, cervical, and lung cancers.

Taking a regular dose may also alleviate some of the symptoms of chemotherapy treatments, such as nausea and stomach upset, when included in an herbal blend. It also encourages white blood cell growth, which helps to discourage infections while fighting cancer and other diseases.

Fighting Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Several laboratory studies indicate that this herb may be an effective treatment for urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, and ear infections. The active natural antibiotic substances, along with antiviral and antioxidant components, have made it one of the favorite supplements among professional herbalists.

Although some studies have been inconclusive, many herbalists agree that 400 years of traditional use should not be ignored. A careful examination of each species is bringing more information to light about this cure-all herb’s many healing properties for common ailments and infections. For chronic UTI sufferers, the herb may prove to be a boon, as it may mean lessened prescription meds dependence for day to day healthy functions.

Treating Respiratory Infections

Studies show that coneflower may also be useful as an initial treatment for Upper Respiratory Infections (URI). These studies have shown improvement in up to eight out of ten participants. This news is good for chronic sufferers.

There is no real evidence, however, that the supplements will work as a preventative measure, though some nutritionists and herbalists insist otherwise. Since some studies have indicated a small percentage of preventative results, chronic sufferers may want to try the supplement for a while and form their own opinion.

Other Possible Benefits

Over the years, parts of the coneflower have been used for a variety of ailments. Besides those previously mentioned, the herb has been put forward as a remedy for:

Even this is not an all-inclusive list. Although studies indicate the herb offers the potential for many healing components, time alone will tell what conclusions the scientific community will draw for so many varied conditions. Time has not lessened the herb’s popularity as a general preventive and treatment for colds and other viral infections.

How Echinacea Gained Its Following

Most Native American tribes did not initially use this prolific herb to treat colds. Some shared they learned about the herb by watching elk, who sought it out when wounded or sick. So the native tribes called the plant “elk root.” It was used for sore throat, cough, headaches, and as an all-around painkiller.

Only the South Dakota tribes used coneflower as a cold remedy. Then, the region’s European settlers quickly picked up on this application. Beginning in the 20th century, Germany has been conducting studies with the herb, and its use is common there.

It would appear that the different species each have their unique potency to combat various diseases. So a bit of research may help you to decide what to look for when considering the use of this natural treatment. Another important consideration is whether you will benefit more from the herb in drink or capsule form. It’s not recommended you use the raw plant unless you have a thorough knowledge of the risk of toxicity. Instead, take a supplement tablet or tea.

Who Shouldn’t Use an Echinacea supplement

If you take some prescription meds, such as immunosuppressants, this may not be an excellent herbal treatment for you. Also, don’t use the herb if you suffer from an autoimmune disorder such as

  • lupus
  • multiple sclerosis
  • HIV
  • AIDS

Also, avoid this herb if you suffer from tuberculosis.

Some people may have an allergic reaction, such as nausea or stomach upset. If you react, discontinue use. The herb is thought to be safe for children over two years old and for pregnant women. You may want to speak with your doctor first.

echinacea (coneflower) for a cold

Learn home remedies for common cold.

Final Thoughts on Echinacea and Your Wellness

For over 400 years, Echinacea has been a go-to herb for treating everyday illnesses, aches, and pains. As a supplement, there have been no studies showing any danger in taking the herb daily. However, some professionals recommend taking it in short bursts for a more robust immune boost.

Some studies have shown the herb to reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu by up to 58%. That’s an impressive number and may make it worth trying the herb as the cold season comes upon us. Natural, traditional remedies (including the coneflower) continue to gain interest and backing as synthetic medications lose their efficacy or become more expensive.

A supplement may be the answer to at least lessen symptoms and keep the immune system healthy. If you’re not sure, you can speak to a nutritionist or seek the help of an herbalist. Knowledge is power. So it’s good to get to know the best home remedies and how to use them, including echinacea, the ubiquitous coneflower.

5 Red Flags That Alert You To A Hypocrite

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Have you ever been around when someone is called a hypocrite? What sort of images does that character trait bring to mind? Hypocritical people generally say one thing while doing something opposite.

Hypocritical people exist all over the world. Unfortunately, these people are often unavoidable in our daily lives. Confronting hypocrites requires a significant level of patience. It’s an unfortunate truth that hypocrisy is not uncommon. We encounter these people routinely in our everyday lives. Even sadder, they may be among our friends.

There are times when hypocritical people are unavoidable. We might work with such people or even be related to these people. We need to avoid such people to protect ourselves from any harm. Let’s look at some of the red flags a hypocrite displays that reveal their authentic selves.

Why Is Hypocrisy Such A Toxic Emotion?

Hypocrisy is a very common character flaw that disempowers people.

People generally have this need to see the world as a safe and fair place. It’s a dangerous thought process. If I’m a good person, only good things happen to me. Bad things happen to bad people. Therefore, the hypocrite paints himself (or herself) in a favorable light at all costs.

Hypocritical people make us feel like the social contract of fairness is continually being disrupted. This lack of justice often happens in relationships. When there’s a double standard, your partner can say or do things that you can’t do.

Hypocrisy is an example of injustice. Now, people don’t like to use the term that’s not fair, because it sounds almost childish. But being hypocritical strikes at the root of what it means to live in a decent society.

An Example Of Social Hypocrisy

Social hypocrisy is when we profess a specific value, yet our actions fall short. Let’s take the example of unwanted attention. This attention doesn’t have to be romantic. It could just be considered unwanted attention.

Imagine someone comes home from the bar and says that somebody gave them all this unwanted attention. Most people hearing this will assume that the person was verbally assaulted. But the reality was perhaps simply that some man or woman came up to you and asked you something. Maybe it was to dance, or perhaps they wanted to get a phone number.

Is it now not okay to want to talk to another person? The reason this behavior is hypocritical is that if this man or woman were attractive, then it wouldn’t be unwanted attention. This example, of course, assumes that the person approaching is doing so respectfully. They are not entering too close to your personal space. If they’re not threatening or rude, then whatever happened to “we’ll see if this person is engaging?”

It’s because the person is not up to a person’s standard that they then say it’s unwanted (romantic) attention. Unless they’re going to use that term with every single person they encounter, they’re hypocritical. Because if it’s the right person (who happens to be charismatic or attractive), then being chatty is all of a sudden okay.

Hypocrisy truly is such an ugly trait. People should keep an eye on how they are conducting themselves as it can damage other people. Hypocrisy has a disempowering effect on the person who assumes that they are a victim. They make it sound like it was a horrible monster that approached them.

What Are The Characteristics Of Hypocritical People?

Hypocritical people tell you you’re doing all the wrong things and yet continue to do them themselves. Just because you’re prone to making mistakes doesn’t make you a hypocrite. If you plan on doing something wrong, and you permit yourself to do something unjust, then you are venturing down the path of a hypocritical life.

Contrast this with someone who knows what’s wrong and strives to live a moral life. When you are in the wrong and aim to rectify what you’ve done, you’re not hypocritical. You’re dealing with your actions like an adult who knows what’s wrong and what’s right.

5 Red Flags That Warn You Of A Hypocrite In Your Life

Here are five of the primary red flags that will help you pinpoint the presence of a hypocrite in your presence.

1. Unpredictable Behaviors

Hypocrites are erratic, though that doesn’t mean that all inconsistent people are hypocrites. A hypocrite’s inconsistency can be measured beyond just being unreliable.

We can see it in their actions that don’t synchronize with their words. If they don’t end up getting what they want, they may end up playing the victim.

These types of people will act as if they are the perfect ones who have been wronged. Even though they create a scene through their mistakes, they will condemn others to project it on them.

2. High Level of Superiority

People who act contrary to how they say they behave often discriminate against others. They operate and speak as they want because they think no one is superior to them. People who say one thing and do another often feel that they are above the law.

Hypocritical people will often ignore the prevailing norms of society. They live contrary to their own rules, but others must abide by the standards they profess to practice.

Ironically, this behavior arises from their lack of confidence in themselves. Hypocritical people cover this flaw by tending to act bossy around others.

3. Gossiping

Continuously talking bad about others or gossiping is a behavior typical of hypocritical people. They are eager to speak critically about other people’s flaws. Hypocrites often gossip to drag other people down. They do this to make them feel superior to others.

As they are unpredictable, they will say things in a certain way but act in another way. They will break promises, especially if we do not meet their desires.

4. Helping When Only It Helps Them

Hypocrites like to help others, but they may only help if they can gain some benefit for themselves. They will not help someone sincerely. They will usually expect ‘rewards’ from their deeds.

A sinister aspect of this phenomenon is when the hypocritical person feels superior to specific groups of people. If a person thinks that they are superior to particular groups, they should be honest enough to admit it. Hypocritical people can often use bigoted and prejudiced language towards others in a hurtful manner.

And if you’re willing to admit what’s going on in front of your eyes, then why would you accept it from that person? If we recognize that this type of mindset is both hypocritical and not healthy, why would we engage in it?

5. Attention Seeker

No one is ever looking for attention more than hypocrites. They hold tight to the principle of egocentrism. They thus believe everyone should be centered upon themselves.

When they achieve something, they will ensure that the entire world must know about it. How annoying it is when we meet such people, right? They are so stubborn that they forget that this world has more than just them in it.

Individuals steeped in hypocrisy hardly ever feel guilty. Whatever they have done, they will never feel remorseful about it. Instead, they will pass on their errors to others. An assistant to a hypocritical person should be prepared to shoulder much of that person’s blame.

How To Cultivate Non-Hypocritical Traits

All this talk of hypocrisy is probably fairly depressing. Let’s look at how we can spin this negative trait upside-down. Namely, how would we cultivate non-hypocrisy in ourselves and encourage it in others?

1. Try to be there for your friends and family.

It’s always great being around someone you can depend on. That would mean being there for others in their time of need, even at inconvenient times. It’s great to have likable people in your social circle who will unconditionally listen to you.

2. Be considerate of others.

One trait of hypocritical folk is that they don’t consider the feelings or perceptions of others. Try instead to cultivate polite behaviors. This will help you win friends by communicating in a respectful and forthright way.

3. Work on being a more attractive person.

Being thought of as an attractive person doesn’t necessarily mean you have all positive character traits. Indeed, you can work on being kind or having a sense of humor. But merely becoming friendlier to others or being around other friends makes you a more attractive person overall.

4. Become a better person every day.

We can chisel away the rougher parts of our personality by working on them every day. You don’t have to be a self-help guru to reap the benefits of self-improvement. Take time to listen to your inner teacher as you make time to learn something new every day.

Final Thoughts: It’s Best To Avoid Hypocritical People

All the positive traits that you can work on can help you in life. If nothing else, it will at least save you from becoming a hypocritical person. People who have hypocritical traits tend to attract an unsavory network of peers.

Try to avoid people who show signs of being hypocritical. They will only be toxic in your life and knock you down to their level. Stay wise, and don’t let yourself be their victim.

12 Dream Meanings That Most Women Miss

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Dreams are incredibly valuable tools to use for discovering who we are. And learning more about dream meanings helps you apply the lessons to your daily life.

Because dreaming is often the communication between our conscious minds and our unconscious ones, understanding dream meanings is essential for personal growth. If you want to get the most out of your sleeping hours, we recommend that you become familiar with the many different ways to record and analyze your dreams.

However, the process of analyzing dreams has a sharp learning curve that beginners might find difficult to understand at first. In fact, there are many dream meanings that most women miss, so it’s essential to keep yourself educated and continuously be aware of the different possibilities available.

To help you navigate the complicated world of dream meaning analysis, we’ve created a detailed guide to the subject. In this guide, we’ll be talking about 12 of the most common dream meanings that women miss, so you will never miss anything when analyzing your subconscious!

Interpretations of Dream Meanings Many Women Have

#1. You Dream About Birds

Birds are essential figures in folklore, often providing guidance and understanding to individuals who seek them out. The status of birds as messengers has usually made them very symbolic in dreams, representing the need to communicate with others. This imagery is ancient, though, dating back to the Norse mythology story of Odin, a God who ravens flocked to, providing him with information.

If you see birds in your dreams, it is likely a sign that someone is trying to communicate with you. It’s also worth noting that this type of communication is not only open to the living. For example, if a loved one recently passed away, seeing birds in a dream could be a way of your soul attempting to cope with that.

#2. Aliens Abduct You

Oddly enough, this is one of the more common types of dream messages that women miss. Everybody is familiar with depictions of aliens appearing in pop culture and conspiracy theory communities, so it makes sense that they would also appear in your dreams.

One of the main reasons why women miss this message is because they assume that aliens represent visitors from outer space. This interpretation might seem like an obvious way to read that message, but it is often incorrect.

Instead, aliens typically represent unknown parts of one’s personality, so they are likely representing something that you have yet to understand about yourself. Though this mystery takes on the form of aliens, you should be careful to interpret the message correctly!

#3. There is Nothing Around You

For many women, dreaming that you are in a room can be a scary thing to confront. After all, who would ever want to be trapped in a huge, empty space? Due to the intimidating nature of these dreams, many people try to get out of them as soon as possible. This instinct often makes the thoughts turn into nightmares, making the individual lose the initial message.

If you have a dream that involves you being in an empty space, it likely means that many opportunities are waiting for you. If you can take advantage of lucid dreaming, we recommend that you walk around the space and try to interact with it. By doing so, you’ll be communicating directly with your subconscious!

#4. You Dream That You Are Missing Objects

Some of the most disorienting dreams are ones that look exactly like your real-life aside from a few small details.

For example, you have a dream about commuting to work but find out that your bike is missing. In that dream, you feel extreme stress over finding your bike. This is typically your subconscious trying to tell you that you do not need the things that are missing. Thus, they encourage you to find alternative ways to navigate your life.

Many people who wake up from these types of dreams assume that they just experienced their real life, as these musings can often be indistinguishable from reality. If you have a dream where you are missing objects, it is time to ponder whether or not you need those objects to live a fulfilled life.

#5. You’re Searching for Someone

When people dream that they are searching for someone, it is very easy to assume that they are doing so because that person has disappeared from their life. However, this is not always the case. Many people who dream about searching for another person are trying to reconnect with old parts of their personalities that they no longer feel in touch with.

#6. You Are Constantly Falling

If you’re someone who has dreams about falling, it’s very likely that you immediately wake up once you hit the ground. This leads many people to think that they are trying to escape particular situations, but this is a misinterpretation of the dream meaning. In contrast, consistently falling in a dream mostly represents one’s inability to take control of their life. By strengthening your confidence and agency, you can make sure that you have something to hang onto when life becomes more complicated.

#7. You Didn’t Prepare for an Exam

This is a prevalent dream that many students have. Even if you’re not in school anymore, it’s possible to have this dream and wonder if you are harboring some unresolved feelings towards your educational experience. However, assuming this meaning is one of the reasons why people miss this dream message, so it’s important to contextualize it properly.

If you have a dream in which you are not prepared for an exam, it likely means that you are analyzing your life too harshly. It can be easy to scrutinize our own lives too much, so it’s essential to be kind to yourself and understand that learning to live a balanced life takes time.

#8. You Need to Pee

Needing to pee in a dream often does correlate with your physical body, asking you to use the restroom. However, this is not the only meaning you should take from this type of dream. For example, needing to use the toilet in your dream can mean that you need to let go of certain things that are holding you back. So, the next time that you wake up from a dream needing to pee, you might want to consider that there is more to the situation than you might think.

#9. You Dream That You’re Being Chased

Those who dream that they are being chased in their dreams are not exactly trying to get away from something. Being chased in your dream can mean that you are hesitant about making or approaching individual life choices, imploring you to find new ways to control your destiny.

#10. You Can’t Speak

For women who have trouble voicing their opinions, having dreams about not being able to speak is a clear-cut way of understanding that they need more confidence. However, extroverted people who have these types of dreams often misinterpret the meaning. If you are not able to speak in your vision but frequently talk in real life, your subconscious might be telling you to be less vocal with others.

#11. You Get Arrested

Many people get nervous when they dream about being arrested because it can be a terrifying experience. However, being arrested in your dreams confirms the fact that you scrutinize your life too heavily and often make quick judgments. If you’ve ever had this dream, we recommend that you be kinder to yourself!

#12. You Dream That You Are on the Telephone

This dream situation doesn’t typically come across as something meaningful since it feels so inconsequential. However, if you have ever had dreams in which you use the telephone, it means that your subconscious is trying to communicate something to you. To make sure you get the message, we recommend that you pay attention to who you’re calling and what they say!

dream meaningsFinal Thoughts About Women and Dream Meanings

Analyzing your dream meanings is an exercise in self-discovery. This is why we believe it is such a rewarding activity. By understanding what your dreams are trying to tell you, you can become more focused on what you need to do in your life. There are also many things that your subconscious tries to communicate to you through dreams, so you should always be aware of what is happening when you fall asleep!

One of the best ways to properly keep up with your dream meanings is to have a daily dream journal. Dreams can be tricky in the sense that you forget them almost instantly.  So writing them down immediately after you wake up is a surefire way to make sure that you don’t lose track of any messages. Writing down your dreams also makes it possible for you to analyze them, as reading them out loud later properly helps with that process as well.

Dreams are one of the wonders of the human body. Indeed, they provide us with messages and visuals that we might not see in any other situation. We hope this guide has been helpful so that the next time you are analyzing your dream meanings, you know just what to look for!

5 Ways to Identify Your Emotional Triggers (And How to Handle Them)

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Most of our parents raised us to suppress our emotions.  They didn’t use those exact words, of course.  It sounded more like, “Stop wearing your heart on your sleeve,” ” Suck it up, buttercup,” “Go to your room and stop crying” or “Just deal with it.”

We probably spent most of our childhood and at least half of our adulthood finding out that this method doesn’t work.  Suppression is not managing emotions.  It only leads to a long list of emotional triggers that cause us to lash out in unpredictable ways on unsuspecting, innocent, and potentially loving people in our lives.  Being an adult includes recognizing these triggers and changing our reactions.

Today, we will review five ways to identify your emotional triggers and how to handle them.

Suppressed emotions lead to emotional triggers.

Emotional triggers can be anything that creates a seemingly irrational emotional response.  Usually, those triggers stem from old wounds in childhood, traumatic experiences, new unhealed hurts, or even the lack of ability to deal with strong emotions.

Studies suggest that not being able to express your emotions makes the emotions stronger in your brain.  A study performed at UCLA involving brain imaging of volunteers seeing moving images (an angry face) showed higher activity in the part of the brain that registers danger signals, called the amygdala.

Yet, interestingly enough, labeling the face as an angry face showed a lesser response in the amygdala but an increased response in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.  This portion of the prefrontal cortex is responsible for our ability to think in words about an emotion.  There is some indication that it also may help decrease physical response and processing emotions as well.

This study carefully pointed out that being able to express emotions lessened the impact of feeling it in the brain.  It allowed your brain to process it and decrease the typical fight-or-flight response related to strong feelings.   The expression of emotion didn’t have to be spoken.  Writing can also be useful.

In another study, psychologists reviewed multiple studies to determine the effect repressed emotions had on people. Suppressing emotions links to depression and other mental illness, a decline in emotional regulation and life challenge abilities, lessened cognitive abilities, and various physical ailments.

When one is less capable of regulating their emotions, they are more easily triggered.

Effects of not identifying your triggers

Learning to identify your emotional triggers is part of maturing and learning about yourself.  Sometimes we can have triggers, and without real reflection, we have no idea where they stemmed from.

Triggers can affect your relationships with family, friends, your spouse, your children, your boss or co-workers, and even strangers.  Depending upon your skill in handling the trigger when it occurs, this may make the difference in being seen as someone who can be promoted at your job, in how your children learn to cope with their emotions, and if your spouse understands why you just became angry.

In extreme cases, triggers physically harm people.  Emotional triggers can lead to spousal abuse, child abuse, road rage, sexual abuse, and other forms of lashing out.

Identifying your emotional triggers

We create our own emotions; therefore, we have to learn to own them, to take responsibility for them.  Part of that responsibility is recognizing when you are having reactions that aren’t serving a purpose but are hurting you, and possibly, those who love you. It can be tough to recognize your triggers if you have developed robust denial methods or have buried and turned on blinders regarding looking at your emotional behavior.  Seeking the aid of a therapist can be very beneficial, especially in the beginning.

  1. What physical reactions are you having?

Where we may have learned to suppress or repress our emotions, they need to be expressed somehow.  Strong emotions without a label are dangerous to our brains.  As a result, we will have physical fight or flight physiological responses:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating
  • Crying
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Lack of eye contact
  • Inability to speak
  • Nervous stomach
  • Faster breathing
  • Foggy thinking

  1. What did someone say that triggered the physical response?

Your physical response is the first clue to your behavior.  At this point, if you are able, remember what someone said and how you responded.  Often, people say something with no evil intent. However, an assumed accusation or criticism, an exhale of tiredness, or pitch of the voice transforms what they said into a wrong interpretation. 

  1. Do you see a pattern in your emotional reactions?

Do you find yourself always responding to criticism?  Does a loud voice make you cringe and feel afraid?  Do you find yourself fighting back the tears when someone brings up an event in your childhood?  When someone is late to pick you up, do you assume they forgot you or that you weren’t necessary?  Do you get angry at your children for demanding your attention?  Look for reactions you repeatedly have to daily social exchanges or loved ones. 

  1. Is there someone that always makes you feel uncomfortable, angry, insecure, jealous?

 Do you find you always feel insecure around a specific class of people or a particular co-worker?  Do authority figures automatically put you on edge, preparing for an attack?  Or, do conversations around you regarding a sibling or parent set you on edge?  Why is that?  Question your reactions to them.

  1. Do you find specific topics or events that make you defensive?

How do you handle criticism?  Do you get defensive and start justifying your actions?  Do you get angry and sarcastic about specific topics frequently?  Perhaps you even find yourself putting others down to compensate for feeling inadequate around some issues?

Your normal reactions to the people and events that surround you lend clues to where your emotional insecurities lay.  You can also find them in repeated feedback from employers, loved ones, significant others, and even in how strangers respond to you.  You have to be willing to be open to seeing common threads in your life and looking at yourself and asking hard questions.

bad days and emotional triggersHow to handle emotional triggers

Learning to identify emotional triggers is a huge step.  You may only be able to deal with one at a time, or you may find that a few are interconnected.  Either way, now that your eyes are open, how do you deal with the emotional trigger when it pops its head out?

  • Being aware that you are responding to an emotional trigger is the first step. Without awareness, you react out of a sense of survival instead of responding to what someone is saying.
  • Own your feelings. One of the worst habits we develop in dealing with emotions is to justify our reactions to whatever triggered us.  Learning to acknowledge that you are reacting, examining your feelings, and not blaming it on the other person is another huge step.  It’s easy to become so accustomed to telling people, “if you hadn’t yelled,” ” if only you had been on time,” “you made me feel like xxx.”  No, we made ourselves feel a certain way, and we need to own that.
  • Express what you felt during whatever exchange. Whether you share how you feel with a loved one, journal about it, or speak about it with a therapist, get how you felt out there without blame.  ” I felt sad” or “I felt angry.”
  • Identify the need that didn’t get met that is behind the emotional trigger. Most often, our emotional triggers are related to a need or expectation not being met.  Some of those needs may be:
    • Acceptance of who you are
    • Love and affection
    • Attention
    • Freedom to do things
    • Consistency and safety
    • Fairness (especially between siblings)
    • Acknowledgment of importance, attractiveness, ability, or intelligence.

make decisions without emotional triggersFinal Thoughts on Handling Emotional Triggers

Emotional triggers can arise from deep-rooted from childhood, misunderstandings of certain events, or just strong emotional reactions to disappointments in life.  Therefore, the key is to start deciding it is time to give those emotions a name so you can move on.

Often, emotional triggers have us responding as if we are still that hurt child or the insecure high school student.  Whatever age we were during the event tends to be the level of maturity displayed in our response to the trigger. Our emotional maturity, at least for that trigger, stopped at that moment.

Part of being an adult means you have to teach that inner person to grow up. Use the five ways to identify your emotional triggers to show you how to handle them so your inner child or hurt person can heal and grow up to join you in being the mentally strong person you are.  You will be amazed at how safe, secure, and happy you will feel when all the fragmented emotions of you are healed.

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