Nail-biting is a problem that affects a large number of people and is often overlooked as a serious health problem. From adolescence to adulthood, nail biting can be a regular occurrence. From worrying or nervous energy to seemingly innocent boredom, nail-biting can cause serious damage to the nail beds, making nails weak, discolored, and even painful to the touch. Luckily, there are ways to break or at least control the habit. Following are some useful tips to break the habit of nail biting.
Identify the Triggers: The first step in breaking the nail biting habit is to become aware of the triggers that prompt you to resort to this behavior. Nail biting is a type of mild self-harm and is often done as an unconscious reaction to stress, loneliness, boredom, or interpersonal conflict. Keeping a journal to jot down the thoughts, feelings, and events that preceded your urge to chew on your nails can be a useful tool. Once you are aware of the triggers, you can start to develop healthy coping strategies to deal with them and break the habit of nail biting.
Keeping a journal to jot down the thoughts, feelings, and events that preceded your urge to chew on your nails can be a useful tool.
Distract your Hands and Mind: If you feel like you are beginning to resort to nail-biting, distract yourself and your hands away from the habit. You can use activities such as playing with a stress ball or a fidget spinner, holding something cold such as ice cubes or drinking a chilled drink to reduce your urge to bite your nails. Similarly, keep your mind and hands busy by indulging in activities such as playing with clay, drawing, or playing an instrument.
If you feel like you are beginning to resort to nail-biting, distract yourself and your hands away from the habit.
Chew Sugar-free Gum : Another great trick to break the habit of nail biting is to chew some sugar-free gum. This simple tip can be taken anywhere, and chewing gum can distract your mind and hands away from the habit of nail biting.
Have a Positive Attitude: Many people who resort to nail biting often criticize themselves for not being able to break the habit. The key is to stay positive and accept your double’s efforts. Acknowledge yourself and reward yourself whenever you are able to step away from the habit, no matter how small the effort.
The key is to stay positive and accept your double’s efforts.
Nail Polish: Applying nail polish can also be an effective strategy to break the habit of nail biting as it will make you conscious of the urge to bite your nails. Applying an unpleasant-tasting, clear nail polish can also be an effective deterrent.
Seek Help: If none of the above techniques work for you, then seeking guidance from a mental health professional or a counselor can be beneficial. A skilled therapist can help you understand the underlying cause of your nail biting and can provide effective solutions.
Nail biting can be a difficult habit to break, but if you acquire the right strategies, you can break the habit. Be patient and commit to making a conscious effort to keep your nails out of your mouth, and you’ll eventually be able to stop participating in this detrimental habit.
