Do you bit your nails when you're stressed or bored? Maybe it has just turned into a bad habit that you don't even realize you're doing? In any case, you may have tried some ways to keep yourself from biting your nails but nothing has worked. You may be wondering how to stop biting your nails effectively and if it is even possible? In this article, we've compiled the best tips and tricks to help you kick the habit for good.
Cut your nails
One way to keep from biting your nails is to keep them short so that you have nothing to bite. Continue to keep your nails short so eventually you are no longer compelled to put them in your mouth. After keeping them short for a long time, you will notice you don't have the urge to bite your nails because you don't have nails to bite.
Stop one nail at a time
It might be overwhelming to simply stop chewing on all your nails at once. Stopping one nail at a time can often be more successful than stopping all at once. Start with one nail and keep yourself from biting just that one nail. Once you have been successful at not biting that one,
Keep your hands busy
If you keep your hands busy when you get the urge to bite your nails, you can stop this nasty habit. Tapping your nails, squeezing a stress ball or simply picking up a pencil to write or twirl with your fingers are
Distract your mouth
Keeping
Cover your nails
If you keep your nails hidden, you will reduce the urge to bite them. While it might seem silly, you can cover each of your nails with a band aid or wear gloves. After a few weeks, you will not only limit how often you bite your nails, but you will notice how much better your nails look which can be encouraging to stop biting them altogether.
Do your nails
Sometimes you need to splurge a little to kick your nail biting habit. Consider getting a manicure so your nails look nice or put on fake nails you can do yourself at home. You can also just paint your nails in a color you won't want to pick or bite off. Keeping your nails looking presentable and clean is a happy way to discourage nail biting.
Get support
When trying to kick any bad habit, it is often best to go at it when you have someone there to support you. Find a friend or buddy that you can share your no nail biting successes with, it will be even more beneficial if both of you are trying to kick the habit together. People are often more determined to accomplish their goals when they have someone else to be accountable and when consider how to stop biting your nails, it can work in the same way. Reach out to a friend that will help you stay focused on your goal.
Stress relief
If you find yourself biting your nails when you are stressed, one of the most effective ways you can kick the habit is by taking up a form of stress relief activity. Meditation, yoga, or journaling are all healthy habits that can help you stop biting your nails. Not only will these activities help you the bad habit, but you will also benefit from their other positive health effects.
Use a nail deterrent
Applying flavoring to your nails is another way to help discourage you from nail biting. You can use home remedies such as bitters or pepper and apply them to your nails, but these often wash off easily and may not be as effective as creams, oils, or polishes that you can purchase from the drugstore. By applying a nail deterrent to your nails, you will become more aware of you nail biting habit because it is often done unconsciously. These store-bought creams and oils often have a hot flavor which will help you kick your nail biting habit.
Seek medical help
Severe cases of nail biting can leave you biting your nails until they bleed which can result in permanent loss of the nail and various infections. In severe cases of nail biting, it can be best to seek out medical treatment. Many people who regularly bite their nails to this extreme have underlying issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder. How to stop biting your nails in this condition? It may require additional medications, therapy or even a combination of both. Behavioral treatment is often the best solution for those who severely bit their nails.
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