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How
to Stop Nail Biting
Just about everyone has had at least
one nail-biting moment in his or her life. Maybe you found yourself with
nails between teeth while sitting through a boring class lecture,
anticipating a career-changing meeting with your supervisor, or anxiously
watching the fate of your favorite horror-movie heroine. Biting fingernails
is a habit that often starts in childhood. Studies show 60% of children and
45% of teenagers bite their nails.
Nail biting becomes less common after
age 18, but it can continue into adulthood. Many adults and children are
often unaware they are biting their nails because doing so has become a
habit. The problem can range from a mild, occasional habit to an ongoing and
more serious problem. Stress and boredom are the main nail biting culprits
for most people.
If you are in the habit of biting
your nails It's time
to admit that your nail-biting habit is getting out of control and that you
don't feel capable of stopping whenever you want. Before you stop trying to
bite your nails, you must realize that you have been doing it in class, at
work, or other public places, and that it is not socially acceptable. Tell
yourself that you want healthy, beautiful nails and to drop your nasty habit
for good.
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Remember
that severe nail-biting can also cause health problems. When you're biting your nails,
you're constantly transferring bacteria from your hands to your mouth.
Pick
at least one nail to "protect" at a time. Go a few days without biting that nail.
You will notice how much better that
nail looks than the others. After a few days, that non-bitten nail will
flourish and reward you.
Continue the process until you have successfully avoided
biting all of your nails. If you ever really feel the urge to bite your nails,
focus on just one nail to bite. Whenever you have the urge to bite, do that
instead. Some people like to drum their fingers, twiddle their thumbs, clasp
their hands, put their hands in their pockets, or just stare at their hands.
Just make sure it's not a bad habit; choose a helpful one or one that doesn't
really matter either way.
Distract
your hands by taking up a hobby. Not only will the new hobby keep you from
biting your nails, but you could also discover a new passion at the same time.
Keep
your mouth busy.
Though you should avoid developing a serious new oral fixation, a few small
tricks can keep your mouth busy and will cut down on the amount of time you
spent biting your nails. Here are some things you can do: Chew gum or suck on
mints or candies throughout the day. Biting your nails will be tough if you're
busy chewing gum or taking in the flavor of a delicious sucking candy
If
you've tried everything to stop biting your nails and nothing has worked, it
may also be time to see your doctor.
By...Belinda Yeboah
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