Quit Nail Biting

Before I begin, let me start by saying that I’m not just some random person who reads a book and thinks she knows all about habits. I used to bite my nails and I did so for over 10 years, but I don’t anymore. Your hands touch numerous things everyday which causes thousands of different bacteria to settle in them. Studies have shown that this bacteria concentration is higher around the nail area - so imagine what kind of nasty stuff you’re putting in your mouth!

Though Onychophagia (nail biting) is more common in children, it’s chronic form most often affect adults. When you’re a child, nail biting more often than not, goes away. However, when you’re an adult and you do it, it is considered a form of disease.

Others usually see people who bite their nails as individuals with no self-confidence and high levels of stress, thus making them highly unattractive.

In order to kick the habit you must first decide whether or not you want to do it. To stop biting your nails, you will need will power. If looking down at your hands and not liking what you see isn’t encouraging enough; hopefully, your decision of no longer wanting to put a Petri dish in your mouth will.

Now that you have your will power, you can try to figure out why you’ve started biting your nails in the first place. Is it out of boredom? Stress? Are you subconsciously doing it? There are so many possible causes that only you can know exactly why you’ve developed this habit. However, once you’ve figured out why you’re biting your nails you can now move towards breaking the habit.

If will power and figuring out the causes for this behavior isn’t enough to make you stop, try using these solutions:

Chewing Gum - if you bite your nails out of stress, try carrying chewing gum. When you feel the urge to bite your nails, chew gum and relive your stress in it. It may be difficult to remember to actually put the chewing gum in your mouth in times of stress, but you can always go for the bitter nail polish or other reminders you see fit.

Bitter Nail Polish – bitter nail polish is a very common “solution” to nail biting and I assure you it will do absolutely nothing if your will power isn’t there. This is sold in pharmacies and drugstores everywhere. When you’re a kid it may be a turn off; however, there are several cases of adults that have grown accustomed to the bitter taste. On adults, this nail polish serves as a “reminder” to inform you of what you’re doing; not as a “turn off.” Bitter Nail Polishes tend to be extremely helpful to people who bite their nails subconsciously. When you’re not even paying attention and lift your hands to your mouth, your attention will focus on the bitter taste and why it is present. Remember to re-apply the nail polish frequently; especially after you’ve washed your hands.

Stress Balls – Yep, stress balls! They keep your hands busy when biting your nails out of boredom. Keeping something small in your hands may help. A way of doing so without the stress ball includes learning tricks such as flipping a coin in the palm of your hands. It might seem silly but all is fair in love, war and kicking an addiction.

Manicured Nails - You don’t need to wear neon polish if you don’t want to. Trimmed and filled nails will most likely not have anything for you to pick or nibble on. If you’re a girl; however, I’d suggest keeping them painted. Light colors will do just fine - if that’s what you prefer. Manicured nails will also serve as a polish reminder.

If nothing seems to work; there are lots of help online and otherwise - including support groups. Search for them if you feel you really need to. You’re too pretty for ugly habits. Remember; your will power is the essential thing that can help kick your bad habits.

Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration

Micky