subject: How To Stop Biting Your Nails [print this page] Habits are the hardest thing in the world to break, especially if it is biting finger nails. This is a common habit amongst both children and adults. Your nails are one of the first things people notice about you, did you notice that you more than likely talk with your hands. Nearly everyone uses hand gesture along with talking to express themselves more. This will make your bitten nails more noticeable and therefore make you more self conscious about them.
It's unhealthy as you're putting your fingers in your mouth, oftentimes without washing them. If you bite your nails past the quick, they hurt, and most nail biters also bite their cuticles. Here are ways to stop biting your nails:
One way to cure yourself of this habit is to confront your problem and realize just how serious it is. A good tip to help with this confrontation is to take some pictures of your nails to see just how destructive your habit has become.
Because nail biting is usually a nervous habit, a lot of folks discover that they do it less if they keep their hands busy. One good way to go about this is carrying a stress ball with you. Stress balls can keep your mind occupied and therefore deter you from biting your fingers.
There is also a chemical that is sold at drug stores that can be applied to the fingernails that will give them a very bitter taste. This option would be worth a try if the other methods are not working. When you actually chew on your nails, the chemical will come off and leave you with a most unpleasant taste in your mouth. The chemical is not dangerous to the body, but it should also not be the only solution used.
Wear Gloves When You Watch Movies - Most nail biters bite when they're watching TV or "vegging" out. When this is a planned event, put on gloves that will trigger you easily enough.
A method that is quickly gaining popularity is the use of hypnosis tapes to keep off from biting your nails. Of the methods to stop biting your nails, this is the one that seems to work better for both the short and long term.
Some people get extreme and get a costly manicure done to control biting. Bright colored nail polish works the best for this technique. The theory is the better you keep your nails looking, you can lose the habit as you do not want to destroy a costly manicure. This seems to be pretty logical as no one wants to throw money away on something.
Exchange the tradition of nail biting with some other habit like looking at your nails, tapping your fingers, etc. Resort to the habit when you see yourself biting your nails. These are some basic tips on how to stop biting your nails.
Also, let your friends and family know that you're trying to break the habit, that way they too can help you and swat your fingers every time you try biting your nails. If you successfully stop biting your nails, pat yourself on the back and treat your nails to a good pedicure!
