Here’s How to Break Your Nail Biting Habit Successfully
Do you bite your nails whenever you’re stressed, anxious or bored? You are not alone. Around 25% of the population has the same habit, but this doesn’t mean you should let this habit continue. When left unaddressed, chronic nail-biting can lead to different health issues. That’s not to mention you will never have those long, beautiful nails you’ve always wanted.
Like most bad habits, nail-biting is a habit that’s difficult to break overnight. But with a little time and effort, you can curb this nasty habit for good. For starters, here are some proven tips and strategies that you may try to stop your habit of nibbling on your nails completely.
Identify your triggers.
The first step to breaking your nail-biting habit is to find out your triggers. The next time you nibble on your already damaged nails, pay attention to where you are & what you’re doing. Are you at school taking a test or at home scrolling hundreds of movies on Netflix? Is there any emotional connection to the habit? Is it anxiety, stress, boredom or loneliness?
Once you identify what exactly triggers you into nail-biting, you can take a few steps to change your environment to make it harder to continue the habit. Say you always find yourself nibbling on your nails when doing homework alone in your bedroom. It might help break the habit if you work on your projects in the dining area or anywhere surrounded by people. That way, you’ll be more aware or even conscious of biting your nails.
Dig deep into your emotions.
If changing the environment or physical triggers isn’t enough, it’s time to dig deep into your emotions. You’ve likely developed the nail-biting habit as an emotional coping mechanism. Look back at the last time you nibbled. What were you feeling or thinking before doing it? What was your internal monologue at that moment? Can you challenge that train of thought?
Challenging your thoughts or recognising your triggering emotions ahead of time can help you stop yourself from engaging in the habit. Then, once you’re aware that you’re about to bite your nails, you can keep your hands busy by pressing on a stress ball or fidget ring.
Keep your nails short.
You’re more likely to bite your nails when they’re long, so try to keep them short. It won’t be satisfying to nibble if you don’t have enough nails to grab with your teeth. While you’re at it, keep your short nails moisturised and restore their lustre by applying the Magic Pen Repair & Growth Nail Cream. Specially formulated & easy to use, this nail cream can help address the splitting & flaking issues caused by months or years of nail-biting. Perhaps, you’ll feel more motivated to completely kick the habit once you see the restored beauty of your nails.
Keep your hands & mouth busy.
Another way to stop the nail-biting habit is to replace it with better behaviours. You can keep your hands busy by playing with sandpaper, poker chips, fidget toys or stress balls. These items can provide the same sensory stimulation you used to get from chewing on your nails. If you want to keep your mouth busy when feeling anxious, stressed, lonely or bored, try to chew sugar-free gum. That can help take your attention away from your battered nails.
