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Step 1
Conditioning your body and mind to respond differently to a situation can take anywhere from 14 days to a few months. Make it clear to yourself that you will have to put at least that much time into breaking your nail biting habit. Don't get discouraged after 6 days when you're not fully relieved of your habit.
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Step 2
Be aware of what triggers your nail biting. Is it stress? Nervousness? If you are able to anticipate yourself beginning to bite your nails, you can take preventative measures to stop the impulse.
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Step 3
Research how others deal with these problems. For example, some people counter stress with meditation or breathing exercises. Replacing your bad habit with a good one will leave you no need to ever put your fingers in your mouth again.
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Step 4
Brainstorm and find the consequence of nail biting that really bugs you (health concerns, people staring your nails in public). This is the idea you want to be reminded of whenever you start biting your fingernails.
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Step 5
Conversely, find a positive image that will inspire you. This can be an advertisement displaying a person with long fingernails, or a picture of yourself when you were without your habit.
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Step 6
Be honest with your friends and family. Let them know you are trying to break a bad habit. They can provide support and loving reminders when you've "relapsed." Improving yourself is nothing to be ashamed of.
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Step 7
Take up gum chewing or an activity that will keep your teeth preoccupied. You'll be receiving an extra dose of sugar for awhile, but you can always phase the gum out after you've stopped biting.
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Step 8
If you truly feel you can't control yourself, you can always purchase nail biting cream. Apply it to your fingernails and its bitter taste ensures you won't be nibbling on them. A link to a page with more information about this step is listed in resources.
Comments
listenhere101 said
on 10/19/2008 Nail biting is a stress reliever to those who do so. I have to pass this article down to my friend. Great work.