How to Stop Nail Biting

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By krazigirl79
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Stop Nail Biting

Nail biting is a vice or habit that can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable, not to mention difficult to stop. There is a variety of reasons that cause people to bite their nails, so determine which reason or combination of reasons is the cause of your nail biting and get on the road to recovery today.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Journal
Scout (partner)
Desire to stop biting your nails

Step 1

The will to Stop: One of the most fundamental basics in the cessation of 'bad' habits or vices is the need or desire to stop. If you do not want to stop biting your nails, 99% of the time you will not. In order to be successful in breaking any vice, you must have the desire to stop and the will-power to follow through with your decision.
Step 2

First steps: After you have decided to stop biting your nails, you need to figure out why you bite your nails. Keep a journal to help you realize patterns in your life that may be causing you to bite your nails. If you carry the journal with you everywhere and make a note of your emotions, situation and thoughts at the moment you realize the habit beginning, you will be able to better identify your triggers. Identification of triggers can help you realize what situations or events you want to avoid until you can stop the habit.
Step 3

Work with a Scout: A scout is someone who can partner with you in your attempt to quit biting your nails. Have him/her write down all instances of nail biting that they witness. At the end of each day or even a week, sit down and go over the situations in a non-confrontational manner. Have him/her observe your emotions at the time, because oftentimes we cannot be honest with ourselves 100% of the time, but they can see past basic emotion and take in your entire environment.
Step 4

After Trigger Identification: Once you have identified your triggers, now you need to take steps to stop biting your nails. Being more aware of your surroundings and situations may help you tremendously in stopping the habit. Additionally, avoidance of the situations that cause severe anxiety, stress or disruption of your regular routine should be avoided if at all possible until the habit can be broken.
Step 5

Chemicals and treatments: Many people have tried a variety of substances such as getting fake nails, or pouring tabasco, lemon juice, bitters, Thums, No Bite or other similar topical treatments onto the nails. Although many people swear by these remedies, they will not truly work unless you have the will for them to work. If you have decided to stop the habit, No Bite or other substances may be a good reminder of the vice, but will not be a deterrent to stop cold-turkey.
Step 6

Holistic Techniques: Treatments such as acupressure, acupuncture, hypnotism, meditation and aromatherapy may help alleviate the tension or stress caused by the situations that influence you to bite your nails. Try counting to 10 if you notice your nail biting escalating in an uncomfortable situation.

Comments

melissa817 said

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on 9/15/2009 good advice!

Susanh said

on 12/30/2008 Good advice!

txmusicgal said

on 12/22/2008 I have a nail biting problem like my left nails are always shorter than my right nails. I was just biting a nail reading this article. hahaha Awesome article, I just need to start applying the tips you have on here.