How to Stop Nail Biting Successfully

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By Christina Crowe
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Stop nail biting

Are you having trouble being able to stop nail biting? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many people bite their nails and can't seem to stop, no matter how hard they try. Often times, the nail biting habit can lead to pain, bleeding, infections, and fractured fingernails. However, all is not lost. With some effort, it is indeed possible to stop nail biting once and for all.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Stop Nail Biting - Analyze

In order to stop nail biting you need to analyze the problem. Think about why you bite your nails, and look at the negative effects of doing so. If it helps, take pictures of your hands with a digital camera. What do you see? Are your fingernails bleeding or red?
Step 2

Stop Nail Biting - Imagine

Imagine what healthy nails would look like, and you'll want to stop nail biting. Visualize your fingernails without ragged edges. Think about what your nails would look like if you didn't have the nail biting habit and picture them glowing in the sun, long and perfect.
Step 3

Stop Nail Biting - Change

You need to truly want to change in order to successfully stop biting your nails. Once you've made up your mind to stop nail biting, pick a date to make it happen. Only you can make that decision, not someone else. If you don't feel as though you can stop biting your nails now, pick a date in the near future and circle it on your calendar. Do you plan to stop nail biting sometime next week or in two weeks?
Step 4

Stop Nail Biting - Hobby

Find something else to take the place of nail biting. Do you have a hobby? Try finding one if you don't. Some examples are cleaning, writing, sketching, playing a musical instrument, reading, or anything else that will keep your hands busy. Have gum or candy close by. Whenever you are about to nibble on your fingernails, pop that gum in your mouth and chew. This will make your mouth unavailable for your fingers, in turn helping you stop nail biting.
Step 5

Stop Nail Biting - Protect Nails

Pick a nail to protect, one at a time, in order to stop nail biting. Once you pick a nail to protect, refrain from biting the fingernail. If you feel the need to bite your other nails, go ahead. Stay away from the fingernail you're protecting though. Once the protected nail grows a bit, pick another nail to protect. Continue with this method until all your nails are protected. Pretty soon you'll forget about your nail biting habit altogether.
Step 6

Stop Nail Biting - Reward Yourself

Reward yourself for not biting your fingernails. Avoid biting your nails for an hour and reward yourself with something small, like candy. Now, try not to bite your nails for three hours. If you managed not to, increase the reward to something bigger. See how long you can go without biting. You'll be surprised with how simple rewards can encourage you to stop nail biting.
Step 7

Stop Nail Biting - Formula

Buy a formula designed to stop nail biting. Each morning when you wake up, wash your hands with soap and dry them afterward with a towel. Then, brush the formula on your fingernails. If the solution wears off, put some more on. Whenever you try to bite your nails, it will taste disgusting and keep you from doing so.
Step 8

Stop Nail Biting - Family Support

Ask friends and family to stop you if they see you biting your nails. The support of those you care about will do wonders, and you'll find yourself more eager to stop nail biting.