How to Stop Biting Your Nails for Good
Whether in childhood, through the angsty teen years, or when learning to adult, you've likely caught yourself biting your nails at some point or another. And, chances are, you might still be chewing on your nails at work, home, or watching a game. However, the nervous habit can and should be broken. Not only is it stopping you from wearing intricately designed nail trends, but it could actually lead to some pretty nasty infections too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Chronic nail biting can leave you vulnerable to infection as you pass harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth." If you've needed an excuse to nip nibbling in the bud, there it is. Since quitting isn't always the easiest thing in the world, ahead we share four surefire ways to kick the habit for good.
1. Make A Commitment To Quit Biting Your Nails.
Try writing down your intention to give up biting your nails and how accomplishing this goal will make you feel. When you notice yourself about to bite, stop yourself and ask why you want to do it, and remind yourself of the commitment that you have made.
2. Distract Yourself.
Most of the time nail biting is done absentmindedly — for example, while watching TV or in stressful situations. Find something that can replace the nervous tendencies, like keeping a hair tie on your wrist to fiddle with so your fingers stay out of your mouth. If it's more about the chewing sensation, pop in a piece of gum. (Photo via Hannah Olinger/Unsplash)
3. Add Taste Diversions.
This isn't the most desirable way to quit your habit, but dermatologists suggest it as one of the best ways to stop for good. There are tons of nail solutions (like Mavala Stop Deterrent Nail Polish Treatment [$16]) that will prevent you from chewing thanks to their bitter (but harmless) flavoring.
You can also dip your nails into spicy things such as hot sauce, and pepper. While you don't have to wear hot sauce around all day, the lingering spicy sensations will remind you to stop.
4. Keep Your Nails Manicured.
There is just something about a new coat of polish that makes you want to maintain the Insta-worthy mani. Why not kill two birds with one stone by committing to a weekly or biweekly manicure that leaves your digits looking sharp and your edges unbitten? (Photo via Analia Baggiano/Unsplash)
How did you stop biting your nails? Let us know on Twitter and check out our podcast episode with Dr. Aditi for advice on stress management.
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This post has been updated.
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